History Fort Lauderdale’s Artists-In-Residence: Making Our Heritage Accessible And Engaging To Residents And Visitors South Florida Sun Times Feb 27, 2025 History Fort Lauderdale’s third floor resident artists’ collective will present its annual show from March 12th – April 20th. The six artists exhibiting are Constance Ivana, Stephanie McMillan, Rucci, Florencia Clement de Grandprey, Jenna Ross and Marene Downs. A meet and greet with the artists will take place on Wednesday, March 12th from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., at the New River Inn Museum of History building on History Fort Lauderdale’s campus. Complimentary light bites and beverages will be provided. “We invite the community to a special open-house show and sale featuring our creative resident artists’ collective,” said Patricia Zeiler, Executive Director of History Fort Lauderdale. “History Fort Lauderdale is a proud supporter of arts and culture and it is an honor to showcase these beautiful creations from the next generation of imaginative innovators.” History Fort Lauderdale, proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors, hosts a variety of engaging multicultural experiences, year-round. It seeks to bring awareness to the community through both traveling exhibits and multiple permanent exhibits including “Women Trailblazers,” “Fort Lauderdale – the Early Years,” “The Roots of Resilience: The Journey of Black Broward,” “Fashion & Musical Theatre,” “From Dugouts to Dream Yachts: the story of boatbuilding along the New River,” Seminole Arts & Culture,” “New River Archaeology,” “Viva Fort Lauderdale: Celebrating Hispanic Art & Culture,” and “Take PRIDE, a retrospective on LGBTQ life in South Florida.” History Fort Lauderdale’s Artists-in-Residence Annual Show is sponsored by the following funds at the Community Foundation of Broward: Jan and Ed Crocker Unrestricted Fund, Leo M. and Alice J. Rutten Fund and The Frederick A. DeLuca Foundation Broward Community Fund. Additional funding is provided, in part by Broward County’s Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward County Cultural Council and Visit Lauderdale. History Fort Lauderdale is open seven days a week from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. with docent guided tours, daily, at 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Group walking tours are available upon special request. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for seniors and $7 for students through age 22 with a valid student ID. Admission is free for members, military and children ages six and under. Tickets are available online at: http://bit.ly/HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets For more information about History Fort Lauderdale, please call (954) 463-4431. Or visit us online at: https://historyfortlauderdale.org - Follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/ftlhistory - On Instagram: @ftlhistory. And on Twitter: @FTLHistory. Subscribe to us on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/user/FTLhistory History Fort Lauderdale Since 1962, History Fort Lauderdale has served as the proud steward of our community’s past by making our heritage accessible and engaging to residents and visitors. It brings the stories of our diverse community to life through engaging educational experiences, innovative cultural exhibits, research and preservation of artifacts. Guests to Fort Lauderdale are invited to explore the city’s rich past that is housed in historic buildings on a lushly landscaped campus - the History Museum of Fort Lauderdale situated in the 1905 New River Inn, the 1907 Pioneer House Museum, the 1899 Ivy Cromartie Schoolhouse Museum and the Hoch Research Library, South Florida’s foremost history center housing print resources and newspapers from 1910 - present plus 400,000 archival photos, 2,500 maps and 5,000 architectural blueprints. History Fort Lauderdale is located at 231 Southwest Second Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301. Tickets are available online at: http://bit.ly/HistoryFortLauderdaleTickets History Fort Lauderdale is a NonProfit Agency supported by memberships, grants and charitable contributions. Artwork by Florencia Clement de Grandprey Constance Ivana Previous Next

The American Kleptocracy: A Government of Liars, Thieves and Lawbreakers Thu Sep 08 2022 16:02:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Live In Hollywood: City-Owned Fully Renovated Homes For Sale Thu Sep 22 2022 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A Leftover Loss: How Americans Are Wasting Food And How To Break The Habit By Feature Impact Aug 20, 2026 Leftovers Are Getting Left Behind, Even As Americans Have Good Intentions About Eating Them. In Fact, There's Likely A Container Sitting In Your Refrigerator Right Now. To help families tackle this everyday challenge, Frigidaire's new AI-powered recipe assistant, Frankie, helps transform ingredients already in your fridge into fresh meal ideas. New research from Frigidaire shows just how widespread the leftovers dilemma has become: While 86% of survey respondents say they like or love leftovers, 74% admit they toss them out at least once a week. It adds up: According to the USDA, the average American family of four wastes roughly $1,500 annually on uneaten food. Despite having