Fitness Journal for Girls Andrea Katz
There are staggering statistics when it comes to girls and sport in our country . Girls are up to six times more likely to drop out of sport than are boys by the age of 15 . Only 2 % of girls ages 12 - 17 in Canada are getting enough physical activity to be healthy . If a girl is not physically active by the age of 10 , she has less than a 10 % chance of doing so as an adult . And people who are inactive face a greater risk of disease and depression .
( Source : Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity ).
So why participate in sport . Girls who play sport : 1 . Do better in school . Research shows that exercise improves memory , learning ability and overall concentration .
2 . Learn teamwork and goal setting skills . Sport teaches you how to be successful and how to work with all different types of people and teammates . These skills transfer over into other areas including family dynamics , work life and school .
3 . Are healthier ! Girls who play sport are fit and maintain a healthy body weight , which in turn lowers their chance of disease including breast cancer , diabetes , osteoporosis , and heart disease .
4 . Playing sports builds self-confidence . Understanding what you body and mind are capable of increases self-confidence . Not only that , but achieving your goals set out by you , your team and your coaches can increase overall self-esteem .
5 . Are less stressed and happier . The chemicals in your brain that are released during exercise boost a person ’ s mood . In addition , meeting new friends and having higher self esteem also aid in your overall level of happiness .
( Source : KidsHealth . org )
Even with all of this terrific information as to why every girl should be involved in sport , girls are still dropping out at rapid rates across our country . According to the Women ’ s Sports Foundation , there are six major reasons for the rates : 1 . Lack of access . Girls simply don ’ t have the same amount of options and opportunities , as do boys .
2 . Safety and transportation issues . If there is not a safe or easy way to get
to practice , girls and their parents may opt to stay home .
3 . Social stigma attached to being a female athlete . Being seen as a ‘ tomboy ’ or ‘ gay ’ from kids can be enough to push many girls out of sport .
4 . Decreased quality experience . Facilities , coaching , uniforms and equipment can take a second seat to boys programming in Canada .
5 . Cost . Sports can be expensive . It is simply not possible in some families for their kids to participate in sport .
6 . Lack of positive female sport role models . Girls see numerous negative body images in the media , and are bombarded with images of women that are unrealistic . Female athletes are covered so little in the media that it is hard to find the positive role models when turning on the television or scrolling online .
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