March is the month that the world has set aside to look back on the achievements of women in history and to celebrate their accomplishments.
It is also the month when the Department of Sports honors the women of the Cayman Islands and organizes various sporting events to highlight the importance of sport in the community.
Merta Day, the Department of Sports Women’s Coordinator, selected 10 sporting women and up-and-comers to profile: Elizabeth Ibeh, Penny McDowall, Sara McKay, Lyneth Monteith, Martha Godet, Patricia McCallum, Jan Pereira, Mara Hernandez McLean, Gabriella Ritch and Amanda Ferguson.
The idea is to not only recognize these women for their accomplishments, but to highlight the influence they have made, or are making in their chosen sports.
In addition, the Department of Sports has organized four sporting events as part of the celebrations throughout the month: squash on Mar. 10, netball on Mar. 13 (Cayman Brac), 5k walk on Mar. 23 and netball on Mar. 30.
Director of Sports Collin Anglin is very supportive of the annual event. “Women play a vital role in our society and it is inspiring to hear the stories behind the honorees,” he said. “In many instances, we are learning about women and girls who are blazing a trail for others to follow.”
Anglin noted that it is important for women to be physically active in sports and recreation. “By simply getting the recommended amount of weekly physical activity, we are able to reduce the likelihood of developing some chronic illnesses by nearly 50 per cent. We truly hope that the stories and examples of our honorees will inspire others to follow in their footsteps, and cause a shift in consciousness about the importance of remaining physically active. It is a challenge at times to keep that balance of a healthy body and a healthy mind, but it is more costly to have one without the other.”
Day said the theme for the 2014 Honouring Women’s Month is Inspiring Change. “This provides an opportunity for the Department of Sports to emphasize the efforts and impact that women and girls have made in Cayman,” she said. “The conscious choice to make sports a part of your life aids greatly to inspire change.
“This year, we hope that our honorees’ stories will not only demonstrate the myriad ways in which girls and women are making an impact. We also want their stories to inspire change, so that women start putting themselves first – not in a selfish way, but in a manner that fulfills their needs and empowers them. In turn, this augurs well for all in their circle and benefits their families, friends and the wider community.
“This type of change is something that we all need to embrace. It means finally doing something for us, such as taking that walk or jog you’ve always wanted to on an evening or early morning, or taking time out for a team sports scrimmage with your friends or colleagues.”
Day added that she wants all to commit to getting and staying involved in healthier lifestyle activities. She added that women tend to take better care of their lives, such as family and friends, but if they feel better about themselves, they have more to give.
“Sport is one of the most important areas we can choose to improve our lives,” she added. “Its benefits are numerous. It boosts longevity and helps to alleviate stress. Participation in physical activities, releases endorphins that are said to make you happier.
“Weight loss benefits and healthier eating habits can develop as a result, and the list goes on. Women and girls, let us all aspire to be the mental change we want to see and inspire others to do the same.”
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