November 17, 2023
By Tessa Chilton
“By empowering women, you can empower a family. When you empower a family, you can empower generations to come.”
The sport administration (SPAD) program within the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is ranked as one of the top programs in the nation and the world. It’s only natural that SPAD was selected as one of 16 host sites for the Global Sports Mentoring Program (GSMP).
GSMP was launched seven years ago by ESPNW, the U.S. State Department, and the UT Sport and Peace Center to empower women through sports and advance disability rights.
As the second university to welcome an international woman sport delegate, the University of Louisville takes a significant step in promoting gender equality and inclusion in sport around the world.
Meet Dr. Mayan Omair, UofL’s GSMP delegate from Saudi Arabia. For the last five weeks she has spent time in Washington DC, Las Vegas, and Louisville learning more about the transformative power of sport.
Ajhanai Keaton, assistant professor and Meg Hancock, associate professor in the Department of Health & Sport Sciences served as Co-Lead Mentors for Omair. Spencer Cavan and Kayla Martinez, SPAD doctoral students were also a part of her support team as cultural guides.
“Studying gender equity in sport means something totally different here in the U.S. than it does in other countries,” said Keaton. “[What’s so important about this experience] is demonstrating to our students the international power of sport.”
Omair has a background in special education, early intervention and sport science for special needs which led her to start two companies: Team Up for Sports and Team Up for Mental Health. The core of her work was focused on designing sport programs for individuals with disabilities, but over the course of four years the company has expanded to offer programs for both youth with disabilities and typical abilities.
“When we talk about children or we plan for their future, often we only focus on academics and behaviors,” said Omair. “But sports are overlooked, especially for those children with special needs despite the impact that can have on overall functioning.”
During her time at the University of Louisville, Omair gave a guest lecture on sport in Saudi Arabia to undergraduates in the Issues and Ethics in Sport course.
“Something that I hope we all gain from having Dr. Omair here is an understanding that sport is a universal language,” said Hancock. “Even though sport is structured differently around the world, it can open doors in ways that other subareas can’t.”
As part of GMSP, Omair must present an action plan at the U.S. State Department that applies the knowledge she has gained to promote gender equity through sport in Saudi Arabia. Omair will embark on an expansion project for a multisport facility which will help her in achieving her goal of providing sports for all.
“I am a woman who is trying to provide access to sports for everyone. For girls, with and without disabilities,” said Omair. “By empowering women, you can empower a family. When you empower a family, you can empower generations to come.”
To learn more and follow along with Mayan Omair and the other 2023 GSMP delegates visit globalsportsmentoring.org
About the College of Education and Human Development:
Founded in 1968, the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) is a vibrant community that prepares students for leadership in a variety of metropolitan settings including schools, public and private corporations, and governmental agencies.
CEHD embraces the University's mission to advance the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse communities and citizens. Our commitment to student success is unparalleled as we promote the highest levels of learning and social, emotional, and physical health and well-being for all children, individuals, and families.
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