Sport forums encourage women and girls to get active: Fraser

9 October 2006

Sport forums encourage women and girls to get active: Fraser

Local audiences will have the opportunity to listen to and network with some of Australia’s most successful female athletes and sports professionals at two sports forums on the Gold Coast.

Minister for Sport Andrew Fraser said Queensland sportswomen performed outstandingly well on the national and international stage, but still lacked sponsorship, media coverage and adequate representation in professional roles.

“The Queensland Government is committed to encouraging more Queensland women and girls to participate in sport and active recreation, and to achieve the recognition and rewards they deserve,” he said.

A schoolgirls’ breakfast seminar will he held on Friday 27 October at the Southport Australian Rules Football Club and a professional development and networking forum will be held on Wednesday 1 November at the Tallebudgera Leisure Centre.

Mr Fraser said anyone wanting to register or find out more about the forums could phone 3891 3272 or email activeaustralia@achperqld.org.au.

“The Active Girls breakfast seminar will encourage secondary schoolgirls, teachers and parents to become more actively involved in sport and inspire them to turn their sporting dreams into reality.

“Attendees will have the opportunity to hear the personal stories of women who have attained success in their field and learn what it takes to achieve your goals,” he said.

The panel will include Karni Liddell, Paralympian gold medallist, Elisabeth Whitehouse, winner of the 2005 Daytona Beach Golf Tournament, Sam Riley, triple Olympic medallist, and Chelsea Georgeson, 2005 Surfing World Champion.

“The Women in sport professional development and networking forum will benefit people who are involved in encouraging women and girls to embrace a physically active lifestyle and developing their sport leadership roles,” Mr Fraser said.

“Participants can share in the knowledge and experiences of professionals working with women and girls, and exchange information with presenters and other attendees.”

Guest speakers will include Liz Cantor, former World Championship Tour international surfing judge, Lisa Fraser, sports psychologist, and Vicki Wilson, coach of the Queensland Firebirds and Commonwealth Games gold medallist.

“More than 1,400 people have attended the forums since their introduction last year, which is a testament to their popularity,” Mr Fraser said.

The program is a Queensland Government initiative, delivered by Sport and Recreation Queensland in partnership with Womensport Queensland Association Inc (WQA) and the Queensland branch of the Australian Council of Health, Physical Education and Recreation (ACHPER QLD).

For further information on how the Beattie Government is helping more Queenslanders get active, contact your local Sport and Recreation Queensland office on 1300 656 191 or visit www.sportrec.qld.gov.au.

Details are:

Active Girls breakfast seminar – Southport Australian Rules Football Club, Cnr. Musgrave and Olsen Avenue, Southport. Friday 27 October, 7:15am-10am. Cost $5. RSVP – Friday 20 October.

Women in sport professional development and networking forum – Tallebudgera Active Recreation Centre, 1525 Gold Coast Highway, North Palm Beach. Wednesday 1 November, 6pm-8:30pm. Free admission. RSVP – Thursday 26 October.

Media Contact: Chris Taylor 3227 8825 or 0419 710 874