Athletic Women Blog - General

Granuaile's Dance by Máiréad Nesbitt

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 13:06:00 -0400

The music of North America owes a tremendous debt to Irish (and Scottish) music: country and folk, obviously, but later the "hillbilly" in rockabilly, one of rock-n-roll's foundational music forms. You will see, hear, and feel this connection in a moment, thanks to an extraordinary musician, indeed one of the world's best: Máiréad Nesbitt.

Nesbitt has an athletic performance style that at moments leaves one wondering if she isn't a world-class athlete too. (Ah, you weren't quite sure how I would tie this in, were you?) Such is the case seen here in a performance of "Granuaile's Dance" (possibly a tribute to Gráinne Ní Mháille, another remarkable Irish woman).

Happy Saint Patrick's Day!

Happy International Women's Day

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:20:00 -0500

Today, International Women's Day, we honor women—something we should in fact do every day, without prodding.

Still, it's nice to have a special day to celebrate women. I was pleased to find this beautiful tribute created for the occasion: Women of the World ~ Divine Goddesses:

Best of '09: an idiosyncratic digest of bloggings

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 13:42:00 -0500

My little contribution to a "Best of '09" series by Women Talk Sports bloggers is a selection of favorites from this blog. I don't expect you'll find a particular mood or theme, less so a standard of quality, but rather, I hope, a few morsels that provoke reflection or simply entertain:

The story of Tina Lockwood

A Kind of Grace

Super shenanigans

Esther Williams

A lesson from the past

Athlete or sex symbol? A false dichotomy

A Wonder Woman of color?

Aneta Florczyk: setting records, inspiring women

Female Muscle: a little schooling for its detractors

Ruminating on the big fight

DC shakeup. The ugly paradox

The Body Issue

Advancing women's sports: largely a bootstrap process

Bridgett "Baby Doll" Riley and her art of violence

Happy New Year!

More "Best of '09" from other WTS bloggers:

Best of '09: Forming a community, WomenTalkSports.com

The "Best" of 2009 and the State of Girls & Women in Sports

Best of '09: A Fresh Meat’s Perspective

Best of '09 – A Year for Women in Wake

2009 Salute to Women in Sports

Victories and Failures in Women's Sports in 2009, or #FTW and #FAIL (Hot or Not for us old-timers)

Best of 2009: The Humble Emergence of Tanisha Wright

Best of the Best of 2009

Give the gift of a bright future

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 10:57:00 -0500

During this season of giving we shouldn't forget to consider where our kindness is needed most. Today, I share with you a gentle reminder that arrived in my Inbox earlier this week.

Rebecca Welsh, nee Neuenswander, is a former taekwondo champion well on her way to a brilliant acting career. But what so obviously matters most to her is HALO, the foundation she started to help orphans worldwide. My plan is to honor this Holiday appeal from her, and my hope in sharing it is that you will do the same:

Dear HALO Supporters,

Thank you for your continued support in 2009! This year we have added 4 new orphanages to the HALO family. Each of our 13 homes and programs serves as a safe haven from the streets to suffering children. As the Holiday season approaches, the needs of our orphanages continue to grow. Please kindly consider making a donation to help us meet these needs. Join us in giving the gift of a brighter future - from food to medical care to providing mentors for the children. With your help we can continue to provide a bright future for the parentless.

If you would like to make a donation in honor of someone you love, you will receive a HALO Holiday Card that you may present to them as a gift. Simply click on the link below to donate and type their name in the "In Tribute to" box.

You may also donate by sending a check to: The HALO Foundation, 1600 Genessee #528 Kansas City, MO 64102 or by calling 816.472.4256

Click here to donate

Please consider sharing this email with your loved ones and asking them to make a donation in your name as your Holiday gift. Its the gift that makes a difference in the life of a needy child.

We are very grateful for your generosity. You have given us the tools to build a bridge between the fortunate and the unfortunate.

