Werribee’s Janelle Evans wants to inspire women to become physically active.
Ms Evans is an ambassador for a new online, print and television campaign called “This Girl Can”, which is being run by VicHealth.
Based on a Sport England campaign of the same title, the movement aims to raise awareness that there is no “normal” and that it is important for women to be active, even if they are worried about what other people will think.
Ms Evans was born without a fibula in her right leg and at the age of six, her right foot was amputated.
She has a blade fitted to her leg, but this has not stopped her from being physically active.
“My thing has always been, ‘If I can do it, anyone can do it’,” she said.
Ms Evans said she played tennis and netball when she was younger, and is passionate about running and attending the gym.
For the ‘This Girl Can’ campaign, she was filmed doing Zumba.
Ms Evans said seeing herself on television was “exciting but a bit strange”.
However, her sons – Finn, 8, and Oliver, 6, – have taken it in their stride. Ms Evans said Finn had told her it was “just normal now” to see his mother on TV.
As an assistant principal at Newport Gardens Primary School, Ms Evans said many students had also said they liked seeing her on television.
“Promoting females in sport and people with disabilities is very empowering,” Ms Evans said.
