Triathlon England Looks to Step up Women's Participation Figures
Sunday, 18th November 2007
The Women's Sport and Fitness Foundation published findings on Thursday showing that more than 80% of women are not doing enough exercise to benefit their health. Similarly, Triathlon England's rate of female membership increase is lower than their counterparts. 6590 (77%) of the 8573 members who joined Triathlon England since its formation have been male with just 1983 (23%) females. These figures fell short of the expected 2:1 ratio.
Triathlon England is taking major steps to remove the barriers that deter women from participating in triathlon. They have appointed a National Equity Manager, who is developing projects nationwide to encourage greater female participation and remove the barriers that are prevalent across many sports. The initiatives form part of the Triathlon England National Inclusion Strategy - 'Building a more inclusive sport'.
Triathlon England aim to increase the number of female participants, coaches, referees and volunteers in triathlon by hosting women and girl only introductory days (with appropriate exit routes into clubs), delivering women coach education programmes and establishing women and girl referee and volunteer recruitment programmes.
Julian Wills, National Equity Manager, said:
"I am delighted with the progress we have made with the development initiatives. Triathlon England's Regional Development Managers are supporting the implementation of the projects, which are proving to be extremely successful."
Source: British Triathlon
More info: http://www.wsf.org.uk/