Get Girls Active

 

When it comes to girls and the playing of sports, all too often society fails to recognise the efforts and benefits sport provides females …with less than 5% of sport reported in the news, being related to females.

 

So a challenge has been set by the Australian Sports Commission to “Get Girls Active” – and Rainworth State School are taking on board their recommendations.

 

The Year 7 sports captains make sport equipment such as skipping ropes, hoola hoops and balls available to all age groups of children during the lunch hour. The school will also be marking down hopscotch areas and a few pink handball courts to even up use of the play areas. Teachers will also continue to monitor the use of the oval to ensure all age groups and children share its use.

 

The Health and Physical Education Committee is currently reviewing the setup of the schools playgrounds and potential for a Middle School (Yr 4-7) playground/ Activity area.

 

The benefits of exercise for children have been listed previously – but particularly for girls – exercise has been shown to improve self esteem and provide a more positive self concept. Girls sport should emphasise skill development, socialisation opportunities and promote aspects of fitness – such as cardiovascular health. As a mother (and female role model) if you go to the gym, you should discuss it with your children, as you are going there to “Get Fit” not to “Lose weight” – reinforcing the health message behind exercise.

 

So next time someone yells out “You throw like a girl!” …thank them, and take it as a compliment – not an insult!!! It through subtle changes such as these, that helps to encourage and support girls in sport!