May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month —a time to celebrate strength, confidence, and the importance of staying active! Girls Inc. Brand Ambassadors know the importance of physical fitness in helping one feel strong and confident. We asked our Brand Ambassadors to highlight one memorable moment in sports and how this developed their leadership skills and teamwork.  

Aisha, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Greater Miami, reflects on her experience doing cross country, “Sports has never really been my thing but I decided totake on one: cross country. It has helped me grow stronger not just physically, but mentally. Long runs taught me discipline and perseverance, especially on days when I wanted to quit but kept going anyway. I also built real friendships, not just with my teammates but with other runners at meets. Talking before races and cheering each other on showed me the power of connection and sportsmanship. One moment that stands out was finishing a race where I didn’t think I could make it. I pushed through exhaustion, and when I crossed the line, I felt proud, confident, and supported. Cross country helped me grow into a stronger, more determined, and connected version of myself.” 

Berklee, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Philadelphia & Southern New Jersey, says, “Physical fitness and sports have helped me grow in so many ways beyond just staying healthy. Playing flag football has taught me teamwork, leadership, discipline, and confidence. Being part of a team showed me how important communication and supporting others can be, especially during stressful moments. Fitness has also helped me become mentally stronger and more motivated in everyday life. One moment that stands out to me was during a flag football game when my team was losing and everyone was getting discouraged. Instead of giving up, we encouraged each other and kept pushing. I ended up making an important play that helped shift the energy of the game, and even though we were tired, we worked together until the end. That experience made me feel proud because it showed me how confidence, resilience, and teamwork can make a huge difference both on and off the field.” 

Leila, a Brand Ambassador from Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis, says, “I was never much of an athlete growing up, but it was not for lack of trying. My mother had me enrolled in every sport under the sun; soccer, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, dance; you name it, I probably tried it. However, I always ended up quitting for one reason or another, whether it was that my feet hurt, my tutu was uncomfortable, or I simply felt out of place. For a long time, I told myself that sports were just not my thing, but looking back, I think the real issue was that I struggled to connect with my teammates. I was always too shy to talk to others, so I silently followed the routine without ever really making friends. Being a part of Girls Inc. has really taught me how to step out of my shell and make these connections, and this has really changed the way I see physical fitness. Being active is an opportunity to build confidence, connection, and community. Now that I am in college, my friends and I get together to work out three times a week. While I may not be the best athlete, I am truly grateful for the friendships I have built through fitness. Being able to share those moments with others makes it meaningful and keeps me motivated to keep going.” 

 National Physical Fitness and Sports Month is a reminder that physical well-being supports girls’ confidence, perseverance, and strength. Girls Inc. is proud to offer opportunities for girls to build community and develop leadership skills through sports and activity.