Altogether 26 girls from grade 9 to 12 selected by Go Sports Nepal, a Nepali NGO working to empower women through sports, took part in the event supported by the the USA embassy in Nepal to mark the International Women's Day, which was celebrated on Tuesday.A team from Soccer Without Borders and Women Win, conducted the event while the team coaches and trainers shared their experiences and views on resiliency, goal setting and confidence building.
Sarah Murray of Women Win said that the program's goal was to empower women through sports and the result of the exchange program would be seen after many years.
"It is very difficult to say whether the target of the event was achieved, however, results will be seen when they will begin their jobs and take other responsibilities," said Murray, who has been involved in various sports activities. Murray, who found Nepali girls to be quite shy in nature, said sports could make them confident in future.
Sky DeLano, board of director of Soccer Without Borders, said that football teaches life skills and community buildings.
The team, which started its journey in Nepal from March 4, spent two days in Pokhara and hosted similar kind of program there as well.
Meanwhile, William Holton, cultural affairs officer at the USA Embassy in Nepal, said that the program was focused on giving everyday life skills to young Nepali girls.
"It is about team work, feeling of doing anything without depending on others. We wanted to spread the message that women can do anything in the world and be anything they want to be," said Holton.
Meanwhile, Nepali participants said that they had a great time with Women Win and learnt a lot of things during the event.
"They taught us how to live in a group, and also about trust, beliefs, co-operation and confidence," said Anita Dangal, a participant.
Similarly, Salima Syangbo, another participant, also said that she had a great time with the coaches. "We learnt how to lead a group, be patient and work in co-ordination," said Salima.
The Nepali team will also travel to the USA from July 6 to 22.
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