Cullen Jones, Kari Miller and Ashleigh Johnson join the YMCA of Greater Seattle and its learning partners for a discussion on shattering barriers in nontraditional sports

Join the Y of Greater Seattle and its learning partners in discussion with U.S. Olympic water polo gold medalist Ashleigh Johnson, U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer Cullen Jones and Team USA Paralympian volleyball player Kari Miller about shattering barriers, unleashing potential, and creating equity and inclusion in sports.  
 
Racism, discrimination, and access are barriers to a number of young people in sports, nontraditional sports in particular. On Wednesday, August 26, 2020, the YMCA of Greater Seattle will facilitate a discussion with athletes and community leaders in local and professional sports to discuss how we can adapt our environments and cultures to welcome diversity, inclusion, and equity. The goal of this session is to encourage collective learning with guest panelists and the community around deconstructing systemic barriers in traditional spaces through the voices of athletes competing and advocating in non-traditional ways. 
 
Shattering Barriers 
Wednesday, August 26 
4:00-6:00 pm 
 
Meet US Olympic Swimming gold medalist Cullen Jones, US Olympic Water Polo gold medalist Ashleigh Johnson, the first Black athlete to win a gold medal in the sport, Paralympian Kari Miller, NHL Seattle Kraken's Kyle Boyd, Director of Youth and Community Development, one of a handful of African American executives in the NHL; and Bookie Gates, founder of Athletes Beyond Borders, a youth social development program. These are the champions of change who are shattering barriers. Dr. Robin Martin, Deputy Director, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and Tom Hull, 1980 US Olympic Rowing, Business Leader & Nonprofit Advocate, will moderate the panels followed by community discussions. Robin and Tom are Members of the Board of Directors at the YMCA of Greater Seattle. 
 
This event is the second in our Unleashing Potential for All learning series, a community space to learn about racism and oppressive structures, discover new voices, and activate community to create the generational change of equity and justice we pledge to our children. The first discussion, which can be viewed here, had over 2400 registrants and was viewed by over 500 people.  
 
Tickets are free, though preregistration is required.  
 
 

REGISTER

Learn more about the series »

Unleashing Potential For All Learning Partners

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About the YMCA of Greater Seattle 
The YMCA of Greater Seattle is the Northwest’s leading nonprofit organization strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Founded in 1876, the Y reaches more than 265,000 people of all backgrounds, abilities, and financial circumstances annually through 14 health and wellness centers, two overnight camps, and more than 200 program sites throughout King and south Snohomish counties. We nurture more than 137,000 kids and teens to develop their gifts.  We are committed to advancing equity and justice in everything we do, giving back to our community, and engaging thousands of volunteers who reflect the communities we serve and contribute hundreds of thousands of hours of service each year. Visit our website.