Moving forward together: Women educating & inspiring generations in sports

Celebrating International Women's Day

In honour of International Women's Day, we spotlight women's remarkable contributions in sports and education. This blog post celebrates the groundbreaking achievements and influential roles of women who have changed the landscape of these fields forever. Our theme, "#AccelerateAction," emphasises the progressive steps female sports leaders take to motivate and empower future generations.

Trailblazers in Sports Management and Education

Tara Dillon: Revolutionising sports management

Tara Dillon's journey from lifeguard to CEO of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) exemplifies leadership in sports management. Her work in professionalising the workforce within sport and leisure has significantly improved career prospects through certification programmes and workforce development strategies.

Tara joined us on The Active Code podcast, and we discussed Tara’s story and motivations behind the excellent work CIMSPA has done and will do moving forward.

Watch the podcast

Dr Vanessa King: Leading change in early years physical education
As a senior consultant and EYFS lead, Dr Vanessa King has made significant advancements in early years physical education. Her partnership with the Association for Physical Education (afPE) and the World Health Organisation highlights the essential role of physical education in early childhood development.

Jo Talbot: Championing safety and excellence in lifeguarding
Jo Talbot's background in swimming operations management has driven key advancements in lifeguarding standards. Her involvement with the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) and the British Standards Institute has shaped industry protocols, significantly bolstering safety standards in swimming pools.

Champions of Inclusive Sports Education
Louise Assioun and Sue Morrison: Transforming lives through inclusive sport
Louise Assioun and Sue Morrison, founders of LUSU Sports, have devoted over 25 years to making sport and physical activity accessible to all, particularly children with disabilities. Their work in developing inclusive coaching resources and training educators exemplifies the empowering premise of our celebration.

Annalize Butler: Breaking barriers in aquatic education
As the Aquatics Director at Polaris Aquatic Training and founder of Black Owned Swim School (B.O.S.S), Annalize Butler is dedicated to enhancing diversity in aquatic sports and education. Her initiatives tackle historical disparities in swimming proficiency and safety, fostering inclusivity in aquatic environments.

Visionaries in Policy and Advocacy

Sue Wilkinson: Revolutionising physical education policy
Sue Wilkinson, the former CEO of the Association for Physical Education (afPE), has played a crucial role in enhancing standards, fostering professional development, and shaping education policy to prioritise physical health. Her work has transformed the perception and implementation of physical education across educational institutions. 

Stephanie Hilborne OBE: A champion for women in sports
Stephanie joined Women in Sport in 2019 and believes in the power of sport to transform lives and that women and girls should not miss out on the resilience, leadership, and team skills that sport can instill. Her work has been instrumental in ensuring that the charity builds powerful external relationships as it champions the need for more women at the top of sports, safe and fair sport for women, and changes to ensure greater equality in access to sport.

Moving forward
The ongoing support and empowerment of women in sports and education are critical to fostering a diverse and inspiring future. As we celebrate these outstanding women, let us commit to:
1.    Increasing investment in women's sports programmes at all levels
2.    Promoting female role models in sports and sports management
3.    Addressing barriers that prevent girls from participating in sports
4.    Ensuring equal opportunities for women in sports governance and leadership roles
These steps can accelerate action towards gender equality in sports and inspire the next generation of female athletes, leaders, and innovators.