Nike creates two homecourts for the next generation of Filipinas
Sports is beneficial to our health. For girls, in particular, it plays a critical role in their personal development and skills. A report by Women's Sports Foundation found that females who play sports have higher self-esteem and confidence, and lower levels of depression than those who do not engage in sports. But unfortunately, not all girls are privileged or able to do so.
In the Philippines alone, only .001% of the 1.9 million senior high school students have chosen sports as their field. And boys, younger children who are in private schools are the ones who are most commonly engaged in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.
That is why Nike have found the need to encourage and empower the next generation of Filipina girls to try sports. In doing this, they have partnered with Girls Got Game Philippines, a Manila-based non-profit organization, to create two fully refurbished multi-purpose courts for young girls "to learn, grow and have fun, while increasing access to play and sport opportunities."
“Kids are made to play, yet many in the Philippines, particularly young girls, do not have access to sports. Nike and Girls Got Game are investing in the future of kids by giving them access to tools and training they need for success, building confidence on and off the court by exposing them to positive female role models and breaking down barriers to create inclusive communities,” said Jino Ferrer, Nike Philippines country marketing manager.
Launched on Oct. 11 during the International Day of the Girl Child, the new courts feature two designs: the outdoor court "Now," features pictures of young girls playing sports like volleyball, basketball, rugby and football; and the indoor court, "Future," has images of girls as doctors, leaders and athletes.
These are located at the Sacred Heart Academy School in Sta. Maria Bulacan. They were designed by artist and illustrator Jill Arteche, who is known for creating artwork that celebrates the Filipina culture.
“We hope to inspire the next generation of Filipina girls to view the refurbished courts as a symbol of their goals and dreams and that accomplishing these, however small, is what brings a sense of achievement,” added Ferrer.
Mariana Lopa, managing director of Girls Got Game, also added: “Sport has the power to transform a person, a community and even the world. Nike and Girls Got Game share a common purpose: to move the world forward through sport. We see girls as the changemakers who have the power to improve their communities. Through our sports clinics we coach them to build confidence and realize their full potential so they can have an equitable future.”
Girls Got Game sports camps have so far helped more than 2,500 young girls across the Philippines in 10-14 years age group who come primarily from economically-challenged households.
Since the pandemic, Girls Got Game already launched an online sports camp called “GGG Club.”