Retaining women in sport workshop coming

Session is one of six taking place across the province

MILLBROOK FIRST NATION — Dealing with the unfortunate reality of girls dropping out of sports at a much higher rate than boys is the topic for an upcoming evening event being held at the Millbrook Cultural and Heritage Centre Nov. 28.

Millbrook is the fourth stop out of six for the 2022 Canadian Women and Sport Nova Scotia Roadshow tour which is being held in partnership with Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic. The sessions, appropriately titled Retaining Women and Girls in Sports, are being held in six Nova Scotia regions (Central, Yarmouth, Valley, Fundy, Cape Breton and Highland) between Nov. 21 to 30.

All sessions go from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

“This is the first time we’re doing this,” said Canadian Women in Sport regional consultant Mia Johnston who will be presenting during the event.

“My role is actually new to the province, so this is the first time we’re out in the communities and able to offer this. Depending on the success, we would love to do this again.”

The organization’s website (womenandsport.ca) includes the statistics which are driving the sessions. Of note is the fact studies have shown that as girls enter adolescence, one out of three drop out of sports compared to just one in 10 boys. Beyond adolescence, women 19 to 31 years old participate in sports at just half the rate of men.

The Retaining Women and Girls in Sports workshops/ sessions are designed for coaches, recreation leaders, teachers and sport administrators.

As part of the discussion, as posted on the website, will be, “key factors that are central to supporting girls and young women as athletes and leaders, including training environments, injury prevention and role models.”

Also up for discussion is how to “holistically design programs to meet the psychosocial needs of girls to increase their participation and retention in sport and physical activity, and practical recommendations for applying learning in different environments.”

“Ultimately, these sessions are to support coaches, help them overcome barriers, and have a positive impact on girls and women in their communities,” Johnston said.

Truro’s Andrew Paris, a coaching lead with the Canadian Sport Institute Atlantic, will also be presenting during the session.

“We're excited to be working with Mia and her team on this event,” Paris said. “I believe all coaches play a crucial role in ensuring everyone is able to participate in sport and recreation and be themselves. Education sessions and discussions such as these are important to achieve this goal.

“Living here in Truro, I always look forward to bringing coaches together from across the region, so I'm eager to chat with as many coaches as possible on the 28th,” he added.

To register, a person can visit the Eventbrite website (eventbrite.ca) and click on the appropriate link or contact Johnston directly at mia.johnston@womenandsport.ca.