The Norwich Union GirlsActive initiative, aimed at encouraging more girls to take up sport in their teenage years, has been hailed as "fantastic" after two of its three roadshows.

National Sport Champion Dame Kelly Holmes kick-started the GirlsActive campaign at its second roadshow at the PGL Centre in Hindhead, Surrey.

The double Olympic champion is helping encourage girls to enjoy more sporting activity on their own terms, in the hope of slowing the trend of drop-off in physical activity in their later teenage years.

This followed research by Norwich Union and the Youth Sport Trust that showed 80 per cent of girls would like to become more physically active but do not for a variety of reasons.

“I want to delve deeper to understand the key reasons why this is the case and work with the girls themselves to make a real difference in the delivery of sporting activity designed for them,” Kelly said.

And the early signs are encouraging.

Sally Lloyd, SSCo at the Capital Partnership, in the London Borough of Brent, said:  “It’s been a fantastic day. We have been able to talk to other PE teachers to find out about girls’ PE throughout the area.”

“We have discussed the successes and the areas where more work needs to be done.  The girls have really grown in confidence throughout the day. I’ve seen them go from young people who did not want to take part to ones who are enthusiastic and really keen to get involved.”

“Today has been really good. The day has helped me realise that I can achieve more than I ever thought I could. Kelly has really inspired me to take part in more sports,” said Rachel Parkinson, 14.

This view was echoed by another 14-year-old, Kim Cooper, who declared the roadshow’s activities were “brilliant”.

“I’ve really enjoyed the outdoor activities and meeting Kelly was amazing. I don’t play sport, but I’m definitely going to get more involved when I get home,” she said.

Lucy Gardner, an SSCo who works with young people at Frome College, said: “Today has inspired me to go back and look at how the provision of PE and sport can be improved for the girls at our school. Kelly is such an inspiration, seeing her and hearing her talk about her achievements has been a great experience.” 

Following the roadshows, three school sport partnerships will be selected for a Norwich Union GirlsActive personal ‘makeover’ visit by Kelly, while representatives from the partnerships will be invited to discuss the findings with government representatives to help the government achieve its school sport targets.

The target set for 2010, two years prior to the London Olympics, is for all children will be involved in at least four hours of high quality PE and sport each week.

The final Norwich Union GirlsActive roadshow will be held at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, on 14 November.

(Picture: Stuart Douglas; Instant Images)

Related links:
Holmes to revive 'girl power' through GirlsActive