Health & Fitness
The value of women in sport will be front and centre at a breakfast session, led by Southlander Julie Paterson, this Thursday morning, and anyone – male or female – with an interest in sport is encouraged to attend. (Thursday 30 November)
The session, coordinated by Sport Southland, is a chance to discuss the value of female leaders in sport, to look at the current situation locally and nationally and to identify challenges and opportunities within Southland for future exploration.
Former Netball South Chief Executive Julie Paterson will headline the Women in Sport
Aotearoa session, after co-founding the organisation. Women in Sport Aotearoa exists to
transform sport for the betterment of women and girls and, through sport participation, to
grow future leaders and role models.
Sport Southland Capability Advisor Luciana Garcia said the topic of female leaders in sport was hugely relevant to anyone interested in the betterment of sport; regardless of their gender.
“It’s not necessarily about gender, it’s about what is best for sport and getting some diverse
thinking,” she said.
“If we really want some change to happen, we need diversity of thinking – that means getting women more involved in decision making in sport. It’s about creating different approaches.”
Garcia recently attended a symposium in Wellington called She Moves, She Leads, We Win, which she said summarised the need for more female leaders in sport.
“Sport is such a powerful way to engage young females, to empower them and to help them grow as people, so it’s crucial that there are females not only within the sport and recreation space, but as leaders,” she said.
“This is an area I’m really passionate about. Julie Paterson, with her expertise in sport
leadership – most recently as Chief Executive of the Northern Mystics and currently Tennis New Zealand – will be a really positive and influential speaker, particularly when it comes to providing girls and women opportunities to be valued in and through sport.”
Garcia said the session was open to anyone, and she particularly encouraged those working in the sport or school space, or working with females in any capacity, to attend.
Thursday’s session will be held in Legends Lounge 4 at ILT Stadium Southland, from
7.15am. A light breakfast is included, and registrations are essential.
To find out more or to register visit the Workshops and Resources section of sportsouthland.co.nz