A Burnley born British Olympic star has thrown her support behind a project aimed to get more women and girls involved in sport and physical activity.
Record breaking thrower Sophie Hitchon has signed up as an ambassador for the Calico Group’s ‘Girls Up and Active’ project.
The initiative aims to provide low cost access to health and leisure activities for those in the South West Burnley and Padiham neighbourhoods, with accessible times and locations within the communities.
Sophie said: “I am really excited to be an ambassador for the Girls Up and Active project. I cannot imagine life without sport and I’m thrilled to be a part of such an inspiring and fun initiative that will no doubt encourage a love of exercising in so many more women and girls.”
To kick off her role as ambassador, Sophie also joined in the high intensity Metafit class to get a taster of what’s on offer to local women.
She joins forces with other five sporting ambassadors including This Girl Can rounders poster girl and a model for M&S active wear Joanne Baldwin.
The Girls Up and Active programme is beingdelivered by the Calico Group in partnership with Burnley Leisure and Burnley Council following £164,220 of funding being obtained from Sport England.
Andrea Pilling, Burnley Leisure’s project officer and a lead for Girls Up and Active, said: “We are delighted to have a team of fantastic ambassadors that will help us get the message to women about the benefits of exercising, and how the project can support them on their journey to a more active life.
“When Sophie agreed to become Girls Up and Active ambassador we were absolutely thrilled.
“She is one of the country’s best athletes – as her sporting achievements can testify!
“Sophie’s profile and support will be invaluable as we work hard with our partners to encourage women and girls to get involved in a wide range of activities available from Boxing for Beginners and Netball to Zumba and Metafit.”
The three-year project was launched in January and is working with Lancashire Sport, NHS, local businesses, local community groups, Volunteer Burnley, local schools, Burnley Rounders and Netball clubs, and many more organisations to make this scheme a success.
For more information about the project and class timetable, visit www.burnleyleisure.co.uk or call 01282 477167.
