In 2018, after becoming Nigeria’s first Winter Olympian and the first African and Black woman to compete in the sport of skeleton at the Olympics, Simidele “Simi” Adeagbo wanted to make sure that the doors she pushed open would remain open for other women and girls. But she recognized that there was a significant need to create more access for underrepresented female athletes to reach the starting line. Also, knowing the social benefits cultivated through sport which are thought to be especially important for girls, she saw an opportunity to uplift the next generation.
She took action, designing a curriculum based on the principles of sports to build girl’s leadership skills. She’s implemented the program to more than 500 girls in Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Morocco and the US in partnership with YEDI (Youth Empowerment Development Initiative), Nike Made to Play, Grassroot Soccer, INSAF (Morocco’s National Institute of Solidarity for Girls and Women in Distress) and Girl Pride Circle.
After the successful rollout of her curriculum, she founded the SimiSleighs Foundation in 2021 to expand on her work, creating exciting new ways to increase access for marginalized female athletes within the Olympic and Paralympic movement, while also inspiring and empowering every girl to reach their full potential through the power of sport.
Together, Adeagbo, the board, team and supporters are creating a more equal world of sport and unlocking the potential of the next generation of girls.
Where it All Began
Our Vision
5
Countries
1M+
Girls And Women Impacted
$1M+
Grants Funding Awarded
*10 year projection
Why access to sport for girls
and women matters
Sport is one of the most powerful platforms for promoting gender equality and empowering girls and women.
We’re focused on two vital areas to help women and girls thrive through sport:
1) Advancing gender equality within the Olympic and Paralympic movement by supporting elite female athletes
2) Unlocking the leadership potential of everyday girls through the power of sport
While progress has been made, the opportunity gap persists
Gender equality strengthens the Olympic and Paralympic movements
5
Gender equality in sport positively contributes towards 5 UN Sustainable Development Goals (5:Gender Equality, 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, 10: Reduced Inequalities, 16:Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions, 17: Partnerships for the Goals)
*Olympism 365 Strategy, International Olympic Committee (2021)42%
The top 10 delegations in Tokyo 2020 with the greatest number of female athletes accounted for 42% of all female athletes, but female athletes from historically underrepresented groups still have less opportunities.
*Women in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Report, Women’s Sports Foundation (2022)39%
39.5% of IOC Athlete Scholarships for Tokyo 2020 and 38.2% of IOC Athlete Scholarships for Beijing 2022 were awarded to women.
*Olympic Scholarships for Athletes Tokyo 2020 Report, International Olympic Committee (2021)27
In 2020, of the 162 National Paralympic Committees, 27 NPCs did not include a female athlete (down from 42 in 2016).
*Women in the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Report, Women’s Sports Foundation (2022)
Sport cultivates leadership skills and confidence
14%
Girls who are involved in sports are 14 percent more likely to believe they are smart enough for their dream career.
*A Girls’ Index Impact Report, The Girls’ Index (2018)94%
94 percent of women in the C-suite played sport.
*Where will you find your next leader?, Ernst & Young/espnW (2020)61%
61% of executive women believe sporting involvement has contributed to their own career success.
*Where will you find your next leader?Ernst & Young/espnW (2020)13%
Greater athletic opportunities for women led to women staying in school longer and entering male-dominated occupations, particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Girls who are involved in sports are 13% more likely to be considering a career in math and/or science.
*A Girls’ Index Impact Report, The Girls’ Index (2018)Through game-changing grants, meaningful partnerships, and impactful programming, we’re taking action to close the gender gap for female athletes and to empower girls and women everywhere to reach their full potential through sport.
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Athlete Grant Program
Through a first-of-its-kind grant program, the SimiSleighs Foundation helps to level the playing field for female Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls by providing funding and connecting athletes with crucial resources. The grant program increases available funding to female athletes with financial need. Grant recipients are empowered through access to support networks and holistic programming focused on mental health, nutrition, innovation, economic empowerment and leadership development. The grant program advances gender equality at the Olympics and Paralympics through building an effective talent pipeline of female athletes.
The SimiSleighs Foundation Athlete Grant Program is not currently accepting applications. You can learn more about the program by clicking on the below button.
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Leadership Program
The SimiSleighs Foundation provides the tools and training adolescent girls need to reach their full potential. Our engaging, educational and fun sport-based curriculum focuses on building core leadership principles, confidence and courage. Impact is scaled through mentorship, partnerships with grassroots organizations, in-person and virtual events programming and long-term community impact projects. The leadership program increases girls' access to play and sport opportunities and elevates their leadership skills and ability to use their knowledge to drive change in their lives and communities. We’ve implemented our leadership program across the globe in partnership with various organizations including YEDI (Youth Empowerment Development Initiative), Nike Made to Play, Grassroot Soccer, INSAF (Morocco’s National Institute of Solidarity for Girls and Women in Distress) and Girl Pride Circle.
We’re expanding our partner network in 2023. Contact us to learn how you can get involved to support the development of a new generation of leaders.