THUNDER BAY — Students in Grade 8 gathered at Lakehead University from across the city on Tuesday to participate in sports that they may not have experienced before.
Mountain biking, ultimate frisbee, cricket, rowing, and so many other sports are featured at INSPIRE. The day was organized by the city and featured many local sports and activity providers who showcase different options to encourage females to be active and get physical.
Trisha Heino is sport development coordinator with the city and coordinator of the INSPIRE event at LU.
"Statistics show that girls in adolescence will stop participating in physical activity or in sports.
"So the goal of today is to encourage them to try new activities in an environment they feel comfortable with and find something that they truly enjoy that they can participate in for the rest of their lives."
Victoria Posselwhite, a Grade 12 student at St. Patrick's High School, was one of the event's student leaders.
"I'm really looking forward to speaking to the Grade 8 students and really just telling them to go out there and try their best.
"And honestly, if you don't get on the team you want to the first time or the opportunity, you don't give up because your time will come."
Students from both school boards are involved, as are the City of Thunder Bay, Lakehead University, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, and Giant Gymnastics, which combined their efforts to bring INSPIRE to all Grade 8 girls.
