Hundreds of budding female athletes gathered at the Charlestown sporting precinct on the weekend of March 12 and 13 for the inaugural Lake Mac Women’s Sport Festival.
The festival kicked off with two’ Lunch with the Sports Stars’ events on March 11 and 12, before women from across the Hunter trialled and participated in more than 20 different sports on March 13.
The festival’s final day included a netball masterclass with locally bred Aussie representative Sam Poolman, who took dozens of young participants through their paces on the Whitebridge Netball Courts.
The event rounded out three days of festival activities to celebrate women’s sport, shine a light on issues for women pursuing sporting dreams, and provide pathways for young athletes to embrace different sports.
Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser said the festival demonstrated the growing role sport played for girls and women in the community.
“Sport has so many benefits, whether it’s in terms of promoting healthy lifestyles, increasing motivation and coordination or building strong and supportive social groups,” she said.
“I’m so proud that Lake Macquarie is championing women’s sport and giving it the recognition it deserves.”
The festival featured talks and appearances by 2000 Olympics beach volleyball gold medallist Kerri Pottharst, Lake Mac cliff-diving world champion Rhiannan Iffland and a host of other athletes and experts.
Rhiannan Iffland said sport helped teach kids valuable life lessons, encouraged a healthy lifestyle and increased confidence and self-esteem.
“I’m a strong believer that it’s important to have sporting venues and groups that create a safe haven for young women and girls to connect and grow with other like-minded individuals,” she said.
“It can offer a sense of community like no other. I have seen first-hand how this can offer opportunities for young females to reach their full potential on and off the sporting field.”
Iffland applauded the recent development of women’s sport gaining greater coverage and recognition in the community.
“I think one of the main differences I’m seeing now is that we’re recognising more and more of what women are capable of, and many new role models have been given the opportunity to pave the way for younger athletes.
“Growing up in Lake Macquarie presented me with so many great opportunities, some of which I would never have expected to help me so much in my career today.
“The sense of community I felt within the sports of trampoline and diving is something I will always be extremely grateful for.”
The event showcased a range of sports matches, workshops, clinics and live entertainment, as well as hands-on activities for girls and women of all ages.
The NSW Government contributed $50,000 towards the festival through its $500 million Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Maia O’Connor