
You’ve probably heard us quote before that girls begin to decrease their physical activity at the age of 12, until only 17% of females participate in sport at age seventeen. (Hay & Donnelly, 1996). While one of the main focuses of FAME is to identify strategies to increase participation, it occurred to me that seeing strong female role models recognized on our local Sports Wall of Fame would go a long way to inspiring young girls to stay in sport.
The success of our Canadian females at the recent Summer Olympics will motivate young girls to try a new sport, and encourage those already involved to strive for the next level. But what about when physiological considerations come into play, like body insecurities, hormones and energy levels? What about social pressures, like whether it is cool to be a “jock” or not? That’s when the need for strong FEMALE coaches and mentors is important.
In my eyes, we have built a strong pool of successful female athletes and accomplished female coaches in our community, many worthy of nomination to the Sports Wall of Fame. Can you think of any? If so, please visit www.medicinehat.ca/walloffame and view the criteria and application process.
Terra Petryshyn is the Recreation Program Coordinator for the City of Medicine Hat and a member of the Females in Action Moving and Empowering Committee. She can be reached at terpet@medicinehat.ca.