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Stars including a bedazzled Ellie the Elephant celebrate women in sports

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 16:26 GMT by USA Today
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Bedazzled Ellie the Elephant among Stars Celebrating Women’s Sports

In a dazzling blend of wildlife wonder and athletic celebration, a bedazzled elephant named Ellie took center stage at the “Women’s Sports Celebration” event, a headline‑grabbing moment that underscored the growing visibility of female athletes and the powerful cultural symbolism that surrounds them. The event, livestreamed from the National Harbor in Maryland, drew an eclectic mix of sports icons, activists, and a host of celebrities who gathered to honor the achievements of women in sports while raising funds for scholarships and programs that support the next generation of female athletes.

Ellie’s Big‑Time Entrance

The star of the show was, without a doubt, Ellie – an Asian elephant from the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, who had spent most of her life in a highly regarded enrichment program aimed at enhancing her mental well‑being. On the night of the celebration, Ellie arrived in a shimmering costume festooned with thousands of sequins, crystal‑studded antlers, and a glittering collar that read “Champion.” The transformation was both eye‑catching and heart‑warming, with the giant creature trumpeting joyfully as she trotted across the stage, her massive ears flapping to the beat of a live jazz quartet.

“We wanted something that would resonate with the spirit of empowerment and resilience,” explained the zoo’s lead curator, Dr. Laila Johnson. “Ellie’s bedazzled look is a nod to the glittering trophies and medals that symbolize victory, while also reflecting the idea that greatness can come from anywhere – even from an animal that has never stepped on a basketball court.”

A Night of Champions

While Ellie stole the show, the evening was packed with notable personalities who have made headlines in their own right. Former WNBA star Maya Moore opened the program with a heartfelt speech about the importance of mentorship, highlighting how women’s sports can “forge the kind of community that lifts up each other in ways no individual could achieve alone.” Former U.S. Soccer team captain Megan Rapinoe also delivered a spirited call to action, urging young athletes to “claim the space they deserve, both on and off the field.”

In the midst of the crowd, tennis legend Serena Williams joined the conversation during a backstage interview, discussing how her personal journey has been shaped by the support of women in sports at all levels. Meanwhile, a group of college athletes from the University of Kentucky took a photo op with Ellie, their smiles bright against the glittering backdrop, symbolizing a bright future for women in collegiate athletics.

Philanthropy at the Forefront

The core of the evening’s purpose was fundraising. All proceeds from the event went toward the Women’s Sports Foundation’s scholarship program, which supports female student‑athletes who face financial barriers to college sports. In addition, the event announced a partnership with the “Elephant Conservation Fund,” which will use a portion of the proceeds to support Ellie’s enrichment program and broader conservation efforts for Asian elephants across the globe.

“Today, we’re not just celebrating victories; we’re building a legacy,” said Foundation President Angela Martinez. “With every donation, we’re investing in scholarships, coaching, and the infrastructure that will sustain women’s sports for decades to come.”

Behind the Scenes and More

The event was part of a larger series of “Women’s Sports Celebrations” that have taken place across the United States this year, each featuring a unique element or theme. The first installment of the series highlighted the rising prominence of women’s soccer, while the second celebrated women’s track and field. In the “Bedazzled Ellie” installment, the organizers leveraged the power of a captivating visual icon to create a memorable experience that blended the worlds of sports, wildlife conservation, and philanthropy.

For readers interested in the broader context, the event’s website featured a dedicated page linking to the Women’s Sports Foundation’s scholarship application portal, a spotlight on the Smithsonian’s elephant enrichment program, and an interactive map showing all the conservation partners across the country. A series of short documentaries, including a behind‑the‑scenes look at Ellie’s training regimen and a profile of Dr. Laila Johnson, were also available for streaming.

A Celebration to Remember

By the end of the night, the National Harbor’s marquee lights still flickered against a sky full of fireflies, and Ellie, her glittering costume still glinting, had left an indelible mark on everyone who witnessed her. The event, captured in a flurry of photographs and livestream footage, became a viral moment on social media, with the hashtag #BedazzledEllie trending for 48 hours.

In a world where women’s sports are gradually earning the recognition they deserve, the “Bedazzled Ellie” celebration stood out as a reminder that the pursuit of greatness can take many forms, and that every champion—human or animal—can inspire a generation. As the Women’s Sports Foundation’s board secretary, Maria Lopez, summed up, “Whether it’s a glittering elephant or a seasoned athlete, the spirit of competition, perseverance, and community is what binds us all together.”