Take the Mat is an episodic documentary about a new exciting collegiate sport. We're in production now and gearing up to bring it to you in 2012! Creating 13 one hour episodes on the emerging sport that will show the development of how and why the new sport was formed and how it gives female collegiate athletes an opportunity that previously did not exist. It will follow the team and individual athlete stories through out the season covering their trials and tribulations. We will highlight the development of the program and the opportunities it creates for female athletes that don't fit in the "competitive cheer" or "gymnastics" mold. Take the Mat will create a greater awareness and promote the program and the opportunities available for female collegiate athletes.
The women involved in this new excting sport are extremely talented, strong individuals and elite athletes. Take the Mat will follow the women involved in this new sport and show their role as athletes, women, exceptional role models and send a very positive message to young girls about self esteem.
This story is about an amazing new sport but really it’s about the hard work of a few individuals to create amazing opportunities for young women who have been training a skill set their entire life to be able to participate in a legitimately recognized sport at the collegiate level. Until 2008 there were limited opportunities for young women with a gymnastics or cheerleading back ground at the college level. The few opportunities that existed were only for girls of a particular size, stature, and look.
There are currently six universities sponsoring this amazing new sport at a varsity level, with two more building teams with plans to compete in 2012-13. Every institution that sponsors this new sport as a varsity sport will open 40 NEW opportunities for women to compete as a true student athlete at the college level.