The Sparkle Effect is an awesome nonprofit that helps students nationwide create middle school, high school and college cheer and dance teams that bring together students with and without disabilities. Nothing cooler. To learn more about starting a team at your school - and promoting diversity, kindness and inclusion under Friday night lights - check out their website and video. We're cheering already.
Let's talk about more STRONG women...like our friend & MMA fighter Michelle Waterson. Also known as "The Karate Hottie," Waterson was a model before she began competing professionally, and...get this...she started training in karate AT THE AGE OF TEN! We got to meet Michelle and we asked her about starting her sport in middle school, being tempted to quit and ultimately sticking with what you love.
So...if you see sports in your future too, what should you be doing about it now? Check out some of the websites below for inspiration & cool new ideas!
Newsflash - being strong also means staying healthy! We're not here to preach...we like marshmallow peeps as much as the next girl...but balance is our goal. For every milkshake slurped...consider a fruit smoothie later on. For every Netflix marathon indulged...add in a run the next morning. Academics & athletes agree: strong, athletic girls have great balance - across the board! For more thoughts on balance, check out our posts on Thrive Global about unplugging and catching your breath! #BeStrong. #StayBalanced