LANCASTER, PA – The Our Bodies, Our Sports: Take Back Title IX Summer 2024 Bus Tour made a stop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on Friday, May 31, 2024. The purpose of the event was to show support for top female golfers and advocate for the protection of female athletes, as well as to establish rules prohibiting male golfers from participating in the women’s division.
The Our Bodies Our Sports coalition specifically urged the LPGA and USGA (United States Golf Association) to establish rules prohibiting male golfers from participating in the women’s division, in order to ensure that women’s golf remains exclusively female. This initiative aligns with the intended principles of Title IX, which aims to provide equal opportunities for female athletes.
The Lancaster, Pennsylvania Chapter of Independent Women’s Network added crucial ground-support for the press conference and hosted a luncheon and meet-and-greet for the athletes.
The press conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers. Lilianna Williams, a local high school track star, shared her personal experience of having to compete and share a locker room with a biological male. Her story resonated with the crowd, a reminder that this is both a national and local issue.
12x All-American swimmer and Independent Women’s Forum ambassador Riley Gaines, spoke at the event as well. Gaines quickly exposed the dangerous realities of the 1500-page bill when a reporter attempted to downplay the impact. The passionate speeches delivered by all the speakers received resounding applause from the 125 attendees gathered in the parking lot of the Spooky Nook Sports complex.
“The sun shined bright on these amazing ladies, and it’s a day our Chapter will never forget,” said Wendy Voulopos, Lancaster, Pennsylvania Chapter Leader.
The Lancaster, Pennsylvania Chapter of Independent Women’s Network is proud to have played a part in supporting this important cause. The success of the press conference and meet-and-greet in Lancaster demonstrates the dedication and enthusiasm of the local community in championing the rights of female athletes. The Our Bodies Our Sports: Take Back Title IX Summer 2024 Bus Tour continues to make strides in promoting the protection of women’s sports.
