HUNDREDS OF WOMEN GET INVOLVED WITH OUR GIRLS ON BOARD INITIATIVE!
We’re absolutely delighted to report that more than 400 women from across North Wales and beyond took part in our month-long initiative aimed at encouraging more women and girls to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Our Girls on Board campaign ran throughout June 2018 and was supported by diverse organisations including Our Squad, Cricket Wales, Swim Wales, Run Wales, Sported, Wales Rugby Union, Girl Guiding Cymru and our friends over at North Wales business organisation Network She.
As well as encouraging women and girls to try a taster session with local sports teams and clubs, Girls on Board saw close to 300 women pulling on a wetsuit and trying out surfing for the very first time. Women were encouraged to book onto activities with a ‘bring-a-friend-for-free’ incentive, as well as women-only coaching sessions.
Women in Sport North Wales Conference
More than 100 men and women also took part in our Women in Sport North Wales conference on Thursday 21st June, part of our Girls on Board events programme brought together men and women to examine and celebrate the role of women in sport, in partnership with North Wales business organisation Network She.
People came from all over North Wales and the North West of the UK to be part of it, and it was just brilliant. So much passionate discussion about issues that really matter: how to increase engagement in our communities. How to improve funding for young women training as professional athletes. How to change attitudes towards women in sport in the media and amongst sponsors… and plenty more besides.
Ruth Lloyd Williams said “The ultimate aim of the Women in Sport North Wales Conference was to empower participation. Around two million fewer 14-40-year-old women than men engage regularly in a sport or activity, despite the fact that 75% of women and girls are telling us that they want to be more active.
Via our amazing speakers and panellists, we were able to showcase the extensive range of sports and activities that are accessible and available in the region and ultimately encourage and empower participation.
Network She is passionate about supporting women and girls in sport and we were thrilled to bring the first Women in Sport North Wales Conference to so many at such an amazing venue.
The feedback has been overwhelming and we know that this is only just the beginning as we come together as a region to challenge stereo types and increase female engagement in sport, irrelevant of age or ability”
But the day was very much about positivity and empowerment too. Our speakers included truly magnificent women like Rachel Taylor, former captain of the women’s Welsh Rugby Union Team, rally driver Jade Paveley, Laura Nicholls who trained with Chelsea Ladies FC before taking up her current post with Cricket Wales and Nikki Sibeon, a Taekwondo athlete who hopes to compete in the Paralympics. They were all able to share such valuable and interesting experience and insight.
Girls on Board was a month-long initiative which ran from 1-30 June 2018. But, really, it’s a 24-7, 365-day a year approach to what we do here at Surf Snowdonia. We want to empower, enrich and help to develop all our surfers, regardless of age, ability or gender. If you just want to dip your toe in the water we’re here to help you get there. And if you want some guaranteed waves to train for an international competition we’re here to help you too.
Girls on Board was a roaring success and one we intend to repeat. Stay tuned for details of next years event. We hope you’ll be part of it. Read more about Surf Snowdonia events here.
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