Bowa Gives Invite Is Ready To Start New Standard For Girls

Jan 13, 2025

It will be a win-win opportunity for many track and field female athletes on Sunday, February 9

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Ashley Ehimwenman is the executive director of BOWA Gives. She is also an avid track and field enthusiast who puts her money where her mouth is in a sport's success that thrives on support in many areas. So, it's no coincidence that Ehimwenman is set to usher in a unique opportunity for girls. Take a peek as she breaks down the organization's goals and missions for the Super Bowl weekend:

BOWA Gives started as the community outreach initiative of BOWA Construction. In 2022, it officially became a nonprofit organization with a mission beyond building a successful business. It set out to build stronger, more connected communities, focusing on collaborating with like-minded organizations to make a more significant impact. The past couple of years have marked important milestones for BOWA Gives, particularly in track and field, as they responded to community calls to reinvigorate interest in the sport for youth in Chicago.

In partnership with the Chicago Park District, they proudly led the second annual "Race to Gately: A Race to Find the Fastest Kids in Chicago" and hosted the inaugural "BOWA Gives Girls' Invite" at the Dr. Conrad Worrill Track & Field Center. To make these events unforgettable for young athletes, the Olympic athletes were present for high-fives and photo opportunities while securing support from leading brand partners such as Gatorade and Mondo. Both are returning their support this second year.

The initial goal was to create an athletic experience specifically for female athletes. " As a former student-athlete, I understand sports' transformative power in a young girl's life," Ehimwenman stated. This belief drives their mission to provide a platform highlighting the importance of female participation in athletics. "We recognize that a lack of resources and support often limits access to sports, including facilities, programming, and qualified instructors."

Motivated by the success and this core belief, they announced the 2025 Girls' Invite in collaboration with the Chicago Park District and National Girls and Women in Sports Day last year. This event offers young female athletes from the city and across the Midwest a unique platform to connect with mentors and feel supported, encouraged, and empowered. It also underscores Chicago's dedication to investing in and uplifting young women, particularly those using sports as a positive and empowering outlet.

The 2025 Girls' Invite will be a two-day event:

Day 1: A day focused on empowering girls in sports through meaningful discussions on issues specific to female athletes. We will host a panel featuring several outstanding former female athletes who now work in and around the sports industry, followed by age-appropriate breakout sessions for deeper conversations.

Day 2: Competition Day! The morning will feature a USATF-sanctioned meet for the 5-14 age division. The afternoon will conclude with an invite-only IHSA meet hosted by Whitney Young, showcasing top high school talent.

Notable special guests from the sports industry will appear over the weekend as guest panelists on Saturday and event attendees on Sunday. The names will be announced in mid-January.

" We look forward to having the city's support for these girls as we want this to be the premier girls' track and field weekend - for the Midwest!"