Baker joins elite company with activist efforts

Michael Kinney
The Norman Transcript

March 24, 2008 12:25 pm

— Caitlin Baker is once again showing a person can never be too young to make a difference.
The 14-year old Norman athlete was chosen by the Women’s Sports Foundation to feature in the future Billie Jean King International Women’s Sports Center.
Baker caught the attention of the Foundation when she started her own non-profit organization called C.A.I.T.L.I.N. B., which stands for Competitive American Indians Turning Lifestyles Into New Beginnings.
Despite her young age, Baker works to promote swimming, sports participation and healthy lifestyles to Native American youth. She will also be featured on Good Morning America for her work.
“I have started an outreach program to promote swimming, sports participation and healthy lifestyles to Native American Youth,” Baker stated on her website.
The Billie Jean King Center will be a part of the Sports Museum of America in downtown New York City and will feature the major themes of inspiration, breaking barriers and expanding horizons.
Baker will be featured alongside other prolific athletes and advocates who have used athletics as a way to change the communities in which they live and work.
The Foundation is proud to announce its decision to include Baker, who will continue to promote women’s sports.
“I will advocate for minority youth, native youth in particular,” Baker stated on her website. “I believe youth can change statistics by having programs in place that motivate them, and give them opportunities to be healthy and active. Our leaders hold the key, through funding and education. I want to be an example to minority youth that no matter your age, you can change the world. Find a passion, set your goals high, and believe that you have within yourself what it will take to reach those goals.”
Two years ago Baker competed in the North American Indigenous Games in Denver. She was the only swimmer representing Oklahoma.
That was one of the reasons she decided to work to recruit more Native American youths to become healthier and more active.
“Native Americans are at a much higher risk of developing diabetes,” Baker stated. “For this reason I must be twice as active as a non-native child, and even more vigilant in my eating habits. I currently practice 4-8 times a week, depending on the season, swimming an average of 200 laps per practice. However, I began with just one lap and have worked from there.”
The mission at the Women's Sports Foundation is simple: to advance the lives of girls and women through sport and physical activity.

For more information visit www.caitlinb.com

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