Women and girls of all ages and abilities can dive in and learn the ropes of sports aplenty when the Lake Mac Women in Sport Festival kicks off from 7-16 March.
The annual celebration of women and girls in sport aims to boost participation through a range of fun and engaging sessions across a range of sports.
It all starts with the ever-popular Try a Sport Expo, coinciding with Music in the Podium at Warners Bay Foreshore from 6-9pm on Friday 7 March.
Minister for Women Jodie Harrison will join Lake Macquarie Mayor Adam Shultz to get the ball rolling alongside local sporting groups who will offer come-and-try sessions for tennis, rugby, croquet and aikido.
Tennis NSW will also participate in the try a sport expo and host intermediate and advanced women's open tournaments with a special dinner on Saturday 15 March.
Tennis NSW Women and Girls Lead and former professional player Casey Dellacqua said the festival was an opportunity to address the underrepresentation of women and girls in both playing and leadership roles within the sport.
"We pride ourselves on being at the forefront when it comes to implementing positive change in tennis and our vision is for there to be no limits for women and girls on and off the court," she said.
"We see this is a fantastic opportunity to engage with the area to encourage more women and girls to take on leadership roles in tennis or simply pick up a racquet to remain active throughout their different life stages.
"Having strong female voices is critical so women and girls have a voice in their local communities, can influence decision-making and enrich the playing experiences for women and girls."
Women and girls can also dip their toes into sailing with Speers Point Amateur Sailing Club hosting its inaugural Women in Sport Festival yardstick racing event on 15 March 2025, with entry open to all off-the-beach classes.
"We believe a diverse and inclusive sport offers more fun and rewards for all our participants," Club President Bill Gearing said.
"They will have an opportunity to either experience the joy of sailing for first timers or enjoy sailing on beautiful Lake Mac for previous sailors who are visitors to our club.
"Sport is a valuable tool for health and sailing is truly a sport for many ages and all genders, so introducing more people to sailing who otherwise might not try it benefits the whole of community in terms of mental and physical health."
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