This weekend, women and girls are being encouraged to explore a range of new sports at the Her Sports Fest in North York. The event, spanning three days, kicked off on Friday evening at the Hangar Sport and Events Centre, showcasing various sports like skateboarding, sailing, and boxing to inspire women to engage in sports activities.
Noting the growth and popularity of professional women’s sports in society, festival co-founder Sherry Lamb emphasized the importance of motivating young women and girls to embrace diverse sports to sustain this progression. Lamb highlighted Toronto’s favorable environment for women’s sports, citing the presence of professional teams like the Toronto Tempo and emerging local talents in tennis and golf.
According to Lamb, the focus is on participation and discovering the right sport for individuals rather than aiming for elite or Olympic-level athleticism. The festival offers demonstrations, appearances by athletes, as well as instructors and equipment for attendees to experience each sport firsthand.
Lamb emphasized that each sport presents unique opportunities for girls. Even if women do not pursue sports at a professional level, participation offers mental and community support that aids in thriving across various aspects of life.
In addition, coaches in women’s boxing and skateboarding noted the growth in these sports. Adam Higgins, interim executive director of Skateboard Canada, highlighted the increasing participation of women in skateboarding, with many standout athletes making their mark in recent years. He encouraged women and girls to try out skateboarding, emphasizing the sport’s enjoyment and the new professional pathways being developed.
Samantha Chan, founder of Soul Good Boxing, mentioned the rise in female participation in boxing, an area traditionally dominated by males due to perceived aggression. Chan urged women to explore boxing for its numerous benefits, including a comprehensive workout, empowerment, and building connections with fellow fighters.
Attendees at the festival have the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of these sports from coaches and engage in activities like hitting a punching bag, providing a hands-on experience for all participants.