http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/user/217390 TaraLConley Playcity Blog en-us Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:31:00 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss playcity@youthnoise.org http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/13184 Mon, 05 Jan 2009 19:31:00 GMT When I grow up, I want to like Lindsay Kagawa. This 29-year-old, 5'9 former Stanford volleyball setter proves to be an agent of change for women in sports - at least that's what SF Chronicle says. And I actually agree. While serving as the captain of Standford's 1997 National Championship volleyball squad, Kagawa received her BA in political science. Later she would return to her alma mater and earn an MA in sociology. Kagawa's passion for sports is evident, but her business savvy and go-get 'em attitude is what makes this senior director of player management at BDA Sports Management a hot comodity among WNBA players, like friend an client Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury). Photo courtesy of WNBA.com I'm about a year shy under Kagawa in age, and she has certainly inspired me as a woman with high career hopes. What makes Ms. Kagawa's story most compelling is her focus on social and community activism. Kagawa has been involved in many social justice projects, like AIDS advocacy program Until There's A Cure with her clients and other young athletes in the SF Bay area. For more information about Kagawa's fellowship program in SF, Standford Athletes Kids United (SAKU), vitist Stanford's athletic page http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/13184 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/13064 Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:44:57 GMT When I mourn, I write. My father dreamed of one day playing professional baseball he almost did for the Cincinnati Reds, but they told him he was too short. That was over fifty years ago. My father also dreamed of one day having a family, and children to carry-on his legacy. Of the two dreams, the latter happened, and is still happening. Though he never got a shot at the majors, he proudly sported his love for the game each and every time the Cleveland Indians and Houston Astros came on television, or when his own children took to the court or turf. Some dreams manifest differently and in ways we barely notice. Yet still we dream. My father would always attend my volleyball, basketball, and track practices much to my dismay as a teenager without a clue. During 8th grade, my teammates and I would always know when practice begun because we could smell the smoke coming from my dad's tobacco pipe as he entered the stadium to watch us run our warm-up laps. But dad wasn't just a spectator; he was involved All. Of. The. Time. Many knew him as the honorary coach, serving as an official line judge during volleyball games and also serving as the official score keeper during basketball games and track meets. Even when I was a 5th-grader playing AAU basketball, my dad jumped at the opportunity to coach my team when our head coach was out sick. Incidentally, that was the only time I ever scored 34-points in a single game. [Left to right: Dad, me, mom] At times I'd get so annoyed at my dad simply because he was always there no matter what. I used to hope that one day he'd just forget and miss one of my practices so I could feel like one of the 'normal' kids whose parents never attended. And it wasn't just with organized sports; my dad was there when I first learned how to ski and when I almost fell off of a cliff. He was there, along with my beautiful mother, when I first learned how to ride a bike. My entrance to sports and play came through my family, particularly the old gray-haired guy whose last name I proudly share. The last time my dad watched me play ball was this past February while competing during the Texas Woman's University intramural basketball tournament. Despite his weak condition, he wanted to be there to watch his twenty-seven-year-old-washed-up daughter play ball with young twenty-somethings. It'll be just like old times, he said, as if he really needed to convince me. After playing two full twenty-minute halves and while gasping for air, my dad said to me You still got it kid-o. Despite being terribly out of shape, I did well and held my own playing against folks ten years younger than me. I was glad dad could watch me play during my post-glory days. Leaving the game, I opened the gymnasium door for him much like he used to do for me when I had gym bags hanging from both shoulders, and tennis shoes dangling from each hand. I pushed him along through the parking lot in his wheelchair, and instead of dad driving me home from the game; I drove him home. That was the last time dad saw me play. Moving forward, I can better appreciate my father's unshakable presence in my life, as an athlete, as a young woman, and as his daughter. He was there because he knew we all knew that these moments wouldn't last forever. This past Wednesday, December 17th 2008 at 9:40 p.m. (PST) my dad, in cahoots with God, decided it was time to transition. Undoubtedly he'll be met with great fan-fair on the Other Side as family and friends will welcome him with open arms. While back here, I mourn the death of the greatest man I've ever known. He's great in my eyes not simply because he's my father, or even because he almost became a Cincinnati Red Sock. He's great because he always believed in the possibilities of people, especially when they when I didn't believe in themselves. He touched the hearts of many he encountered. Everyone who knew him can recall a moment they shared with my dad that will forever remain