Efforts to raise awareness about gender inequality in sport, as well provide scholarships for female athletes, have reached the stated fundraising goal of $2.5 million at the University of Guelph.
Known as ‘She’s Got Game,’ the initiative was launched in 2018 with the goal of ensuring equal access for women to athletic scholarships, development opportunities and recognition.
“We are thrilled to reach this milestone, a goal that we set out six years ago to achieve when the program was little more than a vision,” said Scott McRoberts, U of G’s director of athletics, in a news release. “As we celebrate this first chapter in what will be a long history of She’s Got Game, we use this fundraising milestone as a landmark to celebrate how far we have come and the changes we have implemented, while understanding there is still more work to be done.”
The campaign is the first of its kind in Canada, the release states, noting its built around themes of fundraising, policy and engagement.
During the past six years, the effort has raised more than $2.52 million and seen 550 scholarships given to female athletes. It’s also resulted in policy changes at the school, raised inequality awareness and spurred community engagement.
“The hard work and generosity of so many has made this incredible achievement possible,” said Charlotte Yates, U of G president and vice-chancellor.
“By investing in our Gryphons, we contribute to our goals of transforming university sport through equity and inclusion. Given our rich history of powerful women who have made a difference both on and off the field, we deeply appreciate the importance of this initiative.”
Donations have resulted in the creation of 51 named scholarships, with about 1,370 unique contributors.
“We cannot overstate our gratitude to all of the donors who stepped forward to support this initiative,” said McRoberts. “That so many have helped us reach this milestone in six years is a powerful statement of support for our women’s programs and student-athletes.”
Valerie Lamenta, a former women’s hockey student-athlete and She’s Got Game scholarship recipient expressed her gratitude for the support she received.
“Having a scholarship allowed me to be my best student-athlete self. I could be fully dedicated to my studies and my sport, while knowing that I had the support of my university,” she said. “I could get involved in various initiatives, participate in development programs and mentor other student-athletes. And this was largely all possible because I did not have to limit myself due to financial concerns and hurdles.”
Beyond fundraising, the university’s athletics department has implemented policy changes regarding equal pay, supported the hiring of two new women’s coaches and now boasts representation of women on every single coaching staff of the university’s women’s teams.
McRoberts said he hopes “to continue to fundraise for women’s sports and attract the best and brightest student-athletes and foster gender equity as we develop world class athletes, scholars and citizens.”
