However, about a year into my involvement, the 2012 Olympics caught my attention. I remember this specifically as it was the week I made the well-known trip to the Gaeltacht. The boxing was on and our Gaeltacht was allowing us to watch one fight, there was a war between us when it came to decide which fight to put on. Katie Taylor, flag-bearer in the opening ceremony, representing women in Olympic Boxing for the first time ever in history and soon to be role-model for a nation of Irish girls, lost the vote to her male counter-part. To say I was disappointed at not having the opportunity to witness my soon to be role-model making history is an understatement. Although she was not representing my sport specifically, she proved that women and girls can participate in a tough sport and they could represent their country on the same level as any male athlete. She inspired a generation of girls, encouraged a wave of people to create new opportunities for girls in sports and was encouraging sports clubs and organisations to create a more even playing field for both genders.
Laura Twomey, the AIG’s ambassador and Dublin Senior Camogie player has been showing her dedication to the involvement of girls in sport by also filling the role of National Co-ordinator of the HSE’s Be Active programme, a primary school physical activity initiative. Meanwhile, Louise Quinn, Irish International and Arsenal footballer discussed her sporting journey in connection with this campaign. From her first experiences in Sweden, where club and self-promotion were strongly encouraged to her career in England, where social media platforms were utilized but the fan base was not present. Louise states she has learned a lot from her career and wants to bring that knowledge to her home team. Through the campaign, Quinn feels the best strategy is to connect with the people around you and become a role model that will inspire and encourage support from the community. “That’s exactly what you want to translate back to Ireland, to my club Peamount. It can be as simple as getting out to schools, doing coaching classes, getting involved in any sort of community action that you can. Once the community know you’re there, it can connect and bring everyone together.”
#ShowYourStripes #CantSeeCantBe #20x20
Author: Nicole Jordan
Recreation and Sport Management 4th Year Student