Samoa ‘Women in Sports’ challenge

22 February 2016, 12:00AM

The Samoa Women in Sports Commission (SWISC) is one of the three Commissions under SASNOC.  

The other two being the Athletes & Medical Commissions.

Chairman, Nynette Sass has been tasked by president Patrick Fepulea’i  to re-establish the commission. She in turn has hand-picked a working committee to prepare the basic foundation for the organisation prior to its full establishment. 

“Besides, much of the background and foundation work that has been done to date, this upcoming event is what we are really excited about. It will be our signature event which will become our main annual event,” says Nynette.

“It is a multidisciplinary challenge targeting girls of 14-18 years of age and an open division of above 18 years. “It is a challenge to ourselves  to step out of our comfort zones; try a new sport; push our boundaries; form new alliances and networks and continue to pursue healthy lifestyles.”

“We have seen from the stats that girls and women seem to drop off the sports radar after school compared to our boys and men. Our bodies and mind need active engagement in safe and fun arenas too!” says Nynette. “ This challenge will see all participants compete in 5 disciplines. We have partnered with our respective National Federations who will be running  the competitions with support from our end.

1. Lawn Bowls (precision)

2. Squash (speed & coordination)

3. Shot Put (strength)

4.  5 Kilometre Run (endurance)

5. Outrigger Canoeing (on water challenge)

 

The purpose of this event is to: 

1. Encourage & promote girls and women’s on-going participation in sports as part of living a healthy lifestyle

2. Provide exposure for girls and women to new sports, whether as athletes, administrators or coaches and as a means of building their confidences 

3. Encourage and promote sports as a study & career pathway

4. Showcase sports and an opportunity for National Federations to recruit new members

5. Establish a network of girls and women in sports

Competition timelines:

We will officially launch the Challenge and announcement of our Naming Sponsor on the 8th March to coincide with the UN International Women’s Day. Competition will run mainly after school and after work during the next four weeks and will culminate with a day of seminars and workshops on the 15th April 2016 and a Gala Event on the same evening with an inspirational guest speaker and prize giving.

“We will be approaching the 10 colleges around Apia and its environs to invite 5 students each for the challenge as well, otherwise this is open to all eligible (age-wise) girls and ladies. “We realise that this is specifically targeting the Upolu and more specifically Apia and environs but this is purely due to logistical challenges. We will be looking at how to achieve this for the whole country for the next event. Competitor numbers are limited again for same reasons to 100 people.”

Our registration forms will be available this week for circulation if you are interested.  Please note that there is a minimal fee of $10 for the girls and $20 for the open division. This gives you access fees, competition t-shirts, use of equipment at all venues and refreshments as well as free entry into the Gala Event.

 

Contact the following for more information and registration:

Registrations: Ariane Vaai Stevenson: [email protected]  

Nynette Sass:  [email protected]

 

Competition Manager: Ulugia Jay Ah Fook Schuster: [email protected] 




22 February 2016, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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