Lake Macquarie Hosts Girls Get Active Day

Sport NSW and Lake Macquarie City Council joined forces this week to deliver the first Girls Get Active Day under the Sport NSW banner, following its integration with Womensport and Recreation NSW.

The Girls Get Active Day took place on Thursday morning at Lake Macquarie Regional Football Facility, with Cr Christine Buckley of Lake Macquarie City Council in attendance to open the event. Matilda Chloe Logarzo (Football), GWS Giant Erin McKinnon (Australian Rules), Paralympian Erin Cleaver (Athletics), NSW Breaker Maisy Gibson (Cricket) and Jillaroo Caitlin Moran (Rugby League) formed the panel of elite athletes who shared their stories of success to inspire and encourage the audience of female high school students to participate in sport.

The 65 students from Hunter Sports High School, St Mary's High School and Toronto High School were encouraged to ask questions during the panel discussion and also had the opportunity to meet the athletes before heading outside to experience the various sports on offer including Basketball, Football, Cricket, Ultimate Frisbee, Australian Rules and Rugby League. 

The common message from the panellists was that sport provides many benefits and is a good outlet, particularly for teenagers as they progress through high school.

17-year old Erin McKinnon, the tallest and youngest player in the inaugural AFL Women's competition, insisted that playing sport helped her maintain focus and discipline through her high school studies.

"It is so important to spread awareness of the benefits of being active to girls and to encourage them to keep playing sport,” McKinnon said. “I was in year 12 this year and playing sport really helped me with the stress of the HSC.” 

Sport NSW Membership and Female Programs Officer Sophie Milton believes the Girls Get Active event provides a perfect platform for girls to try new sports and the unique opportunity to engage with such high-profile sportswomen.

"It was great to see the young girls interact with our elite athletes and really embrace what the day was about", Milton said. "Sport NSW is committed to encouraging participation in sport and it is important to use these type of events to educate females about the introductory pathways available in each sport".

"I would like to thank Lake Macquarie City Council for the partnership and assistance in making this such an enjoyable event", Milton concluded.

VIDEO | NBN News Hunter - http://www.nbnnews.com.au/2016/12/08/elite-hunter-athletes-promote-sport-to-girls/

PHOTOS | Sport NSW Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/sportnsw

For further information on Girls Get Active events contact Sport NSW Membership and Female Programs Officer, Sophie Milton on (02) 8736 1242 or sophie.milton@sportnsw.com.au,