The United Striders AC’s Women in Sport evening proved a great success for the club, with women of all ages and abilities taking to the track in New Ross for an evening of activity, fun and trying something new.
The event, held at the Town Park Running Track on Wednesday, September 2, was organised as part of Athletics Ireland’s Women in Sport initiative and supported by Sports Active Wexford. This particular event forms part of United Striders Athletics Club’s ongoing efforts to encourage more women to become involved in athletics and to enjoy being active at every stage of life.
The free event attracted a strong turnout, with participants getting the opportunity to experience a range of athletics events in a relaxed and non-competitive setting. The evening featured a fun, modified heptathlon, with participants trying their hand at mini hurdles, sprinting, jumping and throwing events. The format was designed to give everyone an opportunity to take part, regardless of previous experience or fitness level.
Inspired by Team Ireland’s Kate O’Connor and her recent European Championships gold medal, the modified heptathlon proved one of the highlights of the evening, with plenty of encouragement and good humour as participants tackled events that many had never tried before, along with the emphasis throughout being firmly on participation rather than competition.
Following the athletics activities, the group took part in an outdoor Pilates session led by Fiona Sutton, before finishing the evening with refreshments and an opportunity to relax and chat.
Catherine Redmond, Women in Sport Officer with United Striders, said she was “delighted” with how the evening went.
“The response to the event was fantastic, and it was brilliant to see so many women getting involved and trying events that were completely new to them. There was a great atmosphere throughout the evening, with lots of encouragement, laughter and people cheering each other on,” said Catherine.
“The whole idea was to show that athletics is about much more than running and racing, and I think the evening really demonstrated that. It was wonderful to see women of different ages and abilities having a go and enjoying themselves,” she added.
Catherine also paid tribute to everyone who helped make the event possible, including the club volunteers, Fiona Sutton for leading the Pilates session, and those who provided refreshments. She thanked Sports Active Wexford for their support and everyone who attended and helped make the event such a success.