espnW and Toyota Honor ‘Everyday Heroes' at 2016 The espnW Women + Sports Summit

October 17, 2016 by Toyota

DANA POINT, Calif. (October 17, 2016) On Friday evening at the seventh annual espnW: Women + Sports Summit presented by Toyota, espnW and Toyota introduced the fourth class of 'Everyday Heroes,' an award that celebrates individuals making a difference for women and girls in their local communities through sports. Grants in the amount of $10,000 are provided to the organizations honored.

'For the fourth year, Toyota is proud to recognize and celebrate these outstanding 'Everyday Heroes' for the work they have done to empower women and girls through sports making an immense impact in communities around the country,' said Nancy Inouye, national media manager, Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. 'We applaud these heroes and their energy, commitment and vision, which inspire us all.'

The 2016 Toyota 'Everyday Heroes' are:

Courtney Payne Taylor (Founder, Girls Riders)

Girls Riders Organization (GRO) supports girls through action sports such as skateboarding, snowboarding and more, teaching them it's more than just an activity, but a platform for life lessons. GRO's mission is to inspire, educate and support girls through action sports to be active in life and confident leaders of positive change in the community around them. Courtney Payne Taylor founded GRO after skateboarding helped her turn her own life around. Her goal is to have a GRO Crew in every state in the U.S.

 

Tracy Pointer (Founder, GROW / GROW Girl)

GROW and GROW Girl were founded in 2007 with a mission to foster personal and professional development opportunities for multi-cultural women and girls through a mutual interest in the game of golf. Participants learn how to approach life lessons through the game and pursue their dreams. GROW sees golf as untapped scholarship potential, especially in urban areas, to allow women to further their education.

Beth Devine (Founder, Philly Girls In Motion)

Philly Girls in Motion is a volunteer-driven organization that delivers fitness and nutrition programs for girls through the City of Philadelphia's Recreation Centers as well as select schools. Serving 500+ girls annually spanning second to eighth grades, their goal is to get girls moving and to teach them and their families about healthy nutrition, exercise and positive body image. Fitness programs, basketball, volleyball, lacrosse, rugby and yoga are all offered through the organization.

---

Trending News

• MotoAmerica And Road America Ink A Multi-Year Partnership Extension
• 1938 Talbot-Lago T150 C Lago Spéciale Teardrop Coupé Headlines a Roster of Early Consignments for the 2024 Broad Arrow Monterey Auction
• Renault Group and Geely announce the creation of leading Powertrain Technology Company, 'HORSE Powertrain Limited'
• SEAT S.A. achieves best sustainability results in its history and reduces the environmental impact of its facilities by 53% since 2010
• Chelsea Truck Company styling package for INEOS Grenadier

---

'These three women epitomize what it means to be a hero by being agents for positive change in their local communities, and espnW is honored to recognize these effective, inspirational programs,' said Laura Gentile, senior vice president, espnW & Women's Initiatives. 'With their tireless work and dedication to ensuring girls are equipped to lead healthy lives, they have demonstrated how sports can make a real and lasting impact.'

 

Last year's Toyota Everyday Heroes were Chrissy Lewis-Summers, founder of Beyond Sticks and Heidi Boynton, founder of Mini Mermaid Running Club. The 2014 honorees were Dr. Kimberley S. Clay, Monica Gonzalez and Claire Smallwood. In 2013, espnW and Toyota recognized Barb Lazarus, Justine Siegal and Mobolaji Akidoe as the inaugural recipients.