Background

Advocating for Girls in Sports

Meet Becky Yuan:

Mother of twins and a sports 'enthusiast'. Raising twin girls sports became my outlet to maintain my mental health and empower me through the journey of motherhood (and life). I have always strived to set an example for my daughters that acknowledges potential and is countercultural to the deficit model of female grit and force.

This year, in my daughters high school, physical education classes were not offered for girls in grade 12. This testifies to a deep systemic issues of inequities and inequalities in regards to gender and gross devaluation of sports over academic achievements in society and school systems. As a parent I know kids need role models. Adults, educators, and mentors who are invested in supporting values that promote healthy life skills and lifestyles that champion physical, emotional and mental wellbeing and demonstrate the commitment in becoming a healthier versions of themselves. Unfortunately, our school system leaves physical education as optional over other academic subjects- but in my daughters cases- only if you identify as male.

Changing the Narrative

The current narrative of females in sports sucks. I want girls growing up to feel empowered. So this year I have decided to take on a challenge of swimming solo across Lake Erie to raise awareness and funding for girls in sports programs through Jumpstart charities.

Let's get this straight- I am not an Olympic athlete. Last year after talking to another swimmer I decided that 20km lake crossing seemed like a local 'Mount Everest' type of challenge. Prior to this my open water experiences were limited to under 5km swims in regulated waters for my Triathlon training programs.

This past year I have spent time in the water learning how to build for swimming long distances. In between my own adventures as a student in post-secondary education, parenting my girls, teaching piano and coaching, I have sought out support with my training from some world class athletes who have continued to support me with this vision.

The goal of this event (swim) is not to set a world record (truthfully there are 14 yr olds who have done this way faster than I ever will). My goal is to demonstrate the force, grit and power of female potential both physically and mentally- one stroke at a time.