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From George Onyejiuwa, Owerri
As part of its campaign to get more girls to play American Football, the Gridiron Gems Initiative and the Nigeria – America Football Association has organised a one- day awareness programme at Girls Secondary School Ikenegbu, Owerri, the Imo State capital, on career opportunities that abound in the sports.
Speaking at the event yesterday, Ms Nancy Damhindi, Coordinator, Gridiron Gems Initiative and Vice President of Nigeria – American Football Association, said that the main objective of the programme was to introduce American Football to the girls at a younger age, and the career paths and opportunities in the sports.
She noted that men have been playing the sports for a long time, but it has been discovered that not many women are in the ecosystem of the sports.
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“This programme was initiated by Gridiron Gems Initiatives in collaboration with Browns Nigeria to introduce American Football to girls in secondary schools, and that there are opportunities and career paths in the sports. Beyond playing the game, we are also talking to them about leadership, mentoring, and about menstrual hygiene. Our aim is to provide a safe platform for the girls to go out and play. The Nigeria – American Football Association are in collaboration with Browns Nigeria to create the opportunity for young girls to play American Football which is new in Nigeria.
Continuing, “We have people in Nigeria who are playing in America and some are even playing for the national teams of other countries. Beyond playing football, there are career paths for doctors, lawyers, physiotherapists, referees, and coaches, and there are not many women in the ecosystem of the sports.”
She added, “Again, girls struggle with their menstrual hygiene, and we have told them that it should not be a hindrance to their sporting objectives. Therefore, we shared 500 menstrual pads with them, which was the same thing we did in Abuja and Lagos, and roll-on for them to feel good.”
One of the students who benefitted from the free gift of menstrual pads package, Princess Duru, thanked the organisers for not only introducing American Football to them, but spoke to them about leadership, mentorship, career opportunities, and menstrual hygiene.
