Women And Girls In Sports Not Something Political But Opportunity
WITH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 7TH BEING NATIONAL WOMEN AND GIRLS IN SPORTS DAY WE DECIDED TO PASS ON A GAME INTERVIEW - HERE IS THE RESULT
Wednesday February 7th was National Women and Girls in Sports Day.
The purpose of the day is to celebrate and encourage girls and women to become involved in sport.
The Saskatchewan High School Athletics Association is also partnered in the national effort.
As such MJ Independent spoke to a player and a coach at last evening’s junior girls basketball game about women\girls in sports.
Kallie New, a grade nine student at Vanier and a member of the Spirits junior girls basketball team.
Although on the injured list at the present time New is part of the talented grade nine explosion of talent on the Spirits.
ACTION FROM THE FEBRUARY 7TH JUNIOR GIRLS MATCHUP BETWEEN THE VANIER SPRITS AND THE PEACOCK TOILERS
“I play it because I just enjoy the sport. I find it really fun to play,” she said about her playing basketball with the Spirits.
Asked about how important sport was in her life New said it was “really important.”
“It’s a chance to exercise and to have fun. Like he cooperative with other people and stuff.”
Asked about her views when it came to female versus male sports New said there shouldn’t be any controversy but more of a just do it attitude.
“I think if they love playing sports they should just go and play it. It is for fun. It’s not like (difficult). I feel if you love a sport you should just play it. It’s not about any politics or anything,” she said.
Asked about male sports getting a large portion of media attention New said it wasn’t important.
“I think really doesn’t matter. I think as long as you enjoy the game (is most important).”
PEACOCK TOILERS HEAD COACH JOY-LYN NATARAJAH
Peacock Toilers head coach Joy-Lyn Natarajah has experienced female sport from behind the bench, a referee as well as a player at Balfour Collegiate.
She said sports helped expand her horizons.
“I think for me it was just an opportunity to have community outside of school. It helped me to just gain some life skills that I needed and carried forward into my adult years,” Natarajah said.
“I think it’s important for women and men to have that opportunity. Girls and boys both have that opportunity to gain life skills outside of school. Then can get that by being a team through being in sports.”
Asked about the differences in coverage and financing of male versus female sports she said for her personally the times are changing.
“I think for myself personally just through different social media programs that it allows me to gain some insight into different female athletes,” she said, adding “…social media has really exposed some of those individuals. It’s been cool to see that. I think the general public is getting to know more women in sports.”
“I think that flow and momentum has caused some traction and media presence for sure.”
About high school sport’s importance in building character she said it was a great opportunity for girls and boys to better develop character and socially.
“It’s a really important opportunity for all students.”