Barriers have existed to deny people the chance to compete athletically based on their race, ethnic background, or sex. Some athletes, through their courage and class, have broken down the barriers that have afflicted our society, and sometimes affected greater social change. Althea Gibson integrated tennis competition at its highest levels, and Arthur Ashe used his success to challenge racism and apartheid, and later to raise AIDS awareness.

Barriers have existed to deny people the chance to compete athletically based on their race, ethnic background, or sex. Some athletes, through their courage and class, have broken down the barriers that have afflicted our society, and sometimes affected greater social change. Althea Gibson integrated tennis competition at its highest levels, and Arthur Ashe used his success to challenge racism and apartheid, and later to raise AIDS awareness.

Barriers have existed to deny people the chance to compete athletically based on their race, ethnic background, or sex. Some athletes, through their courage and class, have broken down the barriers that have afflicted our society, and sometimes affected greater social change. Althea Gibson integrated tennis competition at its highest levels, and Arthur Ashe used his success to challenge racism and apartheid, and later to raise AIDS awareness.