More than $1 million has been raised for the She’s Got Game initiative for gender equity and advancing women in sport at the University of Guelph.
Since it began in October 2018, the initiative has attracted support from more than 100 donors and sponsors.
She’s Got Game is intended to ensure equal access for women to scholarships, development opportunities and recognition. This year, 87 women athletes will receive new scholarships established through the campaign.
“This is a significant milestone on our journey and we’re extremely grateful that our fans and donors share this vision with us,” said Scott McRoberts, U of G director of athletics. “Each gift, no matter its size, contributes significantly to our movement.”
Scholarships, gender equity awareness and policy
A catalyst for the fundraising initiative was a significant gift by the late Shirley Peterson, who directed a donation to U of G women’s athletics before passing away in December 2016. Peterson worked for the Department of Athletics for 31 years as an administrator and coach; while at U of G, she led efforts to ensure gender equity. She was inducted into the Gryphons Hall of Fame in 1992.
“We are very appreciative of the commitment by our donors to invest in an area that positively impacts student-athletes and their own experiences,” said McRoberts. “There is a lot of momentum in the She’s Got Game movement, and we want to continue pushing ourselves to be at the forefront of gender equity in university athletic programs.”
Besides establishing scholarships, the initiative aims to raise awareness and implement policy.
With local business partners such as RBC, Domino’s Pizza, Planet Bean and One Tooth Active Wear, and with support from Guelph-area minor sports associations, the Wellington Catholic District School Board and Guelph Police, She’s Got Game has raised awareness of gender equity in community sports, said McRoberts.
Increasing opportunities for women in sport
The initiative has also spurred the athletics department to institute policy changes involving equal pay and to support the hiring of two women as new full-time assistant coaches, he added.
“We are extremely pleased with the opening chapter of the She’s Got Game story, but we understand we still have much work ahead of us to reach our $2.5-million target. It’s exciting the trajectory this movement is on and the individuals we have been able to meet, bring aboard and positively impact to date.”
In February 2020, the Gryphons will host the fifth annual She’s Got Game Gryphon women’s fundraising gala, presented by RBC. Over the past five years, the gala has raised more than $85,000 to support women’s athletics scholarships.
“I am so impressed to see Guelph taking this on, and I’m extremely proud to be involved in this initiative that has already inspired so many to give,” said Louise Ferrie-Blecher, a former U of G cross-country and track and field athlete who is now a donor and a member of the fundraising committee.
“It’s about levelling the playing field and increasing opportunities for women in sport. We will make sure that the continued success of this initiative is felt on campus, across the city of Guelph and well into the community. My hope is that other universities emulate this movement and follow suit in support of their athletes.”