ready-made meals in the fridge, many Americans are opting for convenience. The research found that 90% of Americans admit to having chosen takeout, delivery or a drive-thru, even when they knew a perfectly good meal was waiting in their fridge. Common Reasons for Wasted Leftovers More than 50% of respondents said the No. 1 reason they throw out leftovers is simple: They forgot about them. Food gets pushed to the back of the fridge, effectively disappearing until it's too late, leading to concerns about freshness and food safety. Waste Feels Personal Respondents say their intentions are good, with 64% claiming to save leftovers to reduce food waste and 52% aiming to save money. In fact, 40% say finishing leftovers feels more rewarding than cooking a meal from scratch or ordering takeout. Still, good intentions aren't good enough. Leftovers are still forgotten and thrown out, often leaving people feeling guilty. With grocery prices and dining costs climbing, 70% say food waste now feels more frustrating or guilt-inducing than it used to. Make the Most of Leftovers Visibility plays a key role in reducing waste. More than 37% of respondents say better fridge organization - simply being able to see leftovers - would help them waste less. However, remembering leftovers is only part of the solution. That's where Frankie, Frigidaire's AI-powered recipe assistant, comes in. Designed to help families make the most of what's already in their refrigerators, the tool generates personalized recipes using ingredients users already have on hand, including leftover meals. Simply enter what you have on hand, along with preferences like cuisine type, number of servings and available cooking time, and it generates step-by-step recipes in seconds. The result is less food waste, more delicious meals and greater value from every grocery trip. To learn more about AI-powered meal solutions to help save money by using what you already have in your refrigerator, visit: www.Frigidaire.com . Previous Next

By Popular Demand - The Fantasticks Is Extended Through November 24th November 14, 2024 Share By popular demand, Island City Stage has extended the run of The Fantasticks, its South Florida premiere and season opener, through November 24th, 2024! Described as “magical” and “a triumph,” Island City Stage’s newly reimagined The Fantasticks is taking sold out audiences on a nostalgic and beloved musical journey. Theatergoers won’t want to miss this extended opportunity to see this new production by original librettist and lyricist Tom Jones that features two young compelling gay leads. “‘The Fantasticks’ is the classic it is for a reason - it’s a beautiful story with a sumptuous score,” said Andy Rogow, Artistic Director of Island City Stage. “This new same-sex version just makes it all the more relatable to the fans, like me, who wore out their albums listening to it. We worked hard to obtain the rights to perform this version and I'm sure our audiences will fall in love with the show all over again.” The Fantasticks is an allegorical story loosely based on Edmund Rostand's 1894 play The Romancers (Les Romanesques), concerning two neighboring parents who trick their children into falling in love by pretending to feud. The LGBTQIA+ focused rewrite features two young gay men, Matt and Lewis, at the center of the story, instead of a young man and woman (the original characters were Matt and Luisa). According to Playbill, during its original run at the Sullivan Street Playhouse in Greenwich Village, The Fantasticks logged a record-breaking 17,162 performances. When the original production closed in 2002, news of the closing made the front page of The New York Times. In 2006, the revival opened at The Theater Center, directed by Jones. That production closed June 4, 2017, after playing 4,390 performances in the Jerry Orbach Theatre, for a combined total of 21,552 performances in New York - still the longest-running musical production worldwide. Over the years, notable names who have appeared in the Off-Broadway and touring productions have included Liza Minnelli, Elliott Gould, F. Murray Abraham, Glenn Close, Keith Charles, Carole Demas, Kristin Chenoweth and Bert Convy. This newly revised version of the classic show premiered in 2022 in Michigan. Island City Stage’s production of The Fantasticks is directed by Rogow and stars Jonny Lee Jr. (Lewis), Kevin Hincapie (Matt) Jesse Luttrell (El Gallo), Margot Moreland (Mildred), Michael Gioia (Henry); Rayner Gabriel (Mortimer); Louie San Luis (Mute) and Jeni Hacker (Bessie). The Fantasticks is Co-Produced by Michael Mullins & Terry Gaw and Mark Loeser & The Opening Doors Charitable Trust. Lights and Sound Sponsor is Scott Bennett and Set Sponsor is Glenn Goldberg. Additional funding is provided by the following: The Our Fund Foundation, The Schubert Foundation Inc., The SHS Foundation, The Maval Foundation, The Warten Foundation and the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council. Island City Stage’s 2024-25Season of powerful storytelling focusing on the nature of families also includes the upcoming shows Edward Albee's A Delicate Balance from January 16th, 2024 – February 9th, 2025, Fat Ham by James Ijames from April 3rd, 2025 – May 4th, 2025; The Dying Gaul by Craig Lucas from May 22nd, 2025 – June 15th, 2025 and At The Wedding by Bryna Turner