Count Her In event tackles barriers for female athletes

What began with a simple question from her daughter has blossomed into a movement for Kingsville resident Kara Murray.

“Why do we always watch boys’ teams play?” she had been asked. “Don’t the girls play too?”

This question, along with other issues that came forward over the past couple of years, prompted Kara to do something about it.

And so ‘Count Her In’ was born, and last year the not-for-profit foundation raised $1,200 for Kingsville Minor Baseball as the organization changed their girls’ divisions over from slo-pitch to fast-pitch. That donation enabled the girls fast-pitch program to purchase all the necessary equipment for the changeover.

For Kara and her committee, it’s about girls getting the opportunity to play sports all the way through their youth and getting the same benefits as the boys get.

“We know that 62 percent of girls stop playing sports once they reach their teen years,” says Kara. “That number for boys is just 10 percent.”

Abby Jakob also found there were difficulties in getting the same opportunities as the boys during her athletic youth years, and she gave an emotional speech at last year’s fundraising event that talked about how much her parents sacrificed to get her to athletic events in other areas, since there wasn’t much in Windsor-Essex.

And so, the tandem of Abby and Kara have formed a committee, which also includes Chloe Mastronardi, Cassidy Macor and Sydney Fenos, and the five ladies have launched an upcoming event called Count Her In.

The event takes place at Pelee Island Winery Pavilion in Kingsville on Thursday, June 13 with proceeds going to local female sports teams, girls’ talent clinics, coaching clinics and equipment. 

The goal is to spread awareness and bring equal opportunities to female athletes in the community.

“We are committed to creating a supportive environment where girls can develop their skills, build confidence and pursue their athletic passions without limitations,” says their event poster.

The event starts at 6 pm and runs until 9 pm with Dr. Abby Jakob as the keynote speaker. She will share her experience as a female athlete and the barriers that existed when she was competing.

Everyone is welcome and you can expect appetizers, cash bar, games and door prizes.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available.

You can get more information through their Instagram page:

 @CountHerInYQG or [email protected]