The Bermuda National Athletics Association and Bermuda Olympic Association, in partnership with the Argus Group, announced the full details of the inaugural Women in Sports Expo to take place in Bermuda. This event will be held on Friday, April 26th, and Saturday, April 27th, 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.
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.
Women in Sports Expo, Saturday, April 27, 12noon-6pm
The fair will consist of a networking room with booths related to sports organizations, 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 Bermuda Sailing Olympian Paula Lewin, Bermuda Long Jump Olympian Arantxa King, American Paralympian Anjali Forber Pratt, Bermuda Paralympian Jessica Lewis, Bahamas Track Olympic Gold Medalist Pauline Davis Thompson, English Ironman Triathlon World Champion Chrissie Wellington and Bermudian Basketball Olympian Jenaya Wade-Fray.
There will be a ‘Women’s sports and health issues’ panel discussion with Davis, International Athletics Association Federation Technical member Esther Maynard, Assistant Director of Athletics at Tufts University Branwen Smith-King, Bermudian Women’s Middleweight World Boxing Champion Teresa Perrozi, American Sports Broadcaster Bonnie Bernstein and Bermuda Rugby Football Union member Anthi Xipolia.
Minister of Health and Seniors Patricia Gordon-Pamplin, said, “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, said, “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.
Alison Hill, Chief Executive Officer, the Argus Group, commented, “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, added, “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.”