because he was always there. I was there this past Wednesday when my father took his final breath. Just thinking about that moment while writing the words weighs on my heart. I breathed with him up until the last breath. We looked at each other for one final moment before the veil descended over his eyes. When it was over I cried, I screamed, I fell to my knees. I was hurt beyond repair. Yet despite the agony of losing my father, at that moment we were still together. Though my dad is no longer here to watch his daughter shoot (intramural) hoops or run (trot) a 100-meter-dash; I know he's still around, still there watching from the stands, still talking out loud, still laughing, and yeah, probably still cursing. My father's dreams and legacy are being fulfilled at the price of his death in this life, a small price to pay when knowing that he will forever remain in the hearts of many, especially mine. I love you daddy. You can rest in peace now. James Joseph Conley April 6, 1930 December 17, 2008. [Before my father's health took a serious turn for the worst, he always wanted to know how my writing was coming along and what I was writing on the computer a.k.a. the Internet. When I first joined YouthNoise my dad was always anxious to read my blogs. This blog, of course, is dedicated to him.] **Photos courtesy of The Conley Family - be cool and don't redistribute these photos for consumption and/or inappropriate use. http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/13064 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12972 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 22:20:27 GMT This past weekend I had the opportunity to inteview L.A. Derby Doll Tabitha 'Paris Kilton' Esther of the Sirens. Very cool chick, might I add. We had a cool conversation and I learned that not only does she dislike Paris Hilton and likes Craigslist, I also discovered that we were born and graduated high school in the same years! Check out the interview and pics below. Photos courtesy of Tabitha Esther. Photography by Nathan Nowak. How did the name Paris Kilton come about? I didn't really like Paris Hilton a lot I thought it was a funny play on [the name]. I began skating during the time that she became really popular. So it seemed appropriate for somebody to take that name at the time. How long have you been skating? I have been skating since spring of 2005. The LA Derby Dolls have been around for about 5 years since 2003. How did you get involved with the league? I just saw an ad on Craigslist and it seemed like a lot of fun. You fall into a really cool group of women and you can exercise. It's just a fun thing. Have you been involved in any other organized sports in the past? No not really. I wasn't very inclined to play sports until roller derby. Is the camaraderie among the women something that draws you to the sport? Sure. It's hard in general for women to make friends with other women without the contacts through college or work. So, coming into the organization it's very helpful. It's easy going. People are super smart. Everyone has the same mentality. It's a really great collection of women who are just really cool and get a long pretty well. Are there any programs or leagues that are focused on younger girls and adolescence? Actually, we started a program for younger girls called the Junior Derby. That started last year when a few of our skaters got together and decided they were going to put together a program for younger girl. I think the ages are from 8 to teenagers, or so. They've been working really hard and they are adorable! They all get together and skate. They all learn roller derby and they're all getting their exercise, having friends. It's nice because a lot of the moms in the league can bring their girls in. These girls can see their moms skate. It's very sweet. The Junior League was able to play during our half-times or what is called the baby doll brawl that was in late October. How long does a typical league game last? If I was coming into the game as a spectator for the first time what would I expect is the game played in halves or quarters? We have four quarters and each quarter is 12 minutes long. Then we have about a half an hour during half time break. Jams are 60 seconds of game play. The game lasts somewhere around 2 hours. Where do you all play here in LA? We have our track and it's housed in a warehouse a little bit west of downtown. The warehouse used to be an ice cream factory! We moved in there last year after living in Little Tokyo shopping malls. How long do you see yourself skating? [Laughing] Until I have to stop! Until my body physically says 'no thank you!' I've been fortunate enough (knock on wood) to not get seriously injured. I have been skating for a while and I want to keep doing it until I can't any longer. Do you mind me asking how old you are? I'm 27. Born in 1981 graduated in 1999. Where do you see the league and the sport itself in about 5 years? The league goes through all sorts of changes. I think the league will continue to grow. We've gotten really popular within the last year and I think it has a lot to do with finally having a stable house to skate. Now that we have a permanent space to practice it's definitely more attractive to people who want to pick up the sport. And I think with things like Junior Derby it helps because the sport itself is fun! People are going to participate as long as it's fun. On average, how much of your time do you devote to practices and games? There are about 8 practices a month minimum. Each practice is about 2 hours long. The game days usually take a lot of time to set up and clean up. It is pretty time consuming but you look