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Girls get active in their own way

July 2, 2021 BY

Fit and healthy: A new program, funded by VicHealth is aimed at helping younger teen girls get active in a way that suits them. Photo: FILE

FROM term one 2022, the Shire’s new Move Your Way program will help girls between twelve and fifteen years to find the right non-organised sport and fitness options for them.

VicHealth’s Reimaging Health program has granted the Shire $9750 to co-design and roll out the initiative, encouraging active teen lifestyles.

Young women in early high school, between years seven and nine, will be linked to accessible activity opportunities that will keep them moving without the factors of competition, serious structure or judgment.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby said 92 per cent of Australian teens are not exercising daily for an hour.

“Females are disproportionally represented in this data. This is often attributed to lack of confidence and fear of judgement among others, and Move Your Way is all about trying to remove some of these barriers,” she said.

“Move your way will encourage girls to try innovative activities such as pom-dance, RnB Zumba, and hip-hop yoga, all while supporting them to build confidence, social connections, learn new skills and increase their physical activity levels.

“They will also have an active role in designing the whole program, to tailor it to their needs and expectations. Council is looking forward to running this great initiative thanks to grant funding from VicHealth.”

Move Your Way activities will be welcoming, inclusive and accessible. They will be tailored to all skill levels, participants’ needs, the amount of free time they can allocate, experiences they enjoy, and new things they would be interested to try.