Orion Springfield Central held its first ever ‘Strong Sisters SportsFest’ last weekend, featuring local sports clubs, live demonstrations, and more.
It took place on Sunday, March 5, at Orion Springfield Central, coinciding with last week’s International Women’s Day celebrations.
Hundreds of people immersed themselves in fun and engaging activities, giveaways, and information sessions throughout the day.
Stalls were scattered through Main Street, amid the regular weekend Springfield Markets and live music performers.
Sports lovers enjoyed freebies including sporting goods, drinks, and snacks from the pop-up ‘Sports Bar’ located in the Target Mall.
Local clubs served up ‘come and try’ sporting experiences.
These included a kids’ inflatable tennis court, and self-defence demonstrations by Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Camira.
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A positive platform
Orion’s centre manager Michelle Lucadou-Wells said she was honoured to host this “positive event” for the first time in Queensland.
“Supporting the mental and physical health of women in our community […] is a win for both Orion Springfield Central and the greater city of Springfield,” Michelle said.
“[We provided] a platform for local sports groups to come and showcase what they have on offer, while also helping our retailers.”
The SportsFest was held in partnership with Ipswich City Council and the ABC documentary ‘Strong Women‘.
‘Strong Women’ tackles mental health and wellbeing among women in the community.
It aims to show how women can overcome issues, rebuild themselves, and, through strength, gain confidence and celebrate their achievements.
The ‘Strong Sisters’ movement
Both the SportsFest and ABC documentary are part of the wider ‘Strong Sisters’ campaign.
‘Strong Sisters’ is a national movement that encourages women to participate in sport and gain physical and mental strength.
It follows some of Australia’s top professional athletes competing in the sport of Strongman.
“After seeing the incredible success of our events in Victoria in inspiring and empowering women and girls, we couldn’t wait to share the love with our Queensland sisters,” said Kristina Foster, producer for the Strong Women documentary.
According to VicHealth, 2 out of 5 Australian women feel “too embarrassed” to exercise in public, compared with 1 in 4 men.+
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (available 24/7).
Alternatively, contact the Butterfly national helpline on 1800 33 46 73 (8am to midnight AEST, 7 days a week).
+ See: https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/-/media/ResourceCentre/PublicationsandResources/General/Females-and-physical-activity.pdf, referencing: TNS, 2016, ‘Physical Activity Behavioural Change Formative Research: A Marketing Research Report’, VicHealth: Melbourne [unpublished].
See also: Raising her voice for the voiceless