forward to it it's kinda like going to class, but it's really fun and social. Is there anything else you d like the YouthNoise/PlayCity community to know about yourself and the Derby Dolls? Yeah, if you've ever thought about playing- then try it out. Give it a shot. Go out and see what you want to do and see if it's for you. You might actually discover an enjoyable pastime and make friends. For myself, when I first moved to Los Angeles I didn't have my own friends. So it was one of those things where it was like 'I'm going to go out and do something!' And it worked out really well for me. I'm really happy about where I am in the league and all the friends I've meant along the way. Someone once told me that when you play roller derby you walk about six inches taller it's not only like you finally have something you can work on, it's also very gratifying mentally. One day you just let go and you've done it! ### Many thanks to Tabitha and the L.A. Derby Dolls! http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12972 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12971 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:29:36 GMT Many many congrats are in order for Angel Taka - the Ugandan soccer player who lead her team to defeat Austrailia in the Women's 2008 Homeless World Cup finals. Taka has also been awarded the Nike Fair Play Award for her accomplshments. Taka's story is quite inspirational. Despite her father's paralyzing condition and her families financial struggles, Taka worked at a local university to help make ends meet. According to HWC website, Taka embodies the spirit of the 2008 Homeless World Cup. Taka asserts that because of the opportunities she's been given as a player, she's no longer stressed. Perhaps we all can learn from Taka's triumphant story - especially now as we all confront our own daily challenges. Check out Taka's interview below. http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12971 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12970 Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:20:15 GMT The lovely folks over at Bitch are talking about a topic I brought up a few months ago during the summer Olympics: the sexualization of female athletes. La Macha does a great job of asking people to think about the implications of the hyper-sexualized female athlete, and also if there's a way female athletes can negotiate between a sex positive image and the aforementioned. There is a thin line, in my humble opinion. I mean, really, where do we draw the line - or rather who is doing the drawing of the line? Is it the female athletes themselves or the advertisers and companies that endorse these athletes? Speaking of advertising, the folks over a Jezebel also brought up the issue regarding sexist advertising. We all know sex sells - or do we? Is this a universal claim or just something posed so consumers (you and I) remain complacent? If you ask car racer Danica Patrick, she'd probably that this pose is empowering. So be it. Like I said in a previous post I don't have a problem with grown women doing what grown women want to do. But then La Macha brought up another key point about 'white' female sexualization versus women of color. Perhaps some of the more 'feminized' athletes who can sell a sexualized athletic image are boxer Laila Alli and WNBA player Candace Parker. But what about when idiots call female athletes like Serena and Venus Williams monkeys, or when the women of the Rutgers basketball team are called nappy-headed hoes. What are folks really saying about Western beauty here? And what in the world are we, as consumer and sports enthusiasts buying into exactly? As the debate continues, my head throbs and my blood pressure rises... [sigh] http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12970 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12935 Sun, 07 Dec 2008 11:25:52 GMT I came across this video while perusing flipfloppingjoy.com, a site run by women of color blogger brownfemipower. Cheryl Armstrong grew up in Michigan and shared a relationship with the wild early on. Encouraged by her father and grandfather, Cheryl would spend time canoeing and running around in the woods. Now as an adult, Cheryl wants to give youth of color from the city the same opportunity to explore and learn from nature that she had while growing. She brings youth of color from large cities in Colorado to the natural pristine wilderness of Colorado. Take a look at this wonderfully moving and inspiring video below. Watch as these young people talk about exploring nature - while building better minds, spirits, and bodies in the process. The video's run time is about 9 minutes - perfect watch on a Sunday afternoon. http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12935 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12903 Wed, 03 Dec 2008 17:34:15 GMT From the LA Times I always like to come across stories about professional athletes who stand for something more than shoe endorsements. Newly recruited LA Clippers player, Baron Davis is one athlete who I don't mind giving a friendly shout out to. According to the LA Times article by John Ireland, I learned that Davis is not afraid to be political. Davis makes it a point to speak out against gang-related violence in his hometown. I want peace in LA, Davis says. Beyond his admirable activist-like qualities, Davis is also a maverick of sorts, being the first man to partner up with Jenny Craig - despite flack from fellow male teammates. Davis says, To me, it's inspiring [to be a spokesperson]. By becoming more health conscious, maybe I can inspire my friends to do the same. Be aware of your health and where you're going. Davis makes sure to honor his 87-year-old grandmother for helping him become the man he is. Davis says that his grandmother allowed him to be who he was as kid growing up in south central LA. She told him to always stick to his beliefs. Photo courtesy of AP/Chris Pizzello Davis' friend, Cash Warren (Jessica Alba's husband) partnered up with Davis to create the website www.ibeatyou.com. 