In February, Clemmie Perry, a former NFL cheerleader, hosted a special gathering at Amalie Arena. The event celebrated National Girls and Women in Sports Day and brought together five major sports organizations: the Buccaneers, Lightning, Rays, Rowdies, and Sun FC. The goal was to highlight the achievements of women in sports, a field often dominated by men.
Clemmie Perry is passionate about empowering women. She founded Women of Color Golf and Girls on the Green Tee to promote change and representation in sports. Clemmie grew up with a strong sports influence, thanks to her father, Charles Perry. He was one of the first African-American players in the NFL and a key figure in basketball history. His legacy inspired Clemmie to make her mark in the sports world.
Perry shared her journey from corporate executive to golf enthusiast after losing her job. She couldn’t afford new golf clubs, so she used a set she found. This experience motivated her to help others, leading to the giveaway of golf clubs at her recent event. She realized that women, particularly women of color, were underrepresented in golf, and wanted to change that.
A vital part of Perry’s journey was her mentor, Dr. Renee Powell. As one of the first African-American women on the LPGA Tour, she shaped Clemmie’s understanding of the sport. Dr. Powell’s contributions to golf and the community showed Clemmie the importance of having role models. She emphasized that while millions play golf, only a small percentage are women, particularly women of color. This stark reality spurred Clemmie to take action.
Bucs Host Women in Football Weekend
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are excited to host the inaugural She is Football Weekend on March 7-8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. Sponsored by Jabil, this event will celebrate women and girls in sports and feature a career summit, a girls’ flag football tournament, and a 5K run.
Darcie Glazer Kassewitz, Buccaneers Owner, shared that their family has always worked to create opportunities for everyone. She emphasized how sports can help build future leaders. With studies showing that a large percentage of women in leadership played sports in their youth, the Buccaneers aim to encourage girls to stay involved in athletics.
Jabil, a major employer in the Tampa Bay region, aims to inspire the next generation of female leaders. Tuba Kuklen from Jabil highlighted the importance of equipping women and girls with the confidence to pursue their dreams, whether in business or sports.
The Women’s Summit will kick off the weekend at Raymond James Stadium, featuring female leaders across various industries. It promises mentorship opportunities and valuable discussions for women at all career stages. On March 8, the She is Football 5K Run, Walk, and Stroll will welcome participants of all levels, with proceeds supporting sports programs for girls. The day will also include a market for women-owned businesses and educational tours of the AdventHealth Training Center.
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