Apr 26 – 27: Women In Sports Event Schedule
The Bermuda National Athletics Association and Bermuda Olympic Association, in partnership with the Argus Group, today announced the full details of the inaugural Women in Sports Expo to take place in Bermuda. This event will be held on Friday, April 26, and Saturday, April 27, at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess.
The Women in Sports Expo is designed to encourage equitable participation by girls and women in physical recreation and sports. The event will not only increase the profile of sports to females, it will also drive awareness of the importance of physical activity for health reasons. The event consists of a banquet and a running/walking race followed by an Expo with speakers, demonstrations and booths.
Women in Sports Banquet, Friday, April 26, 6.30pm-10pm
This inspiring event will feature guest speaker, Lisa Leslie, a four-time American Olympic gold medalist basketball player, and three-time WNBA MVP. Tickets are available from www.racedayworld.com and are priced at $75 per person for the banquet only.
Women in Sports Run/Walk, Saturday, April 27, 8.45am/9am start
On the Saturday morning there will be a Little Girls Rock one-mile run for females under 18, followed by a Women in Sports 5K Run/Walk. The route for both events starts and finishes at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess.
All participants will receive a completion medal, t-shirt and bag. Entry is $20 for adults, or $30 for the Run and Expo and $10 for those aged under 18. Participants need to register by completing a paper form available island-wide and returning it to Sportseller in Washington Mall before 5pm on April 24. Online registration is also available at www.racedayworld.com before 5pm on April 25. No late entries will be accepted on race day. Race numbers can be picked up from The Fairmont Hamilton Princess on April 26, 12noon-4.30pm.
Women in Sports Expo, Saturday, April 27, 12noon-6pm
The fair will consist of a networking room with booths related to sports organisations, health and nutrition. International elite athletes and female Bermudian Olympians from various sports will be in attendance to speak about their experiences in sports including Paula Lewin [Bermuda sailing Olympian], Arantxa King [Bermuda long jump Olympian], Anjali Forber Pratt [American Paralympian], Jessica Lewis [Bermuda Paralympian], Pauline Davis Thompson [Bahamas track Olympic gold medallist], Chrissie Wellington [English Ironman Triathlon World Champion] and Jenaya Wade-Fray [Bermudian basketball Olympian].
There will be a ‘Women’s sports and health issues’ panel discussion with Pauline Davis [Bahamas track Olympian], Esther Maynard [International Athletics Association Federation Technical member], Branwen Smith-King [Assistant Director of Athletics at Tufts University], Teresa Perrozi [Bermudian middleweight world boxing champion], Bonnie Bernstein [American sports broadcaster] and Anthi Xipolia [Bermuda Rugby Football Union].
There will also be Zumba, gymnastics, Jump 2b Fit and salsa demonstrations, as well as a sports fashion show. Tickets are available from www.racedayworld.com priced $20 for adults and $10 for those under 18 years. There is a reduced charge of $100 for those attending the entire weekend.
Minister of Health and Seniors Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, says: “Regular exercise is an important aspect of looking after our health so I’m delighted that Bermuda National Athletics Association, Bermuda Olympic Association and the Argus Group have joined forces to promote sports to women on the island. Who better to hear that message from than award-winning athletes and existing sports enthusiasts? This is sure to be an inspiring and engaging event so I encourage everyone to go along and get motivated into action.”
Donna Watson, President, Bermuda National Athletics Association, says: “We are excited to be hosting the first-ever event dedicated to women in sports on the island. It is a real privilege for us to be welcoming those at the top of their respective fields in the sporting arena to help us encourage more girls and women to take a greater interest in sports.
“Exercise is great for your health, makes you look and feel good, and the sense of personal achievement you can get from pushing your body to its limits cannot be beaten. I thank Bermuda National Athletics Association, The Bermuda Olympic Association and the Argus Group for their support in turning the concept into a reality.”
Alison Hill, Chief Executive Officer, the Argus Group, says: “The fact that a substantial proportion of women in Bermuda do not participate in sports and physical recreation is a concern for Argus as the island’s leading health insurer. The consequences of a sedentary lifestyle are increased risk of developing many serious and debilitating conditions. In addition, research1 tells us that women who take part in sports report being happier, suffer less stress and feel more confident.”
Brenda Dale, AVP, Project Manager, the Argus Group, adds: “This is a cause that I personally endorse as the former Chair of Bermuda Government’s Women in Sports Committee from 2002 to 2005, and a current member of the Bermuda Olympic Association’s Women in Sports Committee.”
For more information about this event, please contact the Bermuda National Athletics Association on 296-0951 or email btfa@logic.bm.
Congrats to Donna Watson and her team for organizing this well-deserved expo. At is a wonderful way to showcase so many top athletes – all of whom deserve honours – particularly our home-grown ones !