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Grace, poise and elegance are just some of the qualities all of the female role models we look up to possess and using passion and influence for the advancement of women is something we aspire to achieve. Mrs. Obama not only embodies these amazing role model qualities but also uses her influential position in The White House to help women around the world. This past June she toured South Africa with her two daughters and her mother, speaking to young women about the role they play in leadership on the African continent.
With a packed schedule we were not able to meet her but her inspiring words gave our girls the idea to present her with a gift, they wrote letters and read messages of appreciation to the first family. We posted these messages on our Youtube channel (check out our videos!) and brought the package of letters and DVD to Mrs. Obama’s team. We were happy to see our girls reach out to a role model they admired for her substance and inspiring attitude.
As a thank you, Michelle Obama wrote us back, sharing with us how grateful she is for the hard work done by youth for development in South Africa. Imagine our surprise to receive a hand delivered letter from the White House!
Founder Jos Dirkx and co-founder Sonia Bianchi are currently on a Girls & Football SA trip speaking with groups across the East Coast of the US. During their stop in Washington DC they took a minute to drop by and see the White House and pose for a picture with the organizations new prized possession!
In response to the letter, it’s a pleasure, Mrs. Obama, and we’re honored to have been in touch!
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What a week! The 52 hours of traveling up from South Africa to get to Colombia were well worth the wonderful feedback Girls & Football SA received after presenting to the delegates at the 2nd World Summit for Youth Volunteering, hosted by Partners of the Americas, IAVE, and UN Volunteers. The Girls & Football SA presentation focused on Sport for Development and Youth Volunteering. Particularly, challenges faced in working in a non-volunteering culture, in addition to tricks and tips to ensure volunteers feel rewarded were highlighted. Great questions were raised, surrounding topics such as how an organization can handle challenges faced in an environment where perceptions surrounding girls and sport are not necessarily positive. Another interesting discussion centered on the best ways to monitor the physical changes a girl’s body goes through when she participates in sport. As we continue our programming, our focus will remain on health education through sport and questions such as these are particularly inspiring. Thanks to all the great delegates during the break out panel and your insightful questions and comments!
Girls & Football SA is very grateful for the opportunity to have worked with such inspiring youth from all over the world. We
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As a result of the apartheid regime, South Africa was isolated from international football for three decades. Regardless, football maintained its popularity.
Not just through the physical aspects of the sport, but also through the administrative side; football became a key manner in which to practice leadership and entrepreneurial skills, in addition to political activity and resistance.
Read more at our Supersport blog…
