Virtual breakfast aims to support women and girls in sport

A VIRTUAL breakfast for the This Girl Can initiative took place on November 17.

The program, which is being supported by the Surf Coast Shire Council (SCSC) among other local identities, is all about supporting women and girls taking part in active sport and recreation.

The event was run by by Leisure Networks and is in partnership with the City of Greater Geelong, Borough of Queenscliffe, Golden Plains Shire Council, G21, Geelong Region Alliance and Kardinia Park Stadium Trust, with funding support from VicHealth.

The event saw Federation and Victoria University professor Rochelle Eime, three-time Paralympian Maddie Hogan and Women’s National Basketball League Melbourne Boomers coach Guy Molloy attend as guest speakers.

Leisure Network’s Kate Anderson said the event was all about putting strategies in place to positively move forward with getting more women and girls involved.

“Statistics show there are still many women and girls not participating in sport or recreation for different reasons, it’s up to us to find those reasons and take away some barriers so that they have equal opportunities as males to stay active in their lives,” Anderson said.

The breakfast will act as a conversation starter what will eventually lead into a forum, currently set for late-November, which will narrow the focus on how these strategies will be put in place.

Barwon Sports Academy (BSA) is also doing its bit to join in and support the campaign.

BSA will join forces with the SCSC to hold a two-part Zoom webinar to continue the conversation.

‘Women’s Community Convo’ will see guest speakers include Roxie Bennett, Amy Gillett from Active Geelong, Upstate Studios, Jo King Training and a representative from the Female Athlete Network and is welcome to all women in the community.