Press Releases

BAWSI enters partnership to lower obesity in teen girls

School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County to begin pilot program at Overfelt High School

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (April 6, 2005) - With the U.S. Surgeon General reporting that one of six American girls is obese, the newly formed BAY AREA WOMEN'S SPORTS INITIATIVE (BAWSI) has been invited into a partnership by School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County in launching a pilot program to combat obesity among teen-age girls. This program is generously supported by Kaiser Permanente.

The pilot program, involving 13 girls ranging in age and physical ability, will be offered beginning April 14 at the Overfelt Neighborhood Health Clinic on the campus of San Jose's W.C. Overfelt High School, one of primary care medical facilities operated by School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County.

BAWSI will be responsible for the physical activity component of the three-point program - which also includes nutrition and peer education - and will use curriculum provided by GoGirlGo!, a program of the Women's Sports Foundation. Each participant on the GoGirlGo! fitness team will commit to a minimum of eight two-hour sessions involving group activities, walking on the school track and working with written materials, which include a story by a champion female athlete. BAWSI also will provide college and professional athletes, who will work one-on-one with the participants.

"Too many girls lack the confidence to try a team sport or aren't encouraged to participate," said Marlene Bjornsrud, BAWSI's executive director. "Our approach to teaching healthy lifestyles removes those obstacles by teaming these girls with accomplished female athletes who've had real-world experience and success in conquering those problems."

School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County will assess the program at the end of eight weeks to determine its success in raising the physical activity levels of the girls and in promoting their self-esteem and confidence in anticipation of expanding the program to additional clinics in September at the beginning of the new school year.

"The GoGirlGo! program will be a huge benefit - and a rewarding experience - for all the girls who participate," said Diego Certa, Overfelt High principal. "By combining sports participation and health education with women athletes as positive role models, GoGirlGo! will be a welcome addition to W.C. Overfelt High School's extracurricular activity program."

School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County is a not for profit agency based in San Jose that ensures thousands of young people each year receive the medical care they need to remain healthy, physically fit and in school.

The Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative exists to inspire and create partnerships between women in sports and leaders in business, education, government and communities that increase opportunities and visibility of women's sports while bringing hope, health and wholeness to children and young women. Visit us on the Web at www.bawsi.org.

CONTACT: Jody Meacham BAY AREA WOMEN'S SPORTS INITIATIVE (408) 247-2544     jody@bawsi.org

CONTACT: Pilar L. Furlong School Health Clinics of Santa Clara County 408.282.4347     pilarf@schoolhealthclinics.org