SANTA FE, NM — Today, Independent Women hosted its “Her Game. Her Legacy.” event in Santa Fe, New Mexico at the Inn and Spa at Loretto to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of Title IX. The joyful celebration honored female athletes of every generation and championed the protections needed to ensure a strong, vibrant future for women’s sports. The event recognized guest speakers who have driven change for women included U.S. Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon, former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez, Payton McNabb, Linnea Saltz, Coach Kim Russell, Annemarie Wiley, and other New Mexico parents and advocates.
Photos from “Her. Game. Her Legacy.” Santa Fe event can be found HERE.
[PHOTOS | CREDIT: INDEPENDENT WOMEN]
Athletes join U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon in celebration of Title IX and equal opportunity.
[PHOTOS | CREDIT: INDEPENDENT WOMEN]
“Her Game. Her Legacy.” spotlighted the Trump administration’s leadership in restoring Title IX’s original intent, kicked off National Women’s Sports Week (June 22–28), and a statewide bus tour across New Mexico stopping in all 33 counties.
The bus will hit the road celebrating girls across the state—supporting their athleticism, tenacity, and vibrance—and standing up for women’s sports, women’s spaces, and equal opportunity for all female athletes in New Mexico.”
Less than 24 hours before the event, Santa Fe Farmer’s Market Institute unlawfully breached Independent Women’s contract forcing a change of venue. The Inn and Spa at Loretto graciously hosted the event, and Independent Women, special guest speakers, and attendees were not silenced. New Mexico athletes, coaches, and parents of all ages attended the event in joyful celebration, wore athletic jerseys, and engaged in a variety of action packed games to honor women’s sports and commemorate the equal opportunity for both sexes ensured by Title IX. Young athletes and families enjoyed an afternoon of sack toss, foosball, soccer shot, basketball hoops, face painting, pink carpet moment, snow cones and popcorn, and tons of free goodies (hats, pom poms, sunglasses, friendship bracelets, tote bags, tshirts, commemorative event badges and medallions).
All attendees had the opportunity to sign the “Her Game. Her Legacy.” bus which is poised to hit the road, traveling to all 33 counties in New Mexico, during National Women’s Sports Week.
[PHOTOS | CREDIT: INDEPENDENT WOMEN]
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, said: “Today, we’re honoring the 53rd anniversary of Title IX and the incredible resilience of female athletes who are standing up and pushing back against the harms of gender ideology. The Trump Administration is putting a stop to the madness that was allowed under the previous administration. Thank you to the athletes, parents, and advocates who are fighting alongside us. We will not let up, and we will not let you down.”
Former New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez said: “As the first Hispanic female governor, it brings me so much joy to see female athletes achieving their dreams. Title IX opened doors for generations of women, and today we celebrate their strength, determination, and the progress we’ve made and will continue to make—on and off the field.”
Payton McNabb, sports ambassador for Independent Women, said: “I’m forever thankful I had the opportunity to compete because of Title IX. I’m proud to celebrate the women who came before me and fought for fairness in sports, and I’m committed to continuing that fight for the next generation. We are moving in the right direction, but there is still much to be done!”
Linnea Saltz, sports ambassador for Independent Women, said: “To me Title IX means opportunity, equality, and empowerment. It allowed me the chance to pursue what I love at two NCAA Division I universities, opening doors that generations before me didn’t have. Through track, I found my confidence, developed leadership skills, and discovered my voice. I am forever grateful for the protections Title IX provides, ensuring that women like me can thrive both on and off the field.”
Coach Kim Russell, sports ambassador for Independent Women, said: “I am incredibly grateful to be celebrating the 53rd Anniversary of Title IX in Santa Fe surrounded by others who want to ensure that all girls and women have the opportunities and rights that I’ve had!! Thank you to the women who came before me and fought hard to get Title IX passed 53 years ago!! Those 37 words have changed the lives of millions of girls in America! To ensure that ALL girls and women continue to have these opportunities, we must use our voices. Boys and men are taking away more and more opportunities from women in sports every year. Stand up, shout from the rooftops, and celebrate women and girls – and the joy of playing and competing in sports!!”
Annemarie Wiley, CRNA, TV personality, political commentator, nurse anesthetist, and advocate for women and girls, said: “The truth isn’t controversial. Fairness isn’t hate. And acknowledging that biological sex matters in competition isn’t political-It’s science. It’s common sense. It’s right. Today we celebrate Title IX, as we protect and defend it for our daughters!”
For all media inquiries and to learn more about the “Her Game. Her Legacy.” event and bus tour, please email [email protected].
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