Guest Blog: Chrissie Wellington

 

Chrissie Wellington talks women's sport, fitness, triathlons and more...

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"Nelson Mandela once said sport has the power to change the world."

 

I agree.

 

It can build bridges, it can bring divergent communities together, it can boost the economy and it can improve the cultural and social health of our nation. 

It can also change the lives of individuals. It provides health benefits both physical and psychological and the skills generated through sport, such as leadership, confidence, focus, organisation, goal setting and teamwork can transform the social and professional opportunities of individuals.

That’s why I am so worried by WSFF statistics which show such low levels of participation in sport and physical activity amongst women and girls in the UK. And we only have to open our eyes to see that sedentary lifestyles and obesity have become deep rooted endemics. A whole generation of women, in fact two or three generations of women, are missing out on the benefits of being active.

In these blogs I will speak about my personal experiences as an athlete who came to competitive sport relatively late – but it’s important to remember that women and girls are not a homogenous group, and it is important to get all women moving regardless of age, religion, ethnicity, ability or social background. Change requires a clear understanding the current state of play - in terms of participation, as well as secondary research into the existing policy and practice framework. A thorough assessment is needed of the barriers/limiters to participation as well as the motivational triggers – eg the factors that influence if, why, and when young women both commence and maintain their participation. And although overall picture may be bleak, there are examples of success and of best practice.

I wrote these notes in preparation for the recent launch of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sport and by publishing them with WSFF, I hope to contribute something to the debate, bring attention to the key issues and help assist in the development of lasting solutions. Like WSFF, I want to help create a nation of active women and girls. 

Follow Chrissie on Twitter to hear more about her work as an ambassador for women's sport: @chrissiesmiles

See my blogs on women's sport and fitness here: