LAST week was an extremely busy one for Scottish women in sport and it culminated with Active Girls Day.
Events were happening nationwide, showcasing the work being done to encourage more girls to get fit and stay active. On social media we heard about initiatives in yoga, dance, volleyball, netball, boxercise, swimming, water-polo – the list was endless.
The week commenced with the release of a report from the Scottish Women and Girls Sport Advisory Board, Levelling the Playing Field, which contained recommendations on leadership, accountability and creating conditions. The report was trending on Twitter with #shecanshewill and you can read it here: www.actify.org.uk/module/454.
The board, where I make up one of the 11, was established in 2017 to provide independent advice to the Minister for Sport, focussing on female participation and awareness-raising in all areas of sport and physical activity.
One of my own personal reasons for wanting to ensure all young women and girls have the opportunity to participate in the life-long benefits it brings, not just to physical health, but also mental health and well-being.
Stephanie Inglis, who suffered extensive brain damage due to a motorcycle accident whilst in Vietnam three years ago, is a case in point. A silver medallist in judo at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, she was left with a 1% chance of survival and it’s amazing where she is now.
After many small steps on the road to recovery, Stephanie is now working as an active schools co-ordinator in Perth and Kinross. Whilst she can’t return to competitive judo, this job gives her the opportunity to be involved in the sporting world and her amazing story is one that will have and has had a huge impact on anyone who comes into contact with her.
Meanwhile, Innovation in Sport is one of 10 categories at the Scottish Woman in Sport Awards this year and there is still time to submit your nomination before midnight tonight at www.swisawards.co.uk/nominate.php.
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