All Girls Sports in John G. Diefenbaker High School

In Thorncliffe/Huntington Hills, Planet Youth Calgary focused on bringing together families, youth and peers by creating spaces  where youth, especially young women, could feel empowered and supported.

One of the highlights of the 2024 was the All-Girls Sports event at John G. Diefenbaker High School, held in collaboration with YMCA. This program provided a safe and supportive environment where young women could engage in physical activities and sports. It was more than just about fitness, it was about fostering mental wellness, personal empowerment and a sense of community connection. It also created valuable mentorship opportunities for young women to grow their confidence and expand their horizons. 

This initiative aligned with the Planet Youth’s  upstream, preventative approach to addressing the social determinants of  health. Research shows that participation in sports can reduce stress, anxiety and depression, while also building resilience and forming strong  social networks. For these young women, sports provided an outlet to develop  leadership skills, connect with others and empower them to make positive  choices that could reduce negative behaviours. This program also addressed the gender disparities often seen in athletics, offering young women equal opportunities to excel in sports and personal development. 

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