( ENSPIRE Sports ) Darryl Woods, Executive Director of Coaches Vs. Racism
ENSPIRE Contributor: Gabrielle Maya
The fight against racism takes center court on December 7th, 2024, as Coaches Vs. Racism (CVR) hosts its 4th Annual All-Women’s Roundball Classic in Washington, D.C. This isn’t just about slam dunks and three-pointers; it elevates women’s basketball while sparking crucial conversations about racial equity in sports.
This electrifying triple-header features matchups between Norfolk State and Saint Louis, Arizona State and Maryland Eastern Shore, and Georgetown facing off against Colgate. But the action extends beyond the hardwood. CVR, a non-profit championing social justice in athletics, aims to use this event as a platform for dialogue on racism within the sports world.
“This event is an important platform to raise awareness about social justice,” said Arizona State Head Coach Natasha Adair. Her team’s participation reflects CVR’s core mission: empowering athletes to be advocates for change. CVR has teamed with several Division I schools, college coaches, HBCU schools, and professional sports teams to promote awareness of Social Injustice, Economic Divide, Equality, Reform, and Systemic Racism (SEERS) in sports.
The nonprofit organization goes beyond raising awareness. Through its “Good Start” program, CVR tackles financial barriers that hinder student-athletes’ academic success. This program paves the way for a more equitable playing field by providing scholarships.
“Coaches Vs. Racism was built to shine a spotlight on systemic racism and bridge the racial divide through sports,” said Darryl Woods, Executive Director of Coaches Vs. Racism. “This year, we wanted to host the Roundball Classic with an all women’s tournament, showcasing six high-level basketball teams and further elevating the women’s game while also providing a platform for meaningful discussions around important topics like reform, equality, social justice, and more.”
The Coaches Vs. Racism Roundball Classic is more than just a game; it’s a call to action. It’s a chance to celebrate women’s basketball, confront racism in sports, and invest in student-athletes future. So grab your tickets, head to Washington D.C. on December 7th, and join the fight for a more inclusive and just sports landscape. For the latest information and to buy tickets, go to www.coachesvsracism.org. For more details about Coaches vs. Racism and upcoming events, visit coachesvsracism.org. Follow the conversation on Instagram or by using #CoachesVsRacism.
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