The Beginning of Something Great

The espnW Women + Sports Summit kicked off last night at 5pm. Due to multiple delays on my flight, I arrived around 6:30pm. I have been excited about attending this event and couldn't be more  pleased with how the event is going so far. I have heard from amazing female athletes, influencers and women in the sports industry and have met many new role models and friends.

Michelle Kwan giving the opening keynote

When I arrived, Michelle Kwan had just begun to give her opening keynote. I remember watching her skate when I was growing up and it was awesome to hear what she is doing for sports. She is also involved with the Special Olympics. The games will be held in Los Angeles in 2015 and there was a great discussion about bringing awareness to these amazing athletes. 

Following their talk there was a fabulous dinner and a Power Talk from the amazing Sarah Reinertsen. Who spoke about helping those with disabilities and how we can get them involved in sports. She spoke about those who had lost legs during the Boston bombings and I had never realized just how expensive a prosthetic running leg is - $30,000. The need to empower everyone through sport is so important and Sarah is an amazing advocate for sports and changing lives through fitness and movement.

The final panel featured amazing Olympic athletes: Tina Charles, Lindsey Jacobellis, Sanya Richards Ross and Janet Evans. They discussed the balance between sports and life. We all have to learn to find balance and at the elite level this is even more important. Through family time, a business, charity work, these ladies all have something to keep them balanced outside of sports. 

For the final event of the evening there was a screening of "The 99ers," the documentary showcasing the 1999 Women's Soccer Team's journey to their World Cup victory. The Q & A before hand with Julie Foudy and Mia Hamm was very inspiring. They showed how such a great team can come together and how hard work and a little fun can pay off. 

With so much more to write - stay tuned for upcoming posts about the inspiring women of the espnW Summit!

~Karen