BULLS NEWS

UB Teams With the Buffalo Bills and Girl Scout Council of Buffalo & Erie County to Introduce WNY Girls in Sports Program

“From an early age, I had a passion for sports and honed in on tennis immediately. Well after my mother told me I no longer could play football,” said WNY Girls in Sports founder Mary Wilson, who has continued to teach and play tennis throughout her life. “This is our opportunity to help spark the similar passion for sport among young girls in the Western New York community.”

The program will launch this Sunday, October 8th with the WNY Girls in Sports Kickoff Event held at The Fieldhouse at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The kickoff event aims to introduce the basic skills for a variety of sports – tennis, golf, lacrosse, volleyball, soccer, softball and cheerleading. Girls will participate in hands-on clinics and have the chance to speak with local college athletes to discuss different aspects of athletics such as sportsmanship and nutrition.

Former University at Buffalo track and field standout Faith Thompson will serve as the honored guest speaker at the event. Thompson was the first University of Buffalo female athlete to earn Academic All-American honors. She holds numerous school records in the hammer toss and shot put and was a two-time Mid-American Conference champion in the indoor and outdoor weight and hammer toss.

Following the kickoff event, selected local colleges will host interactive clinics, and offer tickets for sporting events where the girls will get a chance to experience the positive effect and the friendships that sports participation brings to their life. The year will conclude with a closing event celebrating accomplishments made throughout the year.

“The innovative, year-long program will complement the Girls Scouts’ national, “Healthy Living Program, which provides information to help girls get fit and stay healthy,” said Girl Scout Council of Buffalo and Erie County President Marie A. Cannon. “This unique partnership between the Girls Scouts, the Bills and collegiate women’s sports departments, provides the foundation for a program that will teach girls athletic skills, sportsmanship, team-building and personal excellence in a friendly, all-girl environment.”

Participating organizations include: University at Buffalo, Canisius College, D’Youville College, Buffalo State College, Medaille College and Niagara University.