Kensington Leisure Centre Celebrates International Women's Day
On Saturday 7th March, Better partnered with the Kensington and Chelsea Sports Development Team to host a day of activities in celebration of International Women’s Day.
The day was a chance to engage women and girls into the pathways of sport and physical activity, promoting health and wellbeing. The event took place at Kensington Leisure Centre and showcased a variety of physical activities and health support for women and girls. All sessions were free to attend and open to women of all abilities. These activities included laughing yoga, Pilates, combat fitness, spinning, circuits, Zumba, squash, swimming, gym access, and a Nutrition workshop. A pop-up bike market, Dr Bike Stall (free MOT for bikes), and local group bike rides occurred outside the centre.
Better had table set up where after participants completed a fitness challenge, they were able to spin the wheel to win a prize. Other local community partners, focusing on health and wellbeing, were in attendance, including RBKC Leisure Services, RBKC Transport Team, Smoothie Bike, Community Champions, One You, Grenfell Health and Wellbeing Service Children and Young Peoples Team, and RBKC Community Engagement team.
Each session was well attended and gave women a chance to try something new. Participants of the laughing yoga said they loved taking part and felt it had a positive start to their day. The children's activity session also enabled many women with childcare responsibilities the opportunity to exercise. Many women throughout the day expressed how they now feel more motivated to take part in weekly activities.
The event proved to be a huge success and attracted in excess of 350 people, including, Councillor Judith Blakeman, Councillor Nadia Nail, and Councillor Portia Thaxter. Local resident and GLL Sport Foundation athlete, Shayma Mir (13), also attended, representing GLL and, to deliver a taekwondo masterclass and acted as a great role model for young girls to reach great sporting success.
“It was fantastic to see so many residents engage with the free activities at Kensington Leisure Centre in support of International Women’s Day. We hope that these supported events help encourage more women and girls to take-up and maintain sport and exercise. A special mention must go to Lyndsey North (RBKC Sports Development Officer) for the event organisation and Shayma Mir, local resident and GLL Sport Foundation funded athlete, who’s taekwondo achievements are a true inspiration to all.”, commented the Community Sports Manager.