Warmest Holiday Greetings,

Rebecca Welsh
Founder, The HALO Foundation

Ballet gone wrong

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:35:00 -0500

This week brings us to the holiday season. For many, The Nutcracker is a tradition this time of year. Everywhere young ballerinas prepare earnestly for school and community productions of the popular ballet. But their practice sessions aren't always innocent; now and then things go wrong, as here with "Waltz of the Flowers":

Have a wonderful holiday!

Jenny Finch teams up with Avocados. Serena Williams, Mother Nature face off.

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:10:00 -0400

Time once more to recognize organizations that have wisely decided to enlist star female athletes to promote their goods and services. Of which there are two today:

The Amazing Avocado:

Jenny Finch has teamed up with Avocados and kicked off the Avocado League. Eight women are competing for the game day avocado recipe that best embodies the spirit, passion and flavor of their hometown. Stop by www.theamazingavocado.com/bighit to take a look at the delicious recipes. Votes will be counted from September 23 until October 14. The "Big Hit" recipe – the one with the most votes – wins the title of Avocado League MVP and receives the grand slam prize package – a $1,000 grocery gift card and a year's supply of avocados.

Tampax:

Tampax, the number one tampon brand in the U.S., announced today that tennis champion Serena Williams will appear in a print advertising campaign starting in October 2009. The images bring to life Tampax's "Outsmart Mother Nature" campaign, further illustrating the brand's commitment to celebrating today's women and empowering them to live life on their own terms every day.

Williams will be featured in a series of playful, lighthearted advertisements and online videos. In each piece, Williams defeats Tampax's Mother Nature character, who tries to deliver her "monthly gift" in an unsuccessful attempt to throw Williams off her game – on and off the tennis court.

"Serena embodies the energy, independence and strength we celebrate in women, and this exciting partnership is a game-changing moment for the feminine care industry," said Courtney Schuster, Associate Brand Manager, Tampax. "In this creative, lighthearted campaign, Serena embodies the playful wit of Tampax as she continues to be a champion and successfully Outsmarts Mother Nature."

We end with a video from the new Tampax campaign. Not so surprisingly, this ad has raised eyebrows and prompted a few comments (e.g. see here and here). I refrain from comment, yielding for once to my prudent self:

How to watch Carano vs. Cyborg on the cheap

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 13:25:00 -0400

Perhaps you are like me. You don't watch enough television to justify a subscription to one or more of the premium channels. (My satellite bill has only one extra on it, a sports package that allows me to get most televised women's sporting events.) Given that, we have a problem: How best to affordably watch the Carano-Cyborg fight Saturday night? Always thinking of my loyal readers (both of you), and of course myself, I have researched the matter and can provide the following suggestions:

DISH Network: If you are a DISH Network subscriber and act soon enough, you might be able to watch the fight free.

DirecTV: Here again it might be possible to watch free.

All television services: Showtime has a $25 Cash Back promotion for new subscribers.

Online: $24.95 gets you what may be the best seat in the house: you can choose camera angles during the event. Notice too another freebie: watch tomorrow night's weigh-in free at strikeforce.sho.com.

Finally, don't delay. Your chances of getting a deal will be better if you don't wait until the last minute.

Jennie Finch teams up with ProMounds

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 09:25:00 -0400

In keeping with my undertaking to acknowledge whenever possible organizations that support female athletes, this just in:

Brockton, MA. – ProMounds Inc., the parent company of On Deck Sports, today announced that it has welcomed Olympic gold medalist Jennie Finch as the newest member of its Professional Staff Team. ProMounds is a leading manufacturer of baseball and softball products.

Through this relationship, Finch and ProMounds have joined together to produce the Jennie Finch Powerline Pitching Mat. The mat’s design includes a powerline that keeps a player’s pitching motion consistent on every pitch, and a slide proof backing that ensures a safe training session on any surface. Finch and ProMounds will also be working together on a number of events around the country.

