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Many sports fans tend to discount women’s sports because of its differences with men’s sports, often dismissing its quality and efficiency. The pay disparity between men and women in sports has been a long-standing issue across different sports and leagues. While NBA stars are one of the richest athletes in the world, the WNBA stars have to resort to playing overseas basketball in the offseason to earn a decent living. Recently, Golf superstar Tiger Woods stirred the controversy pot when he gave a tampon to Justin Thomas as a “prank”. Days later, Stephen Curry was spotted helping women in sports by attending and promoting women’s basketball games.

The Golden State Warriors superstar also revealed something he might get a lot of flak for. Also, something that few men would talk about. Steph has been a huge advocate for women’s basketball and it became evident once again.

Stephen Curry on what women’s basketball means to him

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In the Genesis Open Riviera Country Club, as Tiger Woods outdrove Justin Thomas in the ninth hole, he slid him a tampon. Many fans and celebrities were outraged with Woods’ action as the move insinuated that women are weaker than men. After a major backlash, Woods apologized for his actions. A few days later, Stephen Curry opened up about women’s basketball to portray a very different image about women’s sports. Over the course of his illustrious career, the four-time NBA champion has made the days of many young fans. That was certainly the case when an 11-year-old girl approached him with some questions.

Ines Hill, a fifth grader, aspires to be a sports writer. During a recent women’s college game between the Stanford Cardinal and the UCLA Bruins at Stanford, she had an opportunity to meet Curry, and she grabbed it with both hands. Meanwhile, Curry patiently answered the young girl’s questions about women’s basketball.

Ines Hill wanted to know what women’s basketball means to Curry. According to a tweet from AP Sports Writer Janie McCauley, Curry replied, “When I was growing up I played with a lot of young girls, we played a lot of pickup together. I love that the game is growing & getting some more exposure. I grew up watching sports & now to drive awareness on how good the women’s game is, all that stuff matters.”

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He noted that he has brought both his daughters and his son as well to watch the women’s college match-up and then added that they loved it. The Cardinals won the game with a score of 71-66. Furthermore, Ines then had an opportunity to speak with UCLA head coach Cori Close who had some kind and encouraging words for the young girl. She also talked with Pac-12 director of officiating, Violet Palmer, and learned about her role.

Curry’s efforts toward gender equality in sports

Stephen Curry has been making huge strides in helping women’s basketball from its roots. The pay disparity between the players in the NBA and the WNBA is humongous. It has been a major topic of discussion in the past few years. The nine-time NBA All-Star has been doing his part to bring gender equality to the game. In the offseason, Curry holds his annual camp for elite prep athletes. The camp was a bit different this year with the number of girls who attended the program.

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Even though this was not the first time girls have taken part in his camp, this time the numbers were similar with 13 boys and 13 girls. Talking about it, Curry said that he and his team want the camp to be accessible to girls as well. Furthermore, he added that it also gives the boys the perspective that the game is not just about them.