Frankford High School in Philly kicked off an energizing event celebrating International Women’s Day (IWD), using its gym as a hub for empowering the next generation of female athletes. In collaboration with Operation Warm: FlyFwd, the school drew in some hardcore inspiration by featuring a panel of professional women from World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), Eagles cheerleaders, and the team mascot, Swoop. The rally aimed to boost the confidence of young women eager to join the sports world but who might be hesitant to dive in.
Female students at the school were allowed to directly engage with these athletes, who shared their tales of overcoming societal barriers. According to Phila.gov, at the close of the event, Fly: Fwd sweetened the deal by handing out a free lunch and sports bras to the first 200 attendees – a tangible reminder for the girls that someone has got their back.
The event's success was measured by the turnout an the impact it likely left on the students who attended. Jacqueline Liss, Frankford Community School Coordinator, said, "After learning about FlyFwd and the amazing work they do nationwide, I wanted to bring the same inspiration and opportunity to young girls at Frankford High who might be interested in sports but lack the confidence to play. Turnout was great, and students felt supported." It's clear that beyond the physical giveaways, the experiences imparted may well spark inspiration in countless young lives.
