Epic Strides event hosted together with Athletes Unlimited and TEDxBoston
Passed in June 1972, Title IX of the Education Amendments Act consisted of 37 words that would change the direction of women’s sport in the United States. In short, the new law removed barriers for girls and women wishing to play sport at the high school and collegiate level, and its impact is still being keenly felt today. Since Title IX’s passing, in the US female participation at the high school level has grown by 1057% and by 614% at the college level.
As we approach its 50th anniversary on June 23rd, we were thrilled to play a part in celebrating this milestone moment by working collaboratively with TEDxBoston and Athletes Unlimited to host Epic Strides, an impactful series of live talks by prominent women throughout the sports industry. It was an opportunity to reflect on the progress made in women’s sport during the past fifty years, and a chance to imagine what we can achieve by 2072.
Throughout the day, inspiring women including Katrina Adams – Former President and CEO, USTA, Sheryl Swoopes – 3x Olympic Gold Medallist and 3x WNBA MVP, and Mira Shane – Professional Lacrosse Player, shared powerful stories across several topics ranging from mental wellbeing to the inequities that still permeate around media coverage of women’s sport.
Other talks – from Paralympians, athletes, bloggers, journalists, and writers – focused on issues such as ableism, the reproductive health crisis in the US, Black maternal mortality, and the need for sports equipment designed specifically for women.
All in all, it was a rallying call to ensure we continue harnessing the legacy of Title IX as we move towards a world that has full gender equity. An inspiring day, where underrepresented voices were given a platform to make themselves heard on the topics that matter to them, and the industry more broadly.
It was a privilege to play a role in the successful delivery of this event. Our Brand Experiences team was on-site at The ‘Quin House to help Athletes Unlimited ensure the environment was primed for an authentic dialogue honouring women in sports. Watch Athletes Unlimited’s recap of the inspiring day of talks below.
Photo Credit: Katherine Taylor
