DUPR has teamed up with the non-profit organization Leveling the Fields (LTF) to launch Rally for Her, a philanthropic initiative dedicated to removing barriers that prevent girls from participating in sports. By providing free after-school programs in underserved communities, this partnership aims to leverage the inclusive nature of pickleball to foster confidence and leadership skills in young women.
The Impact and Mission of Rally for Her
The core of this initiative is a major fundraising event scheduled for September 26th at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, FL. This event will bring together professional players, coaches, clubs, and brands to raise money for LTF. Attendees can expect a full day of activity, including tournament-style play, exhibition matches, sponsor activations, and community challenge stations. All proceeds from registrations and sponsorships will go directly toward expanding sports access for girls.
The initiative is supported by several prominent figures in the pickleball community who advocate for the long-term benefits of athletic participation:
- Emily Visnic: A writer and content creator for The Dink who transitioned from elite alpine skiing to pickleball, highlighting the unexpected paths sports can open.
- Mary: A co-founder of CourtPass who emphasizes that the confidence gained through sports is far more valuable than the final score of a match.
- Kaitlin Miller and Lydia Hert: Known as the Dinks On Tap duo, they are focused on helping the next generation see themselves as active participants, coaches, and leaders rather than just spectators.
The urgency for this project is backed by data from the Women's Sports Foundation (WSF), which highlights both the benefits of sports and the current lack of opportunity. The organization Leveling the Fields, founded in 2015 and based in Charleston, SC, specifically targets these disparities by serving Title I and rural schools with free, volunteer-run programs like EmpowerPlay and PlayFit. According to the WSF, the need for such programs is clear:
- Leadership Potential: Approximately 71% of women who played sports held formal leadership roles, and nearly 70% reached executive-level positions.
- Health and Education: Female high school athletes are 92% less likely to use illicit substances and 80% more likely to graduate from high school than their non-athletic peers.
- The Opportunity Gap: Despite these benefits, girls face 1.3 million fewer athletic opportunities annually than boys, and roughly 40% of teenage girls remain inactive in sports.
For those unable to attend the event in Florida, DUPR encourages supporters to visit their website to register for virtual participation or donate directly to the cause. By contributing, donors help ensure that more girls have the opportunity to build the confidence and skills necessary to succeed both on and off the court.
