Forty-eight individuals and clubs who have made a difference to girls’ and women’s sport have been recognised by a Wyndham council program.
The sportspeople will have their stories shared on Wyndham council’s website as part of its inaugural Wyndham Champions of Girls’ and Women’s Sport initiative.
The 48 “champions” were announced last month, at an online event which included presentations from the head of football operations at North Melbourne Football Club, Laura Kane, and players Emma Kearney and Ben Brown.
The Wyndham Basketball Association’s development officer, Emilee Harmon, was among those who have been recognised by the program.
Ms Harmon had a successful college basketball career in the US before coming to Australia, where she played in the South East Australian Basketball League and NBL1.
The program has also recognised Nathan Smithwick, who worked with both Manor Lakes Football Club and the Western Region Football League to establish a women’s competition.
Nardine Bainbridge from Western Athletics, who has represented Victoria at the Australian Marathon Championships twice, was named as a “champion” of women’s and girls’ sport as well.
Werribee Juniors Cricket Club and Wyndham Basketball Association were among the other successful nominees.
Wyndham’s sports development portfolio holder, Cr Peter Maynard, said it was important to celebrate the inspirational athletes, coaches, umpires and club members within Wyndham who have done great things for girls’ and women’s sport.
“We know that only half as many women as men participate in sport, and I’d like to personally congratulate these individuals and clubs who have done their bit to encourage girls and women to give sport a go,” Cr Maynard said.
“There is no single solution to increasing women’s and girls’ participation in sport, but by addressing the imbalance of opportunity, representation and access to sport and physical activity for women and girls we can create positive change.
“Council is proud of the work it has done through the Gender Equality in Wyndham Sport project, and we thank all of the Wyndham sporting clubs and individuals that are working to create a level playing field for all genders.”
To see the full list of successful nominees and read their stories, go to www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/services/sports-parks-recreation/women-sports.
