Opportunity is just the beginning. Title IX and its influence are often infused with biting criticism or passionate support. First signed into law in 1972 as part of the Education Amendments Act, Title IX was not intended to redefine the world of amateur sports, yet, that is its reputation. Over forty years Title IX has been battled over and batted about, but this simply-stated treatise on sexual equality opened the door to decades of successes for American girls and women. Through personal narratives and historical perspective, this is the story told in Sporting Chance.
"I wanted to be part of a team effort. I wanted to be part of something that mattered to me."
- Donna de Varona, 3-time Olympic Gold Medalist
"I went to one of my friends on the faculty and I said, 'Hey, how come they didn't even consider me for one of those jobs?'
And he just looked at me and he said, 'Well let's face it, you come on too strong for a woman.' I went home and I literally cried."
- Bernice Resnick Sandler, "The Godmother of Title IX"
"The interesting thing was that this whole idea started not because of masses of women. To me, it was a brainchild of one
woman that I happened to love."
- Senator Birch Bayh, "The Father of Title IX"
Reviews
"ESPN is thrilled to showcase Sporting Chance as part of our 40th Anniversary of Title IX initiative. The film documents the impact a 37-word civil rights law has had on our society for past, present and future generations. It gave all women a Sporting Chance."
- Carol Stiff, ESPN Vice President, Programming & Acquisitions
"Title IX changed women’s sports forever. This movie makes sure we never forget that. It should be shown in schools across America for all young boys and girls to see."
- Tracy Wolfson, Sportscaster CBS Sports
"When Title IX was signed into law 40 years ago…most people had no idea what an impact it would have on women’s sports in America. And that’s exactly what the architects of the bill wanted. That is the remarkable story told in…Sporting Chance."
- Jake Simpson, The Atlantic
"It is so easy to take for granted that the state of athletics now is the way it has always been. But 'Sporting Chance' is a reminder of the truth. The who and the how that pushed to get us here and beyond. It inspires me as a sportswriter, but more importantly it inspires me as the father of a southpaw seven year-old daughter."
- Ryan McGee, Senior Writer, ESPN The Magazine
A Place on the Team: The Triumph and Tragedy of Title IX
by Welch Suggs
Equal Play: Title IX and Social Change
by Nancy Hogshead-Makar and Andrew Zimbalist
Getting in the Game: Title IX and the Women's Sports Revolution
by Deborah Brake
Let Me Play: The Story of Title IX: The Law That Changed the Future of Girls in America
by Karen Blumenthal
Title IX
by Linda Jean Carpenter and R. Vivian Acosta
About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual, a leading financial security company, proudly supports the ideals of Title IX and the opportunities it presents for female NCAA student-athletes to achieve their potential. We believe in giving individuals opportunities to attain success in their financial plans, careers and life.
We offer a holistic approach to financial planning with an array of solutions, including life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. As a mutual company that has helped people achieve financial security for more than 155 years, we are owned and operated for the benefit of our policyowners. According to FORTUNE® magazine, Northwestern Mutual is among the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2012.