Female sporting participation the focus for Ambassadors

Female sporting participation the focus for Forward Foundation Ambassadors

An elite group of high school students are set to tackle female sporting participation in communities throughout the country, thanks to the Forward Foundation Ambassador Programme.

Forward Foundation has just announced twenty-two high school students as the second group of Forward Foundation Ambassadors, which was established last year to incentivise and assist high school students in promoting school girls sport in their school and community.

“We set ourselves a target of 20 Ambassadors this year, but the calibre of applications was so high we just had to take 22,” says Ambassador Programme co-ordinator, Devanshi Gandhi.

“We just know these girls will achieve great things in their community, for their peers and their sport.”

Forward Foundation provides their Ambassadors with resources, information and mentors to help the young women action initiatives in their schools and communities, encouraging participation and growth in their sport.

Ms Gandhi says the Foundation aims to build on last year’s success, which saw each Ambassador contributing in different but effective ways.

“For example, we had a rugby player went from having no team to play for at school, to establishing three teams, and helping coach them, too - and that’s exactly what we’re about.

“It’s giving these girls a whiteboard, if you like, a space to think about what they could do, talk to other likeminded girls, receive some guidance and advice, and make a real difference in a space that’s so important to them.

“We’re still learning, though, and we received some valuable feedback from our Ambassadors last year which has some resulted in some exciting initiatives for this year’s group.”

Ms Gandhi says Forward Foundation Ambassadors will also learn vital leadership skills, allowing them to develop personally, and contribute more to their sporting code.

“It's all about giving them the opportunity to grow, inspire those around them and promote their sports – which is of benefit to them, their communities, and the state of sport in New Zealand,” she says.

“We’re really pleased with the diversity of sports and regions our Ambassadors represent.

“We can’t wait to see what 2016 holds for them.”

ENDS.

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