National Girls and Women in Sports Day Profile: Ciera Mack
Editor's Note: With National Girls and Women in Sports Day being celebrated on Feb. 5, the Lynx organization will be highlighting female athletes throughout the week. According to the Women's Sports Foundation, Education is the most effective way of remedying discrimination. Thus, National Girls and Women in Sports Day is not just a day to celebrate the achievements of women in sports to the exclusion of the achievement of male athletes. It is a day where males and females focus on (1) the importance of remedying past discrimination against women in sports, (2) the benefits of sports participation for girls, and (3) addressing the myths that have kept both boys and girls from supporting girls' sports participation; myths like "throws like a girl", girls who play sports are lesbians, girls who do gymnastics get eating disorders, etc. Today, we continue with Ciera Mack.
Name:Ciera Mack
What do you love most about sports?
What I like the most about sports is that it gives me something to do and helps me stay fit and healthy. It is also a great way to meet new people and make new friends. ?
Who are female athletes you look up to? Why?
I look up to all of the Lynx players and Candice Wiggins. They have amazing personalities and are amazing basketball players. They care about their fans and give back to the community. ?
Why do you think sports are important for you and other young female athletes?
I think it is important because it keeps us active and healthy. You can develop new friendships with people you may not have met if you hadnt played on a team with them or played against them. It also gives you confidence.
How do sports help you stay active and fit?
You want to be the best in whatever sport that you are doing and to do that you have to keep practicing. When I practice and play basketball, I run, shoot, dribble and pass the ball. All of those things develop muscles in my arms and legs and help me stay fit. ?
What lessons do you learn from sports that you use in everyday life?
I have learned that you need to practice in order to become better at whatever you want to do in life. Ive learned that you have to believe in yourself and others around you and trust them to be there for you. Ive learned its not about winning all the time. It is about teamwork and working hard and doing your best and learning from your mistakes. ?
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