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The University of Mississippi Athletics
Eleventh Annual Ladies' Football Forum A Hit
7/21/2011 | Football
July 21, 2011
OXFORD, Miss. - Highlighted by former Rebel All-American and current NFL star Michael Oher and New York Times' bestselling author Leigh Anne Tuohy, Ole Miss' 11th annual Ladies' Football Forum held last weekend was a hit with a record of more than 500 women attending the event.
Attendees came from 14 states, from as far away as California, and ranged in age from seven to 83. With a day full of activities, including insight into the Ole Miss football program from the Rebel coaches and staff, Ladies' Forum Coordinator Chyna Ward-Poley said this year's event was the best one yet.
"I am just humbled every year at the support we receive," said Ward-Poley. "Having two speakers like Michael and Leigh Anne was huge. The women loved interacting with both of them. I also want to thank Coach Nutt and the coaching staff for playing such a large role in the event."
The program was highlighted by a question-and-answer session with Oher, the subject of the bestselling book and hit movie, "The Blind Side." Oher took questions from the participants ranging from his time at Ole Miss to his plans after his playing days are finished.
"The question-and-answer session with Michael was very cool," said Ward-Poley. "The women really enjoyed interacting with him and asked serious questions about the NFL lockout and fun questions about if he was dating anyone."
After an afternoon group tour of the Ole Miss weight room, locker room and training facilities, the ladies were treated to a speech from Leigh Anne Tuohy, the mother of Michael Oher and subject of `The Blind Side.' Tuohy spoke to the group on making a difference in someone's life.
"Leigh Anne dazzled the group," Ward-Poley said. "She is a dynamic speaker and really grabbed everyone's attention. She spoke on her experience in reaching out and touching a person's life."
In addition to the day's activities, the forum also collected donations for the Smithville relief project and raised over $4,000 in gift cards for the area.
