Olympians To Feature At Women In Sport Expo
Some of the world’s top female athletes including twelve-time Olympic medalist Dara Torres, Paralympic medalist Anjali Forber-Pratt, and four-time Ironman winner Christine Wellington are in discussions about coming to Bermuda for the Women In Sports Expo in late April.
They will be joined by some our own female Olympians including long jumper Arantxa King, equestrian Jillian Terceira, diver Katura Horton-Perinchief and Paralympic sprinter Jessica Lewis.
The Bermuda National Athletic Association, in conjunction with the Bermuda Olympic Association, will be holding the Women In Sports Expo, which has a slogan of “Women in Sports Rock”.
BNAA President Donna Watson said, “The initial idea for this event was suggested by BNAA’s National Coach Troy Douglas. He mentioned to me that we should look at having some sort of women’s sporting event. It is also an initiative of the International Olympic Committee that each country at least once a year have an event that focuses on women.
“This event will be held at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess Friday April 25th and Saturday April 27th. It will begin on the Friday evening with a banquet and we are looking at bringing in a top International athlete to speak at the event. We have a few invitations out and just trying to get a confirmation.
“The expo will begin on the Saturday with a 5k run/walk and a 1 mile Little girls rock run. Following the run at 12:00pm the expo will begin with various international female athletes and our own female Olympians speaking throughout the day.
“There will be various demonstrations throughout the day [Zumba, skipping, gymnastics etc]. We will be having a panel discussion at the end of the day to discuss women in sports, health issues, sports and education and various other topics.
“We already have confirmed Branwen Smith-King, Pauline Davis, Esther Maynard who was our technical delegate for the Carifta Games, Bonnie Bernstein a host/reporter for ESPN who is an advocate regarding reducing child obesity plus our international athletes. There will be booths set up to discuss health issues, sign up for physio advice, nutrition and various other health and sports needs.
“We are looking at this being not only a local event but an international event with international athletes having already confirmed. We are also hoping to have international participation in the 5k run/walk with the hope that we get some repeat runners from the BMW.
“We have also been in contact with our neighbors from the Caribbean who are very interested in sending their female administrators and athletes to the event. We have reached out to all of the NSGBs to invite athletes and administrators to the event.
“At this point and time we have several athletes who have already accepted our invitation and will be speaking at the banquet. We have Kellie Wells [3rd place in the 100m womens hurdles at this year’s Olympics), Dara Torres [oldest female swimmer in the Olympics to medal from the USA and 12 time Olympic medalist], Chrissie Wellington [4 time winner of the World IronMan Triathlon Championships] and Anjali Forbes-Pratt [Paralympic medalist].
“As stated above we will be having our own female Olympians Arantxa King, Jillian Terceira, Jessica Lewis, and Katura Horton-Perinchief. Unfortunately Flora Duffy is unable to make it due to her preparing for her graduation and final exams.”
“We are looking forward to this event and feel this is going to be another huge event for Bermuda and our visitors. We are hoping that charities like the Leukemia Association, Breast Cancer, The Heart Foundation etc. come out and compete in the 5k run/walk and participate in the expo as I believe they can bring a lot of value and information to our women.
“We will be specifically targeting our young girls by visiting the schools and making presentations and inviting the schools to participate,” concluded Ms Watson.
Update 2.30pm: Ms Watson said they are still “in negotiations and discussions” with the athletes who have accepted to come.
This event will be a fitting tribute to all the Athletes and Para-athletes who deserve great praise for their achievements.