Aberdeen, S.D. – Northern State University swimming has partnered with the Sports Bra Project this fall, and will be collecting new sports bras through the Gypsy Days weekend. The Sports Bra Project increases access to sports for women and girls by removing barriers to participate.
 
"I learned about the Sports Bra Project at the Women's Coaches Symposium in Minneapolis last spring," explained Nicole Monanian, head swim coach. "As females in sport in the United States, we are surrounded by other females in sport and that seem to become the norm, however we forget for a lot of women and girls it is a challenge just to become involved in sorts at all. As college athletes, sport is something so important to us, and this is a great opportunity to help other women and girls get involved in sports and build the same connections that we have."
 
"We are thrilled to have the NSU swim team involved and sharing their love of sports by making access easier for others," noted Sarah Dwyer-Shick, the founder of the Sports Bra Project.
 
A collection box is set-up in Monanian's office with donations being accepted now through the Gypsy Days weekend (September 29). Donations are being accepted for all sizes and price points. Questions or those looking for more information can contact Nicole Monanian at Nicole.b.monanian@northern.edu.  
 
"The Sports Bra project is a great organization to support because it allows us, as athletes, to support other athletes around the world," added Sierra Ohm, NSU senior swimmer. "By donating sports bras we are helping these women play the sports they love and giving them some much needed encouragement."
 
After a 2014 trip to Namibia the Sports Bra Project was founded by Sarah Dwyer-Shick. Through soccer-related travel in South America and Africa, it became clear to her that encouraging and providing programming for girls and women to play in areas where sport is traditionally open only to men was not enough. Even when programming was available, girls and women were often hesitant to participate because they lacked appropriate equipment (i.e. a simple sports bra) that would provide the needed support and coverage important for modesty and cultural considerations.
 
Dwyer-Shick added, "by removing an often overlooked barrier to sports participation, a sports bra, The Sports Bra Project provides a way for athletes from all sports to directly support other female athletes whose access to sports participation may be limited."
 
The mission of the Sports Bra Project is to increase access to sports for women and girls by removing barriers to participation.  Sports bras have been distributed to athletes in the United States, Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, Mexico, Peru, Cameroon, Namibia, and Costa Rica, with 1,000 total bras distributed to date.
 
About The Sports Bra Project
The Sports Bra Project works with organizations and programs active in countries and communities where opportunities and access to sports is limited. This allows us to utilize existing networks to identify and provide Sports Bras to athletes who might not otherwise be able to access them. By donating sports bras or funds to The Sports Bra Project, individuals and teams directly impact and support other athletes. Whether worn for physical comfort or modesty, the Sports Bra is an essential piece of athletic equipment. In areas where resources are limited and participation opportunities scarce, not having a Sports Bra can become an insurmountable barrier to participation in sports and athletic activities. We work to connect female athletes across the globe with the support they need to pursue their athletic dreams. Join the conversation on social media using Twitter (@SportsBraProjec), Facebook (The Sports Bra Project), and Instagram (SportsBraProject).