"I'm very excited about my partnership with ProMounds & On Deck Sports, especially our creation of the Powerline Pitching Mat as it’s an amazing tool for pitchers at any level," stated Finch. "I can carry the mat wherever I go and know I’ll always have a realistic surface for practice. It’s the perfect tool to refine and develop your technique, whether you’re just starting out, or pitching your country to an Olympic medal."

The Powerline Pitching Mat is now available at www.ondecksports.com, along with information on the company’s upcoming event with Finch.

"Jennie’s talent, experience and insight into the game of softball, especially the pitching technique, make her an invaluable asset to our team," stated Joe Murphy, founder and president of ProMounds.

Finch is one of America's best-known female athletes. Her success in softball began in high school where she earned multiple honors. During her college career at the University of Arizona, Finch was a two-time (2001 & 2002) winner of the Honda Award for Softball, presented to nation's best player. In addition, she was twice named PAC-10 Pitcher of the Year, was a two-time NFCA First-Team All American and holds the NCAA record for consecutive wins (60). Finch also helped Arizona reach the NCAA Women’s College World Series in each of her four years, winning the championship in 2001. After college, her achievements continued on the international level as Finch won numerous medals, including gold at the 2004 Olympics and, most recently, silver as a member of the USA Softball Team in the Beijing Olympics.

About ProMounds, Inc.:
Over the last eight years, ProMounds has grown into a leading manufacturer of baseball and softball products. Former Division I college baseball player and high school coach Joe Murphy began the company in 2001 with a portable pitching mound. Since then, the company has launched its retail division, On Deck Sports, and expanded its offerings to include netting, gym and physical education equipment and strength and conditioning products. Additionally, its products and services include synthetic grass for high-end landscaping and artificial turf removal, as well as supply. It has also designed and constructed nearly 400 indoor baseball and softball training facilities throughout the United States, and provided artificial turf to groups around the world, including U.S. troops. Based in Massachusetts, ProMounds staff consists of professionals with years of experience in all levels and areas of sports.

www.ProMounds.com

Girls4Sport "Ordinary Heroes" contest

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0400

In a free society people can act together spontaneously—sans coercion and political strife—to better the world. The folks at Girls4Sport, apparently understanding this congenial yet often ignored truth, do their part to make the world a better place for girls and women (that is to say: for all of us).

For instance, their Pink Store, where 5% of purchases go to the U'ilani Fund; likewise, their Girls4Sport Foundation, which "supports organizations and programs that provide girls of all ages with the skills, support, and opportunity to lead active lives with confidence"; now, an essay contest that honors inspiring women:

Surf and swim apparel designer Girls4Sport will honor inspiring women with its "Ordinary Heroes" essay contest. Girls4Sport invites participants to nominate the women in their lives—mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends—who have accomplished extraordinary things or inspired others [to] dream bigger and better. The contest entry deadline is August 30, 2009.

"We all have people who've helped us laugh harder, run faster, live better, be stronger and just smile more," says Kim Ruby, president of Girls4Sport. "We want to pay tribute to the unsung heroes in women’s lives and give them the credit they deserve."

Girls4Sport will select three hero stories as grand prize winners. The grand prize winners and their heroes will each receive a $100 gift certificate for Girls4Sport’s online store, shop.girls4sport.com, plus an autographed copy of Dara Torres' new book, Age is Just a Number. Ten runners up will each receive a free t-shirt and grab bag from the online store.

Winners and their winning stories will appear on the Girls4Sport website in September 2009. The deadline for nomination is August 30, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. PST. All participants in the contest will receive a 35% off coupon code good towards any purchase at shop.girls4sport.com. Participants may nominate as many heroes as they want. To nominate a hero, visit: www.girls4sport.com/contest/.

