The goal of the initiative is to help keep girls and women in sports longer, empower the next generation of women in sports and grow women’s sports fandom.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus leaders came together on Wednesday to announce a new push to promote women’s sports.
Mayor Andrew Ginther, First Lady Shannon Ginther and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission announced the IgniteHER initiative during a breakfast held at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field.
Some of the components of the initiative include the return of the Women’s Sports report, support of youth sports, an association of formal collegiate female athletes who call central Ohio home, hosting a Women’s Sports Symposium and other programs.
The goal of the initiative is to help keep girls and women in sports longer, empower the next generation of women in sports and grow women’s sports fandom.
“When women and girls have the opportunity to shine both on the field and as leaders of sports franchises, businesses, nonprofits and government, everyone in our community benefits,” the mayor said. “IgniteHER is about lighting up our enthusiasm, our support and our investment in women’s athletics so we may cultivate a more equitable and prosperous future for our city.”
Columbus has a history of supporting women’s sports. Since the city’s sports commission was created in 2002, Columbus has hosted several women’s sporting events, ranging from the 2003 FIFA Women’s World Cup and 2018 NCAA Women’s Final Four to hundreds of OHSAA girls state championships across 10 sports and more than 15 NCAA Women’s Championships. Columbus is also set to host the 2027 NCAA Women’s Final Four and 2027 D1 Women’s Volleyball Championship.
To learn more about the IgniteHER initiative, click here.