On Saturday, July 20, 2024, members of the Independent Women’s Network Denver, Colorado, Chapter attended the Save Girls’ Sports rally, held at the state capitol. Speakers included two IWN members, Lesley Meyer and Jen Livsey, who shared their personal experiences as former Division 1 athletes and mothers of young female athletes. Their impassioned speeches emphasized the importance of fair and safe competition for all female athletes.
Megan Burke, the Denver Chapter Leader of Independent Women’s Network, expressed her pride and admiration for Meyer and Livsey, stating, “I couldn’t be more proud of Les and Jen for speaking at the Save Girls’ Sports rally in Denver. Both being D1 athletes and moms of female athletes, they know the damage that is being done to the girls’ sports category here in Colorado by allowing males in them. We have to use our voice and stand up for our girls, and these two ladies are unafraid to do so. I am honored to call them friends and thankful to have them in our chapter.”
Lesley Meyer, a former D1 soccer player at Texas Christian University and a member of the IWN Denver Chapter, highlighted that the influence of women’s sports extends beyond the athletes themselves, impacting society as a whole. “This isn’t just about the female athlete,” she said. “The positive impact women’s sports has on our society reverberates out like a sound wave and impacts all of us. We must save women’s sports for the overall good of our state and our country.”
Jen Livsey, another IWN Denver Chapter member and former D1 XC and track runner at Princeton, echoed Meyer’s sentiments. Livsey emphasized the necessity of fair and safe competition, and providing Coloradans with the opportunity to tell their lawmakers how important it is that girls’ sports be exclusively for girls. “I am proud to stand with so many others who know that common sense and truth must and will prevail,” Livsey said. “Coloradans must use their voices to affirm that girls’ sports are for girls.”
The Save Girls’ Sports rally in Denver served as a platform for these influential women to raise awareness about the challenges faced by female athletes and advocate for their rights. Their speeches resonated with the audience, inspiring others to join the cause and support the protection of women’s sports.
The Independent Women’s Network Denver, Colorado Chapter continues to champion the cause of fair and safe competition for female athletes. Through their dedication and unwavering commitment, they strive to ensure that girls’ sports remain a space where girls can excel and thrive.