'Beat' is a social networking site that encourages friendly competition of all kinds via the Net. It s a friendly competition on a social network, where people can make light of the world and concentrate on humor and the creative side of our country. I think a lot of times people take things too seriously. Ultimately, you can go there and see what people think about products, social issues, patriotism and, at the same time, have fun with it. I checked out the site - it's pretty cool and very interactive. Anything that encourages folks to come together for common causes, friendly competition, and have fun doing it, is A-OK in my book! http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12903 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12893 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 15:02:39 GMT A few days ago I was having a conversation with a friend of mine about an internal conflict going on inside my head: should I or should I not buy a gym membership? I'll tell you why I'm conflicted. First, I've always been the type of athlete who never depended upon a gym to work out or prepare for competition. I've always been partial to running at stadiums or on large green fields. Now that I live in southern California I can add beaches to my list of favorite spots to exercise at. But now that I'm part of the work world where I literally never stop working, whether it be a full 9 hour day at my day job or spending hours before and/or after work researching and posting for YN. I thought about purchasing some gym equiptment to go inside my home - but yeah, problem: Don't have enough space and certainly don't have enough disposable income to buy a treadmill (even on Craigslist). I came across two awesomely inspiring ideas that might resolve my internal conflict about participating in gym life. The first comes from Manuel de Arriba of Valdespino de Somoza, Spain, who invented the Eco Gym. Arriba built an entire gym out of wood, some nails, and adjustable hinges. The video below, again from GOOD, showcases Arriba's pride and joy. Next, we all know how energy inefficient gyms can be - with the heavy duty equiptment, large fans, and high powered lighting systems. Well, it seems like folks can still enjoy the gym life but in a way that's more green. Take Portland, Oregon for example. The first city noted for it's Green Micro Gym - an alternative for those of us who want to work out but not at the cost of our dear environment (or monthly budgets). According to the video, the Green Micro Gym harnesses energy from fitness bikes converting this energy into electricity. So basically the more you sweat, the more sustainable energy you produce - ultimately benefiting an entire community of gym enthusiasts. Check out the video below. Which idea suites you? http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12893 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12892 Tue, 02 Dec 2008 12:58:20 GMT The folks over at GOOD never fail to deliver the most innovative and well, sometimes wacky sports via the virtual space. Several weeks ago GOOD introduced me to Urban Golf, now I'm delighted to bring to you Circle Rules Football. The idea is to stick some polls inside some cones, create a circle around the that which you have gerryrigged, then have a bunch of players try to kick a large exercise ball through the goal from each side. It's kinda like soccer meets football meets wrestling. AND funny thing, remember that blog I posted yesterday about JAO - the self-proclaimed artist-activist who through art inspired an alternative genre of sport (or vice versa, however you look it)? Well, apparently Circle Rules Footbal was inspired by art theater! Greg, the man who invented Circle Rules Football says that sport is a type of theater. Indeed, it is Greg. Indeed, it is. Check out the video for yourself . . . http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12892 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12887 Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:47:36 GMT If you don't already know, I have an affinity for all-things intersectional, especially when it comes to theoretical approaches to identity politics. JAO, a self-described artist-athlete just reconfirmed my belief that culture is best explored at the point of intersection. I'm completely drawn to JAO's approach to art. She combines both her passions - painting and cardiovascular activity - to create an entire genre of sport, or art, however you want look at it. Sure some might argue that what she's doing isn't necessarily a sport per se. Folks might consider what she does as a form of physical activity that keeps the heart rate going - but not necessarily a competitive activity that usually ends with one side winning and another side 'losing'. But again, the definition of sport is subjective and is usually quite vague (just ask all of us who work here at PlayCity! - I kid.) It's not so much a question about whether or not JAO's running around and splashing paint on a white canvas is a real sport, but more so about her approach, about her passion, about her creativity and innovation. For my master's thesis, I argued that we can fuse poetics with new media documentary technique to tell a story of social justice, or what I refer to as a 