Some of Australia’s greatest female athletes joined forces at Sydney Olympic Park’s Cricket Central today to inspire the next generation of young women at City of Parramatta’s biggest Celebrating Girls in Sport Festival.
Australian diver Melissa Wu, GWS Giants netballer Amy Sligar, Sydney Thunder cricketer Hannah Darlington, Parramatta Eels NRLW star Elise Albert and Aussie Stingers water polo champion Genevieve Longman took part in the annual event, which included a panel discussion and a range of sporting clinics with more than 240 students from 10 local high schools.
The panel discussion, hosted by Western Sydney University senior sports management lecturer Dr Michelle O’Shea, gave insight into how each successful sports star rose above the crowd and made their mark in their chosen sport.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Martin Zaiter said the annual event was about helping break down barriers and supporting local girls to thrive in sport, school and life.
“Playing sport is one of the best ways to learn important life skills such as teamwork, leadership and resilience, which is why Council’s Celebrating Girls in Sport Festival is so important – it’s about encouraging girls to play to their strengths, believe in themselves and get involved,” Cr Zaiter said.
“As a father of a daughter and sons, it’s important to me that girls and boys in our local area have the same opportunities to achieve greatness – whether that’s scoring a goal, winning a premiership, or achieving their personal best.
“This much-loved event is one of the many ways that Council supports the community with health and fitness programs for all ages and abilities, including the Active Parramatta program and award-winning Parramatta Aquatic Centre.”
The event included rugby league, cricket, netball, soccer and rock-climbing clinics, to give attendees a chance to put their skills to the test.
Parramatta Eels NRLW player Rachael Pearson said this event is an example of how sport contributes to the development of young girls and women.
“Events like the City of Parramatta’s Celebrating Girls in Sport Festival are a fantastic way to highlight the positive impact sport can have on girls and young women,” Ms Pearson said.
“At the Parramatta Eels, we’re proud to offer a clear development pathway from grassroots to elite level, empowering young girls to reach their full potential while building confidence, resilience, and essential life skills.”
A range of stallholders including the Australian College of Physical Education (ACPE), Headspace Parramatta, Western Sydney University and Western Sydney Local Health District were on hand to provide key insights into the sport industry and offer advice as the students prepare to complete their secondary education.
City of Parramatta also acknowledges and gives special thanks Cricket NSW and Cricket Central for their ongoing support of the event.
To find out more about Active Parramatta click here, and for PAC click here.
