Women in sport deserve to be highlighted and that is exactly what the Cayman Islands Department of Sports has in mind this month.
March is Honouring Women Month and this year the Department of Sports continues its focus on women in sport by hosting events that promote sport and its many benefits.
Several women who work at the department have been specially recognised. They are Dania Gall-Bennett, Vanda Powery, Adrianna Christian and Ann Marie Martin. Other outstanding women who have been honoured by the department are Shenel Gall, Dr. Kristina Bramwell, Paula Swaby, Sue Tresidder, Celine Macken and Amelia Gillispie.
“This year, we hope that our honourees will demonstrate the many ways in which girls and women have made and continue to make their contributions to our society,” said Merta Day, women’s coordinator with the Department of Sports. “We hope that their recognition will inspire more women to get involved.”
The department will also be hosting special events beginning on Saturday, 9 March, with the HWM Basketball Showcase and Promo Event, held in conjunction with Women of Valour Basketball Club.
This event is being held at the ARC, which has an indoor basketball court at Camana Bay and is especially for girls between ages 6 and 11.
The following Saturday, 16 March, the Department of Sports is joining the Cayman Islands Football Association women’s programme to showcase the Under-9 footballers at the Truman Bodden Sports Complex football field, from 9am to 1pm.
On 16 March, HWM’s Guest of Honour is Emma Hollis, Great Britain’s Paralympian World Record Holder (S8) and five-time European medallist.
While in Grand Cayman, she will be making appearances including motivational speeches to students at Clifton Hunter and John Gray high schools.
She hopes to be an inspiration to the CARIFTA swimmers and other local elite athletes.
Hollis will attend training sessions with the various swim clubs in Grand Cayman, where she will also give motivational speeches to swimmers and parents.
The highlight of her visit will culminate with her participating in the Camana Bay Aquatic Club 800 metres swim on Saturday, 23 March, at Governor’s Beach starting at 3pm.
“This year’s theme, ‘Strong girls; Strong Women; Strong Country’, has further encouraged the Department of Sports to recommit to its mission to encourage and work alongside our sports associations and the wider community,” Day said. “Our aim is to lend support so we can increase the awareness and participation of girls and women in sports, especially on the recreational level. Physical exercise is of utmost importance to our wellbeing and should be embraced as part of our daily lifestyles.”
Day noted that many forms of physical exercise are offered locally, including various sports leagues and events and activities geared toward individual competition.
She challenges people to change their sedentary lifestyles, get physically active and support local sporting organisations and social clubs.
“The benefits to be derived from being active are too numerous to mention, but we can acknowledge better overall health, a boost in self-esteem, personal growth, a feeling of fulfilment, and of course, making a contribution to your community,” Day said.
She asked everyone to make a real effort to “encourage not only our daughters, mothers, sisters, aunts, nieces and cousins but our entire family to get moving; keep moving and keep our country strong, with women and girls in sports pushing limits and breaking barriers”.
For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call 949-7082.
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