'docupoem'. Like JAO, I believe part of our creative genius - and hell, our societal longevity - depends upon our ability to fuse ideas and talents together. Check out the video below to witness for yourself the genius of JAO. Click HERE to watch her on Current TV. http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12887 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12862 Thu, 27 Nov 2008 09:46:36 GMT As americans embark upon another annual day of gluttony, there are those who thankfully remind us that while eating pounds of food in one sitting is fun, taking care of our bodies is even more important. I'm sure some of you out there are actually running in various turkey trots around the country. More power to ya! So, in celebration of all our turkey runners out there take a peep at some of these videos featuring you - the ones who chose to run for Thanksgiving. I especially love the University of Wisconsin Turkey-in-training vid! And while you do that, I'm off to mom and dad's house to gain about 10 pounds. But wait! I will be hitting Manhattan Beach this weekend to try my darndest to run off at least a few pounds at the sand dunes. Peace and love, my friends! http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12862 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12847 Tue, 25 Nov 2008 20:52:33 GMT As promised a few days ago, the video from this past weekend's awesome event in San Diego is here! The festivities began at Dennis Enarson's home for the Banksgiving Day shin-dig. Check out the video below to see how Nike completely transformed Dennis' backyard and how the community helped make the event spectacular. We also got a chance to interview Mike Spinner and Nigel Sylvester, both Nike BMX pros. One cool thing I learned about BMX ridin' is that this sport is probably one of the most under-rated multicultural sports out there. Check out the vid to find out why. Also, don't forget to check out all of the awesome photos on YN's flickr site. AND check out the trailer for Writing on the Wall, the Nike film featuring all the BMX pros featured in our video. Cherio! http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12847 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12820 Sun, 23 Nov 2008 18:39:12 GMT Stop the freegin' press! I. Am. Stoked! So, Nike helped sponsor this awesome Banksgiving event yesterday at BMX phenom, Dennis Enarson's house in San Diego. Yours truly, along with my lovely fellow PlayCity family, Christina, Carol, and Anne Marie were in attendance! (Left to right: Carol and Christina) Nike 6.0, a line of sneakers and xtreme products, has just launched. And to help commemorate the launch, after the Banksgiving shin-dig Nike screened its latest film Writing on The Wall featuring Dennis Enarson, Nigel Sylverster, Mike Spinner, and Garrett Reynolds. Dennis Enarson Mike Spinner Garrett Reynolds [Nigel Sylvester to be featured in upcoming video!) We got a chance to hang out with and talk to the BMX professionals - [video coming soon!] But for now, take a peep at some of the cool snap shots I was able to grab from yesterday's event. [This is the money shot - my favorite by far!] [Future BMX pro-in-training] [Yeah, this was Dennis' backyard folks!] [Fun times with the Play City family, plus a guy with a bomber jacket on who worked on the hanger!] Coming from one who is brand new to the sport, I gotta say that this event was spectacular. Kudos to Nike for bringing the community together through sport - literally in Dennis' back yard. How cool is that?! Shouts out also goes to the Mayor of the city of La Mesa, Art Madrid. We also got a chance to chit chat with Mayor Madrid and learned more about how the city of La Mesa is supporting youth activities through sport. I think this is a great move for Nike because in my humble opinion, by bringing such a cool sporting event into the community makes the Nike brand accessible and shows that the company really does care about bringing folks together (young, old, black, white, fe/male, etc..) As I always say, it's all grits and gravy baby! Check back this week for exclusive video and interviews from the event! For more pics from yesterday's Banksgiving event at Dennis Enarson's crib see YN's Flickr site. *All photography by tara l. conley (um, yeah so that means please give credit if you want to use these photos. I love sharing, but not stealing - BOO!) http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12820 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12783 Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:24:36 GMT I'm here in the great state of California - you know, the one that managed to uphold Proposition 8, which bans the rights of same-sex couple to marry. (And NO it wasn't African-Americans' fault that the legislation didn't pass - unfortunatley, the Prop 8 organizers took for granted some communities and failed to strategize their campaign effectively to combat the pro-Proposition 8 crowd). In any event, I recently found out that Washington D.C. is in the running to host the 2014 Gay Games. According to The Hoya, the purpose of Gay Games is to promote and empower gay athletes - and other talents, like musicians/artists. Kelly Stevens, the Officer of Communications for the Federation of Gay Games said this: I would describe the Gay Games as a celebration of human rights through sport and culture. I found this video on YouTube that serves as a preview for the 2010 Gay Games in Cologne. Of course I couldn't avoid reading the comments posted below the video. It was interesting to read what people thought about the video and about the idea of having a Gay Games. While most agreed that the presentation of the video was