from August 21st, 2025 – September 21st, 2025. Individual show tickets start at $50. The show runs for two hours and 30 minutes with an intermission. “So don’t just try to remember, definitely do remember to get your tickets to The Fantasticks. You’ll watch history being made while having one heck of a redonculous good time doing it!” exclaimed Florida Theater On Stage’s Britin Haller. Island City Stage will also be offering two Flexpass options this season. The Flexpass5 ($215) offers five tickets that can be used all for one show or one for every show (no processing fees) and $5 off additional tickets purchased ($52 upfront savings). The Flexpass3 ($130) offers three tickets that can be used all for one show or one for every show (no processing fees) and $5 off additional tickets purchased ($33 upfront savings). Discounts are available for groups. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: www.islandcitystage.org - Call: (954) 928-9800. Or email: boxoffice@islandcitystage.org . Follow Island City Stage on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/IslandCityStageFL and on Instagram at: @islandcitystage1. Island City Stage Founded in 2012, Island City Stage is a professional theater committed to sharing stories of universal interest, engaging diverse audiences with entertaining, challenging, and inspiring productions and programs, often exploring the LGBTQ+ culture. These shows are brought to life on stage through the talents of professional artists whose credits include Broadway, Off Broadway, national tours, major regional theaters, film and television. Island City Stage offers an intimate setting with six rows of stadium seating to foster a feeling of inclusion and participation in each theatrical event. Island City Stage is a 501 (c) 3 NonProfit Organization. It is located at 2304 North Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors, Florida 33060. For tickets and more information, please call: (954) 928-9800. Or visit: www.islandcitystage.org . < Previous News Next News >

Check Out This October Lineup: Highlighted By Song, Music And Dance August 15, 2024 Share Season kickoffs of two South Florida cultural favorites, along with joyful Jewish music and dance are all on tap during October at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Both Arts Ballet Theatre of Florida and the Miami International Piano Festival begin their 2024-2025 Seasons, while the City of Aventura co-presents the first two of four “YI Love Jewish” shows highlighting Yiddish music and dance. On Saturday, October 12th at 7:30 p.m. Arts Ballet Theater of Florida and Artistic Director Vladimir Issaev launch the 2024/2025 Season with a Classical and Neoclassical Ballet Program that begins with the electrifying Una Danza Para Ti by Vicente Nebrada. Set to the vibrant music of Venezuelan composers, this high-energy, technically demanding piece for five couples captivates and thrills audiences. Talented male dancers then take the stage in Issaev's Vuelo, performed to Anton Arensky's beautiful "Nocturne." The program also includes Alberto Méndez's contemporary ballet Eros' Game, a pas de troisissetto set to the timeless music of Handel and Haydn that combines classical music with contemporary dance to explore themes of passion and love. This season opener concludes with the beloved classical ballet Paquita which is known for its exquisite technique and breathtaking corps de ballet work, and features choreography by Marius Petipa and music by Ludwig Minkus. Arts Ballet Theatre maintains a very strict late seating policy and latecomers will not be seated until intermission. The City of Aventura in partnership with YI Love Jewish presents The Wheel: Songs from the Road Featuring the Zisl Slepovitch Klezmer Trio on Thursday, October 17th at 8:00 p.m. Musicologist and singer D. Zisl Slepovitch presents a collection of rare, beautiful, and sometimes revelational, songs and instrumental pieces that he recorded from mostly elderly Jewish people and discovered in the archives in Eastern Europe with his mentor Dr. Nina Stepanskaya. Time Out New York reported, " . . . the brave sound of klezmer, played with a full heart and as loud as the clarinet can blow." Slepovitch is a Multi-Instrumentalist (Clarinetist, Saxophonist, Flutist, Pianist and Keyboardist, Singer) who is also renowned as a Conductor, Composer, Arranger, Translator, and music and Yiddish educator. This event is presented as part of the YI Love Jewish YIDFEST 2024 Series. On Saturday, October 19th at 8:00 p.m. the City of Aventura in partnership with YI Love Jewish presents Yiddish Tangos featuring Aaron Kula, his Klezmer Company Jazz Orchestra and Avi Hoffman. Yiddish Tangos fuses Yiddish melodies with tango rhythms, producing a unique and sensuous sound embracing two distinct cultures. During World War II, Jewish composers added their voices to tango, which was popular on both sides of the Atlantic. Featured at major festivals around the world, this event highlights Hoffman's tales of Jewish culture and live dancers to bring the passion of Yiddish and tango to all ages. This event is presented as part of the YI Love Jewish YIDFEST 2024 Series. Miami International Piano Festival opens its new season at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center with Concerto Night featuring three Acclaimed Pianists and Conducted by Igor Gruppman at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 20th. The program features Vyacheslav Gryasnov performing Mozart's Concerto No. 12 in A Major, Florian Noack performing Mendelssohn's Concerto No. 2 in D Minor and Dmitry Ablogin performing Hummel's Concerto No. 2 in A Minor. Tickets to all four shows are on sale now. Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Buy tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222 or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. Join the conversation, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram at: @aventuracenter. Or: #aventuracenter. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts manages the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, a 14,864-square-foot, 330-seat waterfront complex that hosts performing arts, cultural and educational programming for all ages. < Previous News Next News >

Heart & Heritage Compliments Of Chef Nikol Zarbalas Chef Nikol Zarbalas – the indefatigable chef and restaurateur behind Hellenic restaurant in Coral Springs – is redefining Greek and Mediterranean-inspired dining with a restaurant built on heritage, heart, and 100% house-made, from-scratch cooking. Following a successful soft opening in early January 2026, Zarbalas and her tight-knit staff (some of whom are her own children) are preparing for the official grand opening later this month, which will include the introduction of a full bar program. “We started small by design, focusing on our flavors and execution so that when we officially opened with all the bells and whistles, we’d be ready,” says Zarbalas. “Hellenic can now be everything we want it to be, a restaurant that delivers as much substance as it does soul and never lets up when it comes to making its guests feel at home.” For those in the know, Hellenic has been a hotspot since it first arrived on the scene in a much smaller incarnation and space in 2019, where it quickly built a loyal following and earned recognition. So much so, it was featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, and Chef Zarbalas herself appeared on Guy's Grocery Games, further solidifying her reputation for bold flavors and dynamic culinary talent. The growing national spotlight only deepened guests’ curiosity about the flavors coming out of Zarbalas’ kitchen. Now located in a more spacious footprint at 10436 West Atlantic Boulevard, Coral Springs, Florida 33071 both loyal fans and the uninitiated have space to stretch out and enjoy the big flavors and soulful cookery Zabalas is known for. Hellenic’s menu celebrates traditional Greek flavors interpreted through Chef Zarbalas’ modern lens. The menu is expansive, overflowing with temptations that can be ordered any number of ways; as shareables for grazing or as a la carte main plates for a more traditional dining experience. Regardless of how you order, here as some signature selections across multiple categories that should not be missed: Greek Heat Wings – fried crispy and tossed in a spicy house sauce (appetizer); a Greek Quesadilla with pita, mozzarella, diced tomatoes, pickled onions, a choice of protein and special Hellenic sauce and as seen on the Food Network, and the Greek Dip – braised lamb, caramelized onion and cheese on crusty French bread with a sidecar of au jus (handhelds); Kataifi Fried Shrimp – shrimp wrapped in kataifi (shredded phyllo), served atop cheesy Greek-style grits (trahana) and finished with a jalapeno simple syrup and fresh herbs; Moussaka and Smothered Chicken – charbroiled chicken breast served over rice with sauteed vegetables and dressed with a feta cream sauce (entrees). For brunch, look no further, Chef’s Waffle Melt, a fried chicken sandwich on a waffle with bacon, egg, cheese, avocado, and Shrimp & Trahana – sauteed shrimp with trahana, loukaniko, peppers, onion, and tomatoes, and finished with crumbled feta. Of course, for dessert, there’s nothing better than Bougatsa – warm semolina custard wrapped in phyllo and baked until golden, finished with a dusting of sugar and cinnamon, and served hot; baklava, from scratch, and baklava cheesecake – a generous slice of New York-style cheesecake topped with dulce de leche baklava and dusted with powdered sugar. The Hellenic business model is as community-oriented as it is flavor-forward, with sustainability a core principle. No food goes to waste; any surplus not used in-house is donated directly to the community. Her advocacy reaches far beyond food, as Chef regularly steps into her local community to personally support the homeless and those in need, reinforcing her conviction that hospitality is an act of service. That sense of responsibility to the ingredients, to the craft, and to the people being served didn’t happen by accident. It was shaped long before. Born into a family deeply rooted in hospitality, Chef Zarbalas draws inspiration from her upbringing in a Greek household with ties to the Peloponnese region of Greece. Her parents owned the beloved Zorba’s Diner, with one location in New York and another in Philadelphia, along with a series of pizza shops, food carts, and food trucks, where she first learned that the kitchen is more than a workplace; it is the heart of the home. She credits her mother for instilling in her both the technical knowledge and passion that now