The most dramatic change in the world of sport over the past 2 generations has been the increase in the number of

The most dramatic change in the world of sport over the past 2 generations has been the increase in the number of

• A. male athletes
• B. professional leagues
• C. sports for disabled athletes
• D. girls and women who play sports around the world

Answer: (D)

The big trend this item is highlighting is the rapid growth of girls and women participating in sports worldwide. Over the past few generations, opportunities to play, compete, and excel have expanded dramatically for females across many sports, at school, in clubs, and on national and international stages. This shift has been driven by policy advances and cultural changes that promote gender equality, such as laws and programs that require or encourage equitable access to sports, along with increased funding, better coaching, and more media coverage and sponsorship. As a result, more girls grow up seeing female athletes as role models, pursue scholarships and professional careers, and participate in a broader range of sports than ever before. While male participation, professional leagues, and the growth of sports for disabled athletes are important developments, the most widespread and transformative change has been the surge in girls’ and women’s involvement across a diverse array of sports around the world.

The big trend this item is highlighting is the rapid growth of girls and women participating in sports worldwide. Over the past few generations, opportunities to play, compete, and excel have expanded dramatically for females across many sports, at school, in clubs, and on national and international stages. This shift has been driven by policy advances and cultural changes that promote gender equality, such as laws and programs that require or encourage equitable access to sports, along with increased funding, better coaching, and more media coverage and sponsorship. As a result, more girls grow up seeing female athletes as role models, pursue scholarships and professional careers, and participate in a broader range of sports than ever before.

While male participation, professional leagues, and the growth of sports for disabled athletes are important developments, the most widespread and transformative change has been the surge in girls’ and women’s involvement across a diverse array of sports around the world.