cool, some chimmed in stating that it isn't necessary for a Gay Games to even exist. Take for instance these exchanges: This is so amazingly [expletive] stupid. What would sexual orientation have to do with athletic ability? Why don't they just compete in the regular olympics? One commenter responded: The best do. And win medals, too. Good one! Also note how this commenter used the word regular to describe the Olympics, as if the Gay Games would be irregular? In what way, I wonder. And what constitutes something that's regular, or what I interpret this commenter to mean, as 'normal'? Interesting use of the English language, I'd say. And this comment: I am gay but i can still play sports and not get a [expletive]. you think because your Gay you cant play sports with other. [Note: Many thanks to YouTube users for all the great expletives - and making my job as a blogger that much more tedious!] Now of course we have to take these comments with a grain of salt - especially considering we have no idea who these people are behind their computer screens (for all we know these comments could be manipulated just to make a point). But what about the argument that questions the idea of having a separate games for Gay athletes - as if to send a message that gay athletes can only feel a certain kind of empowerment when participating in a gay friendly environment. I covered the Beijing Summer Olympics quite extensively on PlayCity and in doing so I learned about openly gay Olympians. I also covered stories about gay athletes who struggle in various realms of organized sports. Bottom line: it ain't easy. I'm not sure what the answer is (or if there necessarily has to be a definitive answer). One could also bring into the debate the idea of historically black colleges (HBCs) - but again, we'd probably run the risk of replicating the same argument currently going on in the news concerning the Civil Rights movement for African-Americans and gay rights. The saga continues . . . What do you think?? http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12783 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12770 Tue, 18 Nov 2008 21:11:48 GMT CARE - a non profit organization whose mission is to mission is to serve individuals and families in the poorest communities in the world. Drawing strength from our global diversity, resources and experience, we promote innovative solutions and are advocates for global responsibility - has partnered up with Nike to help promote women's sports in Rwanda. The idea is to encourage sport in play in a country largely impacted by poverty. Women of Rwanda can become empowered and build necessary communication skils through sport. Other partners in this effort include Women Win, and CARE ambassador Sheila Johnson, the President of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)- and the FIRST ever African-American female to own a professional sports team. I found a video on YouTube made by Rwanda women, some of whom are disabled, and who coach other Rwandan women in various sports. Though this video is not directly related to the program sponsored by CARE and Nike, you'll find it just as inspiring to watch these women building strong coalitions through sport and play. http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12770 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12745 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:42:40 GMT As some of you may already know, the Homeless World Cup is right around the corner (December 1-7th in Melbourne, Austrailia). This will be the first time HWC features an all women's tournement. Several weeks ago, I posted about the Women's World cup and featured a video on Cherie Sayon. Watch clip below - in case you missed it. HWC is also partnering up with Women Win for the development of women s grass roots football in Colombia. Women Win empowers girls and women worldwide through sport. One of the most interesting ideas coming from Women Win's mission is that they believe sports can be a useful way for women to enhance their social networks. We all *get* that sports can help women stay healthy and provide self-esteem, but we normally don't consider women using sport as a means to build their social networks. This is important, however. Networking, particularly at the grassroots level, helps build strong coalitions and provides a means through which important ideas can be developed. Kudos to Women Win and the Homeless World Cup for proving that we can work together through sport to build a better and brighter future for under-represented communities. http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12745 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12744 Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:23:15 GMT A few weeks ago I told you about Anne Mahlum's organization Back on My Feet whose mission is promote the self-sufficiency of Philadelphia s homeless population by engaging them in running as a means to build confidence, strength and self-esteem. It looks like Ms. Mahlum is up for the CNN Hero of the Year award an award worth a whopping $100,000! If you recall, CNN ran a feature about Back on My Feet a few weeks ago. Here's the video in case you missed it. While there are lots of other wonderful folks up for the award, I really find Mahlum's story the most inspiring of them all. We here at YN want to encourage you to watch the story on CNN about Back on My Feet and vote Anne Mahlum hero of the year by November 20th! http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12744 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12726 Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:53:54 GMT So, I'm winding