This week marked National Women in Sports Day, a moment to celebrate the impact of sports on women’s lives and futures. It made me reflect not only on the broader significance of sports for women but also on how being part of a fieldhockey team has shaped my own daughters. The lessons they’ve learned—discipline, resilience, teamwork—extend far beyond the playing field. Sports give young girls confidence, strength, and a sense of belonging that carries into every aspect of life.
Yet, despite its proven benefits, sports often remain overlooked in education—especially in Belgium. While moderating an event on education this week, I was reminded how little emphasis we place on sports within the school curriculum. Unlike in the U.S., where talented athletes can access scholarships and top-tier training while pursuing their studies, Belgium lacks a structured system to support student-athletes at the highest level. The result?
Many young athletes looking to balance both education and sports are forced to seek opportunities abroad, and my youngest daughter will be one of them.
Sports should not be an afterthought; it should be a core part of education. It teaches discipline, leadership, and perseverance—qualities just as valuable as academic success. And for women, in particular, sports create a pathway to empowerment, breaking stereotypes and proving that strength, ambition, and teamwork belong to everyone.
As we celebrate women in sports this week, let’s also push for more opportunities, better structures, and greater recognition of its importance—because when girls are given the chance to play, they don’t just win games; they build futures.
