In the heart of Las Vegas, nearly 100 middle school girls were introduced to the world of flag football through the RUSH program. Funded by the Las Vegas Raiders and taught by professors from the UNLV School of Public Health, RUSH is a unique initiative that aims to showcase the positive impact sports can have on young lives.
Dr. Jennifer Pharr, a professor of public health at UNLV, was thrilled to share the many benefits of sports with these girls. She highlighted how participating in sports can lower the risks of chronic diseases, improve mental health, and develop valuable skills like leadership and goal-setting. Despite these benefits, research has shown that girls in middle school drop out of sports at a higher rate than boys, which is why RUSH was designed to encourage girls to continue playing sports through high school.
Flag football was chosen as the core of the program due to its increasing popularity among girls and the opportunities it provides for scholarships and future participation in collegiate leagues. The program also focuses on providing young girls with the tools they need to navigate their teen years successfully and avoid health challenges later in life.
RUSH was created in response to the alarming increase in anxiety and depression among teens during the pandemic. Dr. Pharr emphasized that sports play an essential role in helping girls build confidence, resist peer pressure, and avoid negative health outcomes down the line. The ultimate goal of RUSH is to empower youth in Las Vegas to thrive and succeed in all aspects of their lives.
As these young girls took their first steps onto the field, they were filled with excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead. With RUSH by their side, they had every opportunity to succeed both on and off the field.