down on a typical Tuesday night. I turn on the tube to watch the Colbert Report (I just love that guy!). Mid-way through the show Colbert introduces former NBA player Kevin Johnson - that is, Mayor-Elect Kevin Johnson of Sacramento, California. Kevin Johnson will be the first African-American mayor of Sacramento. Johnson told Colbert that folks around town call him Little Obama. Watch Colbert clip HERE. Obama is the 44th and Johnson is the 55th, but both share the unique distinction of being the first in their fields to lead an executive political office. While there was some distinct resistance against Johnson running for office (namely past allegations of sexual assault), it appears that these allegations weren't enough to pursuade Sacramentans not to vote for the former NBA point guard. Click HERE for video. I remember growing up (eh-hem during the 90's) watching KJ and Charles take the Phoenix Suns all the way to the playoffs. No rings though (and Colbert makes sure KJ remembered he never won a championship - see Colbert clip again). While on the one hand I'm happy that Saramento finally leaped into the 21st century by electing a person of color to executive office, I still feel uncomfortable about KJ's past. Photos courtesy of ESPN.com and Freshneasybuzz.blogspot http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12726 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12677 Tue, 11 Nov 2008 16:51:17 GMT The Dream Big Toy Company just announced their new collection of sports-themed dolls for young girls. According to the press release: Go! Go! Sports Girls are designed to be a fun and educational way to promote self-appreciation and the benefits of daily exercise, healthy eating and sleeping habits, self-esteem and overall healthy life-skills for girls, regardless of race and socioeconomic class. Okay. So, here's my two cents. I appreciate the idea of distributing toys to children that promote a positive image for young girls - AND young boys. (I still think the whole socialization of kids through gendered toys is problematic). Go! Go! Sports gets an A for effort. However, besides the toys being incredibly gender-specific (well, at least their not Bratzzzz), the dolls miss the mark when it comes to stereotyping 'race' according to sport. Predictably, the only 'noticeably darker' doll is Taye, and yes, she's the basketball player. And guess what 'color' the tennis player doll is? Yup, very 'noticeably lighter' with blond - no wait - yellow hair. And then there are the ambiguously 'tan-colored' dolls that play soccer, softball, and gymnastics. I'll be fair and give Go! Go! Sports the benefit of the doubt and not automatically assume that this was done intentionally. But even if it wasn't done intentionally, this only suggests that we still hold terrible pre-conceived idea(l)s about race and sports. Argh! Did Go! Go! Sports Girls miss my post on the conundrum facing African-American female athletes?? Seriously, I can send them a copy of my post. No problem, really. Maybe I'm over-reacting, eh, no I'm not. I think that we need to completely rethink how we engage kids through cultural exchange and solidarity-building. Just look at how social entrepreneurs in L.A. are approaching multiculturalism with elementary kids. It's not about branding a mix of identities according to stereotypes but about going beyond all of that and making it so kids understand that just because you're a tall black girl with braids doesn't mean you play basketball or can't play tennis. Or just because you're a skinny white girl doesn't mean you only play tennis and never touch a basketball. http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12677 http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12666 Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:44:41 GMT Remember back in the summer when I reported on the Let Me Play Training Camp held in Los Angeles? Well, it looks like the young social entreprenuers-in-the-making are now social entrepreneurs making change! So I'm perusing through Facebook, checking to see what my folks are up to and I come across a comment by one of my Facebook buddies and Outreach/Community Manager for YouthNoise, Amy Schapiro. Amy was commenting on Jerry DArko's video for Just Like You International Sports Exchange. (Oh the wonders of Facebook!) I said to myself, Hey! I remember these folks from the summer. Let me see what they've been up to. (Seriously, I said exactly that to myself). So I clicked on the video and WOWZERS was I inspired! The video captures these social entreprenuers engaging young elementary children through different sports from around the world. The idea is to create an environment of cultural solidarity and kinship through various types of international sports. I'm so proud of these folks and all of their efforts. It's so cool to witness a simple idea flourish into profound possibilities. The children appear so engaged and enthusiastic while at the same time they are able to learn about other cultures outside of their own. What an amazing opportunity for children to learn about other cultures while having fun. Like my favorite feminist theorist/artist, Gloria E. Anzaldua once said, The possibilities are endless once we decide to act and not react. Awesome awesome AWESOME job gals and guys! I can't wait to see what's next for Just Like You. I also can't wait to see what the other groups are coming up with and how they too are contributing to social change through sport. Here's some YouTube clips of the group talking about Just Like You: JERRY DARKO of JUST LIKE YOU SHUINN CHANG of JUST LIKE YOU KENNY JADE of JUST LIKE YOU http://www.youthnoise.com/playcity/blog/view/12666