GIRL POWA
We had a lot of fun and it was a huge learning experience for us all. Teen girls are a very difficult cohort to reach and persuade but we hope we are doing our bit to let the girls have some fun and enjoy activities that are a huge benefit to their physical and mental well-being.
GIRL POWA was also nominated for a Sport Waikato 2023 Sport and Recreation Award, for Commitment to Accessibility and Inclusion. You can read more about our nomination here. "A fun day with my daughter and our friends (we signed up together), the most precious moment was when a girl who seemed scared to do the abseiling came down together with Kate. I was so touched and I think this experience was possibly life changing for her. Well done Kate. You were never pushy, respected people's boundaries and at the same time encouraging. Not easy but you really managed that extremely well." |
Our GIRL POWA initiative provides opportunities for female rangatahi ages 12-19 years to get out and enjoy the great outdoors in an all-female, non-competitive environment.
Research and our own experience has shown that participation in sport and outdoor recreation declines significantly as our girls reach their teens. Our POWA programme was about breaking down barriers to women getting out in the great outdoors, we didn't want our teens girls to miss out. With funding from Sport New Zealand's Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, administered by Sport Waikato enabled us to run our first ever GIRL POWA events. A subsidised ticket admitted one teen 12-19 years and one adult 20 years plus (female only). This was to encourage the female adult to role model, support and encourage the teens and to help create a shared experience. GIRL POWA adventures include High Ropes, Learn to Kayak, Learn to Mountain Bike, Learn Rock Skills, Learn to cave and multi- activity Adventure days. Check out the link below to discover our current GIRL POWA events. |