The initiative, titled ‘The Court Is Hers,’ eliminates registration fees for girls basketball programs at the YMCA.<\/p>\n
INDIANAPOLIS \u2014 Eli Lilly and Company<\/a>, the Indiana Fever<\/a> and the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis<\/a> are teaming up for a new initiative to help girls basketball.\u00a0<\/p>\n The three announced Saturday, Aug. 9 the launch of \u201cThe Court Is Hers,\u201d an initiative aimed at increasing girls\u2019 participation in basketball by eliminating registration fees for girls basketball programs at the YMCA.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cSports can be a powerful force in a girl\u2019s life \u2014 not just for the joy of the game, but for the physical health, mental well-being and lifelong confidence it can help build,\u201d said Jennifer Oleksiw, global chief customer officer at Lilly. \u201cThrough partnerships with the Indiana Fever and the YMCA, we\u2019re helping to bring those benefits closer to home \u2014 increasing access here in our communities and helping every girl see that the court is hers.\u201d \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Research shows that girls drop out of sports at twice the rate of boys, Lilly officials said, often due to cost and access. This initiative is designed to help address those barriers in Indianapolis.\u00a0<\/p>\n The YMCA will deliver all “on-the-ground programming,” officials said, including basketball leagues and clinics for different age groups. \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cAt the Y, we believe every child deserves the chance to grow, thrive and discover their potential through the power of play,\u201d said Jocelyn Boyd, regional vice president at the YMCA of Greater Indianapolis. \u201cOur partnership with Lilly and the Fever helps level the playing field for girls \u2014 opening doors to basketball and beyond, where confidence, connection and opportunity can flourish. Together, we\u2019re building a future grounded in empowerment and long-term community impact.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re proud to team up with Lilly and the Y to help more girls in Indianapolis get in the game,\u201d said Amber Cox, chief operating officer and general manager of the Indiana Fever. \u201cAs a team rooted in this community, we know the power of sport to help girls grow in resilience and leadership. The Court Is Hers is about making sure girls know there\u2019s a place for them on the court and beyond.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n No experience is needed to sign-up. YMCA programs will start this fall and winter at various locations across Indianapolis.\u00a0<\/p>\n