Second gentleman of United States of America, Douglas Emhoff, has urged young girls to take up more sporting roles to aid in addressing gender inequality in sports.
Emhoff was the special guest of honor at a Junior NBA event held for young girls aimed at helping them develop their fundamental basketball skills through drills and mentoring from various coaches and some former players.
“This is a special day, this is historic.This is the first All Girls Junior NBA clinic and its happening right here in Ghana.Too often when we think about sports we think about men but that isn’t right.You can ask our WNBA champion here sports is for women as well. Gender discrimination in sports remains deeply entrenched and unfortunately tolerated around the world and that’s wrong. We know that sports plays a vital role in addressing these gender inequalities,” he stated.
As part of his three day working visit to Ghana with his Wife and Vice President of the United States of America Kamala Harris, Emhoff who is a well known LA Lakers fan took part in some dribbling and shooting drills but significantly had some words of motivation for the present young females.
Emhoff emphasized that sports is one of the easiest avenues for these young girls to bolster their courage, confidence and self esteem.
“We know that when we lift up young girls and women in sports we bolster their confidence and self esteem and it provides courage that you need to face the challenges of this world and the self belief that you can do anything that you set your mind to,” he indicated.
He also challenged young girls to dream big in their sporting endeavors.
“I want every girl out there to know this, We believe in you and you can play the game just like everyone else. Imagine yourself as a future Olympian or leading a team to a national championship,” he advised.
–
Story By | Joshua Afari | univers.ug.edu.gh
