Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week turns 10 with a free programme of events in Orkney

A free programme of talks, workshops and fitness classes is on offer in Orkney to mark the 10th anniversary of Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week, running from Monday 2 to Friday 6 November.

Organised by Orkney Islands Council's Sport and Leisure service, the programme is open to women and girls of all ages, with all events taking place at KGS Sports Centre.

The week opens on Monday with an athlete panel featuring Taylah Patterson, Amy Golder, Kelly Skea, Jody Groundwater, Eve Wood and Cailynn Williamson, followed by a talk on nutrition, exercise and positive body image for women and girls.

Tuesday focuses on health and performance, with sessions on women's health, menstrual health and active ageing, a women's gym session and a youth athletic development session for S1 to S4.

Wednesday is for coaches and anyone thinking of becoming one, with a talk on routes into coaching, a panel of local coaches and a session on keeping girls in sport, before an open networking session.

Thursday brings a workshop on injury prevention, a talk on osteopathy, and FatBurn Extreme and strength-based yoga classes.

Friday begins at 6:30pm with keynote speakers in the Orkney Theatre - Betty Stanger, Emily Divine, Commonwealth athlete and multiple Island Games gold medallist Taylah Patterson, and Scottish Paralympian and double world champion Hope Gordon, who joins remotