The Women’s Sports Foundation celebrates 50 years of impact at its annual Salute to Women in Sports®

A The foundation honored the renowned leader and advocate for the entire women’s sports ecosystem 1999 United States women’s national soccer team, Kimbra and Mark Walterand the 2024 WNBA rookie class, commemorating 50 years of turnaround on the biggest night in women’s sports.

NEW YORK, Oct 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Tonight the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF^®) celebrated 50 years of impact at its annual Salute to Women in Sports. Recognized as one of the biggest nights in women’s sportsThe event brought together hundreds of female athletes and leaders – Olympians, Paralympians, legendary icons, team owners, leagues, brands and more – reflecting WSF’s reputation as a leader and champion of the entire women’s sports ecosystem. The event commemorated five decades of groundbreaking developments, honoring the foundation’s deep history while looking ahead to the next 50 years of its commitment and impact. The program highlighted WSF’s legacy of amplifying the critical social and cultural impact of girls’ and women’s play, and celebrated pivotal moments in women’s sports and other advocates in the fight for gender equity. This evening we were honored with the WSF Salute Awards 1999 United States women’s national soccer team (The 99ers™), Kimbra and Mark Walterand the 2024 WNBA rookie class. The salute took place at Cipriani Wall Street^® In New York City and presented by WSF national partners Delta Air Lines, ESPN, Gatorade, NBC Sports and TIAA, with additional support from Photo Station Partner, DraftKings and Reception Partner, Ally.

The event was a highlight of the year-long WSF project anniversary Campaign, 50 years of changing the game. From co-hosting an exclusive reception for Women’s History Month – to celebrate the social impact of women in sports – alongside the Vice President of the United States and celebrating its 50-year legacy by lighting the iconic Empire State Building in WSF colors, to introducing two new ones breakthrough Research reports in the critical areas of leadership and mental health and proud to partner with the USTA for the Congressional Gold Medal honoring the WSF founder – who will be the first individual athlete to receive this prestigious award, it has been a year for history books, adaptation of WSF leadership and legacy.

Fifty years ago, shortly after the passage of Title IX – the landmark law that paved the way for girls and women to participate in sports – the WSF was founded by the sports icon and social justice pioneer Billie Jean King as one of the First Organizations that recognize the strong connection between sport, justice and society. What the visionary founder of the WSF did in 1974 with a $5,000 check, has developed into a diverse organization that has invested over 100 million dollars Helping girls and women play, compete and lead without barriers – in sport and beyond.

The story continues

“I knew there had to be an organization that would protect Title IX so that girls and women had equal access and opportunities in sports – that’s why I founded the Women’s Sports Foundation,” said WSF founder Billie Jean King. “The WSF has been changing the game for five decades through its research, advocacy, education and community programs and by amplifying the impact of sport participation on the lives of girls and women and demonstrating how important it is to society. We must all remain committed to protecting the progress that has been made while working towards a future where the playing field is truly level, because equality in sport leads to equality in life.”

Recipients of this year’s awards included:

Wilma Rudolph Courage Forgive, Presented by Delta Air Lines, the award recognizes an athlete or team who demonstrates exceptional courage in their athletic performance, demonstrates the ability to overcome adversity, makes a significant contribution to sport and serves as a role model.

• The 1999 U.S. women’s national soccer team – 25 years ago, this team’s victory was over China at the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup changed the trajectory of women’s sports both on and off the field. Their success was the catalyst for the creation of the first women’s professional soccer league, and their courageous commitment to equal pay and better working conditions set an example for future leagues across women’s sports to follow. Read more Here.

The Billie Jean King Leadership Awardrecognizes an individual or group that demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities and makes a significant contribution to the advancement of women through achievements in sport and the workplace.

• Kimbra and Mark Walter – visionary investors who decided on a new professional women’s league and launched the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). January 2024resulting in record-breaking attendance, viewership, social engagement and new partnerships. Read more Here.

Next Gen Award, The award, presented by the U.S. Air Force, recognizes a group of female athletes who have influenced the way their sport is watched, played and perceived.

• 2024 WNBA rookie class – Coming into a league already brimming with talent and exciting competition, this rookie class generated tremendous excitement on draft day and performed well throughout the season, breaking records and building on the league’s 28-year history. Standing on a strong foundation built by the hundreds of women who have built this sport and this league for decades, this class boldly carries the torch forward. Read more Here.

Regardless of skill level, the profound impact of sports participation continues to be felt across culture and society – an important connection that the WSF has been strengthening for decades through its impactful, evidence-based research. The foundation recently published its “Play to Lead” Report – a the first of its kind A study that surveys seven generations of women – ages 20, 30 and up to 80 – shows that the skills, attributes and experiences girls learn through the transformative power of sport can build a vibrant leadership pipeline that serves society benefits and strengthens the economy. In addition, the foundation “Be successful through sport” The report, released earlier this year, shows how exercise promotes positive mental health in girls, leading to lower levels of anxiety and depression and higher levels of meaning and purpose.

“The leaders of tomorrow are the girls and women of today, and that is why it is imperative that we support and invest in their limitless potential on and off the field,” said the WSF CEO. Danette Leighton. “Tonight was a powerful celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Women’s Sports Foundation^Th Anniversary and the groundbreaking athletes and leaders who join us in our mission to achieve true justice in sport. Great progress has been made, but there is still much to be done. There is a lot at stake. We cannot take access and opportunity for granted. Our research continues to show the world that exercise is not a problem nice to havebut a Must have for ALL girls and women; Because when girls play, they take the lead and we all win.”

Further information about the annual greeting can be found here Here.

About the Women’s Sports Foundation
The Women’s Sports Foundation exists to empower girls and women to fulfill their potential in sport and in life. We are an ally, an advocate and a catalyst for the leaders of tomorrow. Founded by Billie Jean King In 1974 we were among them First Organizations that recognize the strong connection between access to sport, equity and society. WSF has been changing the game for 50 years through its research, advocacy and community programming, investing more than $100,000 100 million dollars Helping girls and women play, compete and lead without barriers – in sport and beyond. As a leader and advocate for the entire women’s sports ecosystem, WSF amplifies the critical social and cultural impact that occurs when girls and women play sport. All girls. All women. All sports_® To learn more about the Women’s Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.

Media contacts:
Patty Bifulco
Women’s Sports Foundation
631.230.3322
[email protected]

Candice Miller
Women’s Sports Foundation
479.409.7779
[email protected]

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SOURCE Women’s Sports Foundation