27 women from the SBitC ‘In It Together’ project took part in the Race 4 Life Pretty Muddy 5k event at Stoneleigh Royal Showground…
The In it Together project is funded by Sport England for three years, providing free, informal sport and fitness activities for teenage girls outside of school, as well as targeting adult ladies and mothers in sessions delivered at community centres in Coventry.
To date the project has worked with over 320 girls at secondary schools across Coventry and in excess of 340 women at community venues in Willenhall, Tile Hill and Radford. The project aims to address some of the barriers that women and girls face in taking part in sport or physical activity such as cost, childcare and being tied in to contracts.
27 of those women accessing the project took part in the Pretty Muddy event, which saw women conquering a five kilometre obstacle course in aid of Breast Cancer. One participant, Fiona Owen explained:
“I heard about In it Together through social media and what the project was offering seemed ideal for me; ladies only, no pressure, small community venues and free too.
“I bit the bullet and went along – alone. At this time I had sped past my 50th birthday, have a job that sees me sat behind a desk for seven hours a day and despite losing some weight in the previous couple of years, I knew I was unfit.
“I’ve been attending the regular Wednesday night session since January. I get hot, sweaty and ache, but I am fitter and have absolutely no regrets. I’ve been encouraged, I have fun and feel better. I’ve made new friends, so when it was suggested we take part in a cancer research ‘Pretty Muddy’ event I thought why not?
“It was a great experience. I really appreciate the provision of the In it Together programme. I would encourage any lady young or old who hasn’t exercised for a long time to join in too – I always leave my session with a smile.“
After the success of the Pretty Muddy event, In It Together will also be taking part in other events across the City over 2016, including Sports Week in Broadgate (week commencing 11th August) and Sky Ride on Sunday 7th August.
The In it Together team are also delivering summer ladies-only sessions at Memorial Park offering a wide range of sports including softball, golf, touch rugby and many more, free for ladies in Coventry.
For more information about the weekly sessions or summer programme, contact Health Coordinator, Kimberley Dougherty by Telephone: 02476 786 314 or Email: kim.dougherty@ccfc.co.uk