Erin Hamlin supports National Headache Foundation

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 10:45:00 -0400

According to the National Headache Foundation (NHF), migraines affect women approximately three times more often than men. Of course, athletic women are not exempted, and 2009 Women's Luge World Champion Erin Hamlin has suffered her fair share. Fittingly, Erin recently became a spokesperson for NHF:

Having had some success with NHF's Chart Your Course to Relief Tool, Erin wants other migraine sufferers to visit Headache U so they too can begin finding personal relief.

Nike Back Your Block

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 09:05:00 -0400

Today I call your attention to what seems to me another worthwhile program sponsored by Nike:

Nike is supporting local efforts to unlock the potential of kids and young adults across the country by investing up to $650,000 in grants. Through NikeBackYourBlock.com, non-profit organizations and schools with programs in sports, education, advocacy and/or mentoring are being given the opportunity to apply for grants up to $5,000 in cash and Nike products.

WHO: Any registered 501(c)3 youth-serving non-profit organizations and schools that unlock the potential of youth through sports, which provide educational, mentoring or economic develop activities for youth and women are eligible to apply.

WHAT: Nike is supporting local organizations across the country by investing up to $650,000 in grants. There are two grant opportunities; the National Grant Program, in which an organization applies directly to its nearest NikeRetail location, and the Community Grant Program that operates through Nike Factory Community Stores in Northeast Portland, South Chicago and New Orleans.

WHERE: Organizations apply via: www.NikeBackYourBlock.com and will get partnered with a local Nike community store.

WHEN: Applicants should enter now! The winning organizations will be notified no later than October 1, 2009.

WHY: Sports effect social change and Nike is committed to improving society though youth sports.

There doubtless are many, many youth-focused organizations that could use this grant money. Please encourage any you know to apply.

Furthermore, the program already has a number of deserving applicants—e.g., 3M Track Club, Silicon Valley Glory, Central Florida Athletic Association, Pennsylvania Regional Ballet—that you can support by voting.

HP and Dara Torres Inspire "Moms for Simplicity"

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Thu, 28 May 2009 09:35:00 -0400

I think it is worthwhile to support companies that support female athletes, and endeavor to that end as best I can with this blog. Today's post comes as a result of HP's (wise) decision to partner with Dara Torres, the ageless wonder, for a new campaign. I pass this press release along to you just as it came to me:

HP and Dara Torres Inspire "Moms for Simplicity"
Five-time Olympic swimmer, mom and businesswoman joins moms nationwide to share knowledge, learn tips and plan for summer

PALO ALTO, Calif., May 27, 2009 – With summer around the corner, children will soon be trading homework for fun in the sun, which for today’s moms means a new set of daily activities and often even busier family calendars to juggle.

To honor these multitasking moms, HP and Dara Torres launched "Moms for Simplicity," a website, online essay contest and photo mosaic where moms can inspire and educate each other by sharing stories about how technology simplifies their lives.

"Today’s moms have more demands than ever that fill our lives, and new technologies are helping to simplify our daily routines," said Torres. "Whether I’m paying bills and staying organized, catching up on TV shows and movies while on the road, or creating fun activities with my daughter, HP technology helps make my life easier so I can do the things that matter to me the most."

In mid-June, Torres will choose three contest winners to receive a personalized HP technology makeover, the chance to meet Torres and see her swim in the U.S. Nationals in Indianapolis, and possibly the opportunity to see her compete at the FINA World Championships in Rome.

The contest, which runs through June 16, asks moms to upload a photo to an online photo mosaic and, in 200 words or less, tell HP and Torres how they use technology to simplify their busy lives -- including digital scrapbooking, keeping in touch with friends, running a business from home, or managing a weekly schedule.

Participants will have their photo and story featured on the photo mosaic, and three will win HP products, including the HP Vivienne Tam edition notebook, HP Photosmart All-in-One printer and an HP TouchSmart PC. Additionally, winners will become "amateur mom reporters" at the U.S. Nationals, where they will see Torres compete and report their experiences on the "Moms for Simplicity" website through a series of video diaries.

"People are looking for easy ways to manage their lives while still being able to do it all, and HP is dedicated to helping them achieve this," said Michael Mendenhall, senior vice president and chief marketing officer, HP. "We are excited to partner with Dara, who is an inspiration to so many people and uses technology to maximize every day of her busy schedule."

According to Nielsen NetRatings, there are 32 million women in the United States who have children under 18 and get online (84 percent of moms online), which translates to about 40 percent of all women online in the United States today.(1)

More information on "Moms for Simplicity" and how to participate in the contest is available at www.hp.com/go/hpmomsforsimplicity.

About HP
HP, the world’s largest technology company, provides printing and personal computing products and IT services, software and solutions that simplify the technology experience for consumers and businesses. HP completed its acquisition of EDS on Aug. 26, 2008. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com/.

(1) "NetRatings @Plan," Nielsen NetRatings, Winter 2008/2009.

Weekend plans, more Shawn Johnson

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Fri, 22 May 2009 09:17:00 -0400

I'm looking forward to the long weekend, as most of you undoubtedly are. I'm keeping it simple, too, with just three things planned: reading, relaxing, and watching sports (namely, lacrosse and softball).

Shawn Johnson made the biggest news this week, so it seems fitting to end with her. In this clip, she talks to Jimmy Kimmel about her DWTS win:

Have a great weekend!

Breaking into the Sports Management World

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:35:00 -0400

Note: Today you are blessed with a stay of sorts, a guest blogger. Enjoy!—Rob

In the past decade, women in sports jobs have increased their prominence in the sports world, slowly overtaking various obstacles to get where they are at today. Many sports teams have opened up to allow women’s teams to join national arenas, which has in turn led to a spotlight on women in sports. Establishing themselves in a male-dominated industry has taken years to accomplish, and even now, they are still not at the same level as men in the industry, but have made wide strides to achieve success.

Some sports arenas refuse to have women on their management team because they believe that unless you have played the sport, you cannot help to direct it. This normally only applies to a sport like football, in which few women have ever played for a team (other than a college intramural). Additionally, many teams do not feel comfortable hiring a woman in a high sports position, which has resulted in many discriminatory practices by many teams throughout the sports world. It has become ever more obvious that in order to reach a high spot in the sports world, women need to prove their capabilities much more so than men ever do. The International Olympic Committee has been one group which has taken great strides over the past years to overcome the discrimination against women in sports, accounting for increased women’s sports competitions and more jobs within the company itself that are available for women. These jobs allow women to participate in an international arena, wherein they can dispel myths that women are not suited for these types of jobs. The IOC in general is striving to equal the playing field for men and women within its games and administration to prove to the rest of the world that women and men can be equal within sports; according to March estimates, women now comprise 42 percent of their participants, which is a closer percentage than many sports teams around the country. Their administration also is closing in on equality, and they hope to portray this equality to the rest of the world.

Women’s sports teams (professional and college) were once almost solely run by women, but after the gender equality act, many men stepped into the field which has resulted in an off-balance even within women’s sports. It is up to women to pursue these career opportunities in order to bring the balance back into the sports world; by denying women to participate in football administrative jobs, sports teams are being hypocritical by allowing men to take higher positions in women’s volleyball teams (teams in which they have little experience overall). Women need to gain control over their own sports, and infiltrate into men’s sports teams as well. American sports are the hardest to break into because in order to get to a high career within the sports world, women have to overcome years of obstacles and menial jobs that men would not have had to do. By presenting more and more women to the sports stage, the playing field will have to become leveled, thus allowing more women to get into management positions for any type of sporting event.

This post was contributed by Heidi Taylor, who writes about sports management degree schools. She welcomes your feedback at HeidiLTaylor006 at gmail.com.

Moms rule!

nospam@example.com (Rob Mars) — Sat, 09 May 2009 11:20:00 -0400

In this arm-wrestling match, we see a mother reminding her son that she is queen, never to be underestimated:

To all moms, present and future, Happy Mother's Day!