Now The Girls Can Run With Both Hands Free: Sports Bra Donation

Like some other cultures, many boys in Mozambique are encouraged to play sports and graduate from high school, while girls are encouraged to learn how to cook and clean for their families.  In other words, for most of my basketball girls, practicing free-throw shots and lay-ups three times a week is discouraged.  However, my most dedicated team players wake up at four o'clock in the morning to wash clothes and dishes, just so that they can be at practice at seven o'clock.

Also, what often makes it a little bit more challenging for girls and women athletes here is running without a sports bra.  My girls can't afford sports bras and it was very uncomfortable for them to run without the support.

Last year, I wrote a blog entry on how my basketball girls, the Lady Divas, needed sport bras, but we didn't have money to buy them (blog link- http://mozampaz.blogspot.com/2013/07/divas-play-basketball-too.html). When they played basketball, some of the girls wore a regular bra that was either too big or too small.

This year, I'm not only coaching 8th graders, but also the 9th graders who played as 8th graders last year. The majority of the 8th and 9th graders practice with a flimsy bikini top or nothing underneath their shirts.

Something as small as owning a sports bra can encourage these young women to play sports.  The fitting bras help the girls focus on the game instead of having to grab their chest for support while running and dribbling.  When playing basketball or any other sport, it's pivotal to have both hands free and the mind in the game.

My dad's friends, Dr. Stacey Nickson and Susie Manning felt touched when they read how most of the girls couldn't afford a good quality sports bra. They spread the word about how a group of girls in Mozambique needed sports undergarments.

Dr. Nickson contacted me and stated that she was collecting sports bras from colleagues and friends and asked me for their sizes. In April of this year, she informed me that she sent 30 brand new sport bras, enough for all 27 girls!

Last Wednesday, I finally received the package.  When I opened the box, I found 30  red, white, black, grey, pink, and blue sports bras and 20 basketball jerseys!  The girls and I were expecting to receive the sports bras, but it was such a pleasant surprise to get the jerseys as well.  They absolutely love them!

Here's Lolita reading the letter that Dr. Nickson sent with the package.  They were able to read how the generous donations came from many caring people in Alabama.

The girls who had the fewest absences during practices were able to chose their sports bras first.

Pink or black?  Decisions, decisions...

The girls posing with their sports bras

The girls are waiting to pick out their jerseys

Only half of the team showed up to practice the day I was handing out the sports bras and jerseys.  The other girls received their during the following practice.

Ofelia wearing her new white sports bra

Aurelia also posing with her white sports bra

The girls and I look like an official team now!

Here's Zirene shooting the ball.  She reported, "The sports bra is very comfortable and I'm able to run a lot more now."

Here are Sidoca,Ofelia, and Elisa (left to right) practicing the "three-man weave"

Again, words cannot express our gratitude.  Thanks to these fantastic people, the girls can run now with both hands free and their head in the game!  Special thanks to:

Dr. Stacey Nickson
Susie Manning
Dr. Brenda Casselberry and Cassandra Holliman and Staff of Auburn-Opelika Family Footcare
& the staff from the Biggio Center at Auburn




Muito obrigada a todos!  Thank you to everyone who made this possible!