Rondeau's 'Girl Power` celebrates female athletes

Johnston Sun Rise ·

If Christina Rondeau has her way, Rhode Island will have a unique non-profit that will honor women for their many outstanding performances in the sports world.

Rondeau, who is an icon in kickboxing and professional boxing arenas as well as the fitness industry, recently held and hosted “Girl Power” that attracted 15 vendors and served as a special kickoff for the proposed organization.

“I am creating The Rhode Island Women Athlete Hall of Fame,” Rondeau said amid the excitement that filled her kickboxing and fitness center located at 12 Sunnyside Ave. in Johnston. “Anyone that was a professional [paid] athlete or Olympic athlete will be included in the hall of fame.”

If Rondeau’s recent “Girl Power” served as a measuring stick, the proposed non-profit could have a long list of candidates and supporters. For starters, each and every vendor, from the Pampered Chef to Brit’s Baked Goodies to It Works, heaped words of praise upon Rondeau’s proposed honor group while joining Warwick native and two-time Olympic Medal-winning ice hockey goalie Sara DeCosta for photos.

“We are still in the process of gathering information and hope to have a big ceremony once it is all put together,” Rondeau said. “Everyone really likes the idea of the Rhode Island Women Athlete Hall of Fame, and that’s exactly what we intend to do.”

Rondeau also noted that “as a gender, no matter the differences, we may have it as honoring women as a whole, especially athletes that persevered and excelled to be the best they could be in their specific sport.”

For example, few Rhode Island women have accomplished what DeCosta did throughout an illustrious high school, collegiate and Olympic ice hockey career.

“As a female kickboxer,” Rondeau said, “I was paid nothing compared to what the men were paid, yet I drew the larger crowds at events. When I fought it was very difficult to find female training partners and always had to spar and train with the men. That was great and made me who I am today.”

As Rondeau said between photo sessions with DeCosta and other celebrities who helped make “Girl Power” an overwhelming success, “But looking back just eight to ten years, so many women are now fighting and on main event cards that pay them millions of dollars. That is a huge breakthrough for just the women in my sport.”

With examples like that – and the fact that there are now more professional opportunities for female athletes – Rondeau is hoping that the proposed hall of fame motivates, inspires and drives young girls to find a sport they are passionate about and to excel in.

“Even if they don’t become a pro athlete or an Olympian, it’s about keeping that fire burning and being the best they can personally be. Those traits will help them all throughout life in all areas and different experiences they may have.”

Those who’d like to speak with Rondeau about her proposed Rhode Island Women Athlete Hall of Fame,or inquire about her kickboxing and fitness-training center should call 996-5425.

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BECKY’S BAG:

Rebecca Bessette of It Works products holds a speedy bag that was part of her display of health and fitness items during the recent “Girl Power” event in Johnston. (Sun Rise photos by Pete Fontaine)

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HELPING HAND:

Haidy Zuniga, an independent beauty consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics, shows off some of the items she had on display at the recent “Girl Power” show held at Rondeau’s Kickboxing and R.I. Fitness Center on Johnston.

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SUPER STARS:

Former two-time U.S. Olympic hockey goalie Sara DeCosta (left), champion kickboxer Christina Rondeau (center) and music rapper Young Kaii were among the many celebrities that participated in the recent “Girl Power” extravaganza in Johnston.

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SPECIAL STORY:

Jessica Haemmerle and Rebecca Howard of Usborne Books & More, hold one of their new books, “Wonders of the USA,” they had on sale during the “Girl Power” program.