define her culinary philosophy. Building on that foundation, Zarbalas carried her family’s traditions into her own ventures. Before opening Hellenic, she launched a successful catering company and later operated “The Food Republic” in Fort Lauderdale, honing her identity as a chef and host. Each chapter strengthened her belief that food is a bridge between people and cultures. Today, that belief comes full circle as she stands in the kitchen alongside her oldest son, Dimitrios, who serves as Executive Sous Chef, making Hellenic not just a restaurant, but a continuation of her family’s legacy. Naturally, that philosophy is reflected in the space itself. Designed entirely by Chef Zarbalas, Hellenic blends polished concrete floors and exposed ceilings with warm lighting, cozy seating, and inviting textures, balancing industrial edge with homelike comfort. At the center of the dining room sits a striking 20-seat communal table, repurposed from the original counter at Hellenic’s first location, now reimagined for shared meals, chef’s table experiences, and special gatherings. Tucked into a cozy corner is a free library with over 2,000 books, from which Zabalas invites all guests to take a book or leave a book, but no matter what, feel free to “gather, linger, and connect.” As Hellenic steps into this new chapter, Chef Nikol Zarbalas remains rooted in the values that have gotten her to this point: authenticity, family, and heartfelt hospitality. What started as a small neighborhood concept has grown into a vibrant gathering place where tradition meets innovation and every guest is treated like family. With each dish and every shared table, Hellenic continues its promise to honor its heritage, serve with pride, and create a true home away from home. Hellenic is located at 10436 West Atlantic Boulevard, Coral Springs, Florida 33071. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon - 10:00 p.m.; Brunch is served exclusively on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. Noon - 4:00 p.m.. For more information, visit: https://www.orderhellenic.com/ . Or phone: (954) 323-2450. For reservations, please visit: www.OpenTable.com . Follow: @eathellenicon Social Media. Previous Next

When Opera Meets Jazz: The Uniting Force Of Music December 8, 2023 Share Miami, a city pulsating with vibrant rhythms, is set to witness an unprecedented fusion of two seemingly distinct musical worlds. The Murray Dranoff Foundation, renowned for its commitment to nurturing piano performance, is pushing the boundaries of musical expression with a groundbreaking event: "Opera Meets Jazz," presented by the Dranoff 2 Piano Foundation. On the stage of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center, two maestros—Latin Jazz Grammy Nominee Martin Bejerano and Dutch Classical Pianist Mike Del Ferro—are poised to embark on a musical odyssey that transcends the conventional. Together, they weave a sonic tapestry that binds the hallowed arias of opera with the improvisational flair of Jazz, guided by the dulcet tones of lyric Soprano Ella Marcus. The repertoire is a tour de force, drawing from the most iconic operatic compositions: the fiery passion of Carmen, the heart-wrenching drama of Tosca, and the tragic allure of Rigoletto. What emerges from this fusion is not just a performance but an experience—an enchanting synthesis of classical roots and the effervescent spirit of Jazz. Martin and Mike, each a luminary in their own right, bring their distinct sensibilities to the stage, igniting a musical dialogue that defies convention. Their convergence is not merely a collision of genres but a celebration of their harmonious coexistence, revealing the intricate threads that connect seemingly disparate musical forms. At the heart of this musical alchemy lies Ella Marcus, whose Ethereal Soprano voice elevates the performance to celestial heights. Her renditions infuse these timeless arias with a new vitality, breathing fresh life into the familiar melodies and evoking a spectrum of emotions that resonate deeply with the audience. But this event is more than just a concert—it's an invitation to an exclusive musical rendezvous. The VIP experience offers patrons the chance to immerse themselves in the magic of the evening with preferred seating and select drink vouchers, creating an atmosphere of luxury and indulgence for those 21 and above. Scheduled for January 28, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., this extraordinary spectacle promises to be a symphony of emotions, a melange of melodies, and a celebration of musical diversity. Seats for this transcendent performance start at $40.00, inviting music enthusiasts and aficionados alike to witness the seamless fusion of two artistic realms. The Murray Dranoff Foundation, through this avant-garde initiative, continues its legacy of pushing the boundaries of musical expression. By bridging the gap between opera and jazz, they invite each of us to explore the uncharted territories where notes transcend genres, where melodies converge, and where music becomes a universal language that speaks to the soul. As the curtains rise on this unprecedented collaboration, Miami prepares to witness not just a performance but a revelation - a testament to the unifying power of music and the boundless creativity that emerges when diverse musical traditions intertwine. Join us on this musical voyage - a journey that transcends boundaries and embraces the rich tapestry of human expression through the medium of sound. Tickets Ticketmaster is the only official ticketing service of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. You can purchase tickets online at: www.aventuracenter.org - By phone at: (877) 311-7469. Or: (954) 462-0222. Or in person at the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center box office Wednesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. Noon to 5:00 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. For Group Sales, please call: (954) 660-6307. Parking FREE parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in front of the Aventura Community Recreation Center and the Aventura City of Excellence School. Valet service is available for most performances at $20 per vehicle. Valet parking is located at the main entrance of the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center in the circular drive. There is a convenient drop-off area in front of the building. The Aventura Arts & Cultural Center is located at: 3385 Northeast 188th Street, Aventura, Florida 33180. < Previous News Next News >

What does Archaeology say about the Jewish Claim to Israel? Fri Jul 19 2024 16:05:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

State Of The City Address Part VI: Transformational Change Has Been Happening Throughout Hallandale Beach Thu Jun 27 2024 16:01:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Sports Can Empower Young Women To Conquer Challenges By Dr. Brian Hainline Apr 3, 2025 We're Lucky To Have More Female Sports Stars Than Ever. But In Terms Of Athletic Participation, American Girls Are Still Considerably Less Likely To Play A Sport Than Boys. Each Year, Boys Get About 1.13 Million More Sports Opportunities Than Girls. As someone who has spent a career studying the impact of athletics on mental and physical health, I see a strong correlation between this disparity and a troubling trend. In recent years, girls have experienced substantial declines in mental health relative to boys. Between 2011 and 2021, the number of girls who felt persistently sad or hopeless increased from 36% to 57%, nearly double the number for boys. Boosting the number of girls in sports could go a long way toward improving their mental and physical health, along with their general well-being. A recent report from the Women's Sports Foundation looked at data from several academic studies. Mental health disorders were 1.5 to 2.5 times less common for girls who currently play a sport compared to those who never have. Girls who participate in athletics also reported significantly higher levels of meaning and purpose, as well as stronger peer relationships. As a doctor and former collegiate athlete myself, I can attest that sports are a great way to help young people develop emotional resilience. Whether it's learning a new skill, working through a tough loss, or coming back from an injury, young athletes learn what it's like to become goal-oriented and overcome setbacks in a supportive environment that is challenging and fun. The gender disparity in athletic participation points to an opportunity. More sports involvement can help girls improve their physical and emotional health. Most forms of physical activity will have a positive impact, but studies suggest some will do more good than others. For example, an extensive study in the Mayo Clinic Proceedings looked at the impact on longevity of eight popular sports. As compared to participants who remained sedentary, everyone who took up a sport experienced health benefits. But Tennis came in first by a wide margin, increasing life expectancy by 9.7 years, ahead of Badminton, Soccer and Cycling. A separate study found that just three hours of racquet sports; specifically Tennis, Badminton and Squash -- and not Pickleball, a week reduces a person's risk of death from Cardiovascular Disease by 56% -- and the risk of death from all causes by 47%. A 2016 study found that college students who trained at Tennis for 90 minutes a week had lower levels of Anxiety and Depression. Tennis has no shortage of female role models who have overcome personal challenges. Serena Williams, winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, has spoken about her struggles with body image and Coco Gauff, the third-ranked WTA player at just 20, has talked about her Mental Health challenges. Their openness helps make them inspirational figures. Whatever sport a girl chooses, it will have a positive impact on her health, while building confidence, self-sufficiency and discipline. Closing the gender gap in sports participation could go a long way toward ensuring young boys and girls can develop skills to live healthy and rewarding lives. Brian Hainline, MD is Immediate Past President of the United States Tennis Association and recently transitioned from the NCAA as their Chief Medical Officer. He co-chaired the International Olympic Committee Consensus Meetings on both Pain Management in Elite Athletes and Mental Health in Elite Athletes. Brian is Clinical Professor of Neurology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. Previous Next

Sell Your Change Tue Jun 08 2021 17:40:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)