Help little girls dream big

Someone recently introduced me to Go! Go! Sports Girls - dolls that are symbols for what young girls should be doing - living at their own age (versus a 22 year old Barbie) with normal kids clothing on (not a sexy 2-piece) and getting out there and getting active in their sport of choice.

Intrigued, I reached out to Jodi Norgaard to find out a little more about what made her develop this idea:

How did you come up with this idea?

Two experiences led to my inspiration. For four years I coached “Girls on the Run”, in which my daughter participated. It is an amazing program which teaches girls confidence through running. I saw the program change the lives of not only the young girls, but mine too. The girls learned how to work as a team, encourage one another, and do their best. At the end of each 12 week program, all the girls and coaches run a 5K. At the finish line of one 5K, a young girl from my program who had struggled with running said, “Thank you, Coach Jodi, now I know I can do anything.”
The second experience wasn’t as uplifting. When my daughter was 9 years old I went out to purchase a doll for her. Many of the dolls I saw sent an inappropriate message: grow up fast, wear short skirts and put on makeup. This frustrated me and made me angry. So I decided to do something about it by creating my own doll which would encourage young girls to embrace and enjoy their true age. My hope is that the Go! Go! Sports Girls help deliver the right message.

What feedback have you received from parents? The feedback has been extremely positive! I have received a number of positive letters and phone calls. Parents seem to be excited about a doll with a healthy image and that it is age appropriate. Here are quotes from two moms: “So refreshing to see dolls that are realistic. Dolls that show you don’t have to be a model.” “As an active mom of three active girls I am thrilled about the Go! Go! Sports Girls!”

The dolls receiving the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award has also been very positive. Parents trust the Oppenheim Awards!

Did you play sports growing up and if so, how did this help boost your self esteem? I did play a lot of sports growing up, but there weren’t as many organized sports for young girls as there are now. My favorite organized sports were tennis, track and swimming, which I continue to enjoy. When I was a kid my parents encouraged me to play outside and participate in sports. That helped me realize the positive benefits physically and mentally of exercising and I am so thankful for this. Self-esteem is very important throughout life and for me, being involved in a sport has helped greatly. I also see the positive benefits of sports and self-esteem in my children. My feeling is if we encourage kids to be active and healthy now, then there is a good chance they will continue to be active and healthy adults. Sports and physical activity play an important part of my family life. My husband, three kids and I love to hike, bike, ski, golf, play tennis and swim together. Exercising alone is my meditation. It makes me a better person and mom!

Anything else you’d like to tell me.... I want to spread this positive message and for every child to know they can “dream big and go for it!” My company’s goal is to help others. To that end, I am thrilled to have partnered with Girls Inc., a national nonprofit dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold. We donate 5% of our profits from the sale of the Go! Go! Sports Girl dolls to support their program services for girls. Together we hope to encourage and inspire girls to develop and live a healthy lifestyle.

Check out Go! Go! Sports Girls website and, "Like" them on Facebook! After all, your kids deserve an age appropriate doll!

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• Filed Under:  
• Basketball, Cycling, Skating, Golf, Gymnastics, Running, Soccer, Softball, Tennis, Track & Field, SportsPLUS, Family/Parenting, Fun Stuff, Youth, Student-Athlete, Multisport