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Dove and Sports Illustrated Collaborate to Promote Body Confidence in Young Female Athletes

In a groundbreaking partnership, Dove, renowned for its commitment to self-esteem education, has teamed up with Sports Illustrated, the leading voice in sports journalism, to launch a pivotal special edition titled Sports reIllustrated. This unique issue aims to elevate body confidence among young female athletes, showcasing their inspiring stories just in time for one of the biggest nights in football.

Celebrating Innovative Young Athletes

Scheduled for a digital release on February 3, 2025, and featured in the March issue of the magazine, Sports reIllustrated is a special celebration of young female athletes who are breaking barriers in sports. Notably, the edition includes a profile on Honor Smoke, the youngest athlete ever featured on a Sports Illustrated promotional cover, who at just 10 years old embodies the spirit of determination and resilience.

Dove is dedicated to encouraging girls to stay in sports, combating the prevalent issue of body scrutiny that can lead to discouragement. It is reported that 48% of girls who exit sports cite feeling that they have the 'wrong body type', emphasizing the urgent need for change. Dove's Chief Growth Officer, Marcela Melero, noted, “We must inspire change in how we perceive young athletes, shifting focus from body image to athletic ability.”

The Featured Athletes

The magazine shines a spotlight on ten remarkable female athletes from across the United States, highlighting their journeys and achievements while encouraging readers to embrace their unique identities. Some of these inspiring young athletes include:

• - Carmen Wilkey: A 12-year-old track star refining her shot put skills.
• - Liana Chan: An 11-year-old ice hockey player from New York, NY.
• - Noelani Spicer: A 12-year-old para-athlete from San Antonio, TX capturing hearts with her tenacity.

The stories aim to encourage girls everywhere to participate in the sports they love, showcasing that talent and determination come in all forms.

Mission of the Body Confident Collective

In conjunction with this special edition, Dove is set to launch its Body Confident Collective, an initiative that seeks to empower young girls through sports. This initiative brings together influential women who are champions in their respective fields to mentor and inspire young athletes. Members include:

• - Billie Jean King, an icon for equality in sports.
• - Venus Williams, esteemed tennis champion and entrepreneur.
• - Sabrina Ionescu, New York Liberty guard, among others.

These representatives not only promote sports but are also fervent advocates for women's issues and body positivity.

More Than Just an Issue

Dove’s collaboration with Sports Illustrated represents a shift in the conversation around sports, where the focus is not only on athletic performance but on fostering positive self-image among young girls. With the launch of this issue, Dove plans to underscore its commitment to the Dove Body Confident Sport Program, which offers resources and coaching to bolster the confidence of girls aged 11-17 in sports.

As Dove continues its mission through this partnership, readers are encouraged to learn more about how to keep girls confident in sports by visiting Dove.com/confidentsports. By purchasing Dove products, consumers can also contribute to supporting girls in sports, with initiatives linked to notable organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

A Pledged Commitment to Change

The marriage of Dove's self-esteem initiatives with Sports Illustrated's influential platform marks a significant step towards redefining how society perceives female athletes. This partnership emphasizes that every girl deserves to feel confident in her skin and empowered in her pursuits, regardless of societal pressures. With a bold new narrative around sports and gender, they are ready to inspire a future generation of athletes to break the mold and define their own paths.

With Dove and Sports Illustrated at the helm, the future looks promising for young female athletes as they take strides towards their dreams in sports, confident and fearless.