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School District No. 46 and the Elementary Sports Committee hosted the first #SUNSHINECOASTGRLPWR full day event on Friday, Sept. 14 at the Gibsons Community Centre.
Trustee and former school board chair Betty Baxter – who played Olympic volleyball – spoke to girls about how a love of one’s own body can make a difference in a successful life. Photo submitted
Eighty girls from grades six to eight representing all SD46 schools on the Coast partook in a day of fitness, mental health, and empowerment through workshops and speeches from sport professionals. The day was developed to encourage girl participation in sports as they enter high school, a critical time for discovering the many paths to being active and healthy.
Students chose four workshops to attend throughout the day in the areas of sports hall of fame, track & field, high intensity interval training, healthy snacks, pilates, self-defence, volleyball, dance, and counselling hosted by professional facilitators.
The afternoon continued with a moving speech from Betty Baxter, SD46 Trustee and Volleyball Olympian, who shared her experiences and how a love of one’s own body and its possibilities can make all the difference in a successful life.
The day ended with a leadership activity and working with quotes from the book “Strong is the New Pretty,” by Katy T. Parker. A copy of the book will be given to each of the girls’ school libraries.
Organizer, Elementary Sports Committee member and teacher, Lisa Allen stated, “This event was an opportunity for the students to be able to work alongside some exceptional athletes and leaders and not only learn from them, but gain inspiration as well, so they can continue on their own paths as athletes and leaders.”
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