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As preparations unfolded outside for the arrival of professional golfers and fans at Colonial Country Club, attention turned to a tennis icon taking center stage inside the clubhouse.
Introducing the tennis legend and keynote speaker, NBC 5 anchor Deborah Ferguson announced, “Ladies and gentlemen, Martina Navratilova.”
The occasion was Executive Women’s Day, an initiative aimed at fostering support among local women executives to help one another advance their careers and lives, known as ‘Help a Sister Up.’
“We really embody the spirit of ‘Help a Sister Up’ here at Colonial,” remarked Julie Butner, Chair of Executive Women’s Day. “What I particularly admire about Martina speaking today is not only her remarkable career achievements and resilience in overcoming obstacles but also her commitment to ‘helping a sister up’ by stepping in for her dear friend Kris Everett, who was unable to attend.”
The enduring friendship between Navratilova and her former tennis rival was a focal point of the discussion, with both having supported each other through cancer treatments.
“We shared a unique bond and empathy that only fellow athletes at the same level can truly understand, and it’s incredibly special,” Navratilova shared about her friendship with Everett. “Friends may come and go, but this one has stayed. Always.”
Navratilova’s visit to Fort Worth holds sentimental value as she reflected on her decision to settle in the area after defecting in 1975, establishing homes in Dallas and Fort Worth.
Addressing the progress made in women’s sports, Navratilova expressed enthusiasm for the advancements while emphasizing the need for further strides to level the playing field.
“Women’s sports have made tremendous strides, but there’s still more work to be done to ensure equality,” she remarked. “The top college basketball player signing with the NBA secures a multimillion-dollar contract, while someone like Caitlin Clark receives just $76,000, which is unacceptable. We need to reconsider these disparities…a rising tide lifts all boats.”
The Executive Women’s Day luncheon serves as a fundraiser for two local charities: the Boys and Girls Club of Tarrant County and The Women’s Center of Tarrant County.