Sport not only forms a healthy lifestyle, but also provides incredible opportunities for personal development and achieving potential. The importance of providing equal opportunities to participate in sport from school age cannot be overstated. When all children, regardless of their condition, have the opportunity to participate in sports activities and competitions, it not only improves their physical health, but also develops important qualities such as leadership, communication, cooperation and mutual respect.
Participation of girls in sports: Equal opportunities for everyone
There has been a dramatic increase in the number of “athletic” girls who dream of reaching sporting heights after being inspired by the Lionesses’ historic victory. A survey of over 2,500 children and young people aged 13-24 by the charity Women in Sport supported by Sports Direct, showed that almost 70% of girls who like to play sports and do it regularly dream of reaching the top, almost equal to 75% of sporty boys. This is more than 50% of girls in the same category two years ago.
At the same time, participation in sports is increasing for girls and decreasing for boys. According to the SFIA, in 2022, boys (40%) were still more likely than girls (35%) to participate in regular sports between the ages of 6-17. Between 2019 and 2022, the participation of girls aged 13-17 increased by three percentage points, while that of boys fell by one point.
However, the overall picture is less positive. Half as many girls (21%) as boys (39%) say they do a lot of sports and activities. 17% more girls than boys say they like sports but don’t have the opportunity to play. Persistent inequalities, persistent stereotypes and practical barriers to girls’ participation remain in grassroots sports.
Girls are surrounded by discouraging messages that tell them society doesn’t value women’s sports. 4 in 10 girls believe that women’s sports are still considered less valuable than men’s sports and that girls are not expected to be good at sports.
We need to work on lasting change. Girls need to be allowed to play, to feel that their sport matters, because it is wrong to deprive them of their dreams and all the personal and physical benefits that sport brings. Such diversity in participation in sports creates more opportunities for developing talents and discovering new sports hobbies among children.
Development of women’s sports and its famous representatives
It is also important to note that the level of participation of girls in sports not only increases at school age, but also in later life. As sports become more accessible and acceptable to women, many of them continue to play sports after finishing school, which contributes to better overall health and an increase in the number of female athletes at the professional level.
Paris 2024 holds a special place in history because it supports gender equality like never before. For the first time in history, the participation of women and men is 50:50.
This milestone highlights the importance of inclusivity and equality in sport.
Many representatives of the female take prize places in competitions and various ratings. This proves once again that motivation and fortitude can change the life of every child, and sports contribute to this.
Therefore, SSF wholeheartedly supports this initiative, recognizing the key role of sport and the opportunities it provides for girls and boys! It is sport that allows you to realize your sporting dreams without obstacles.
We promote equal access to sports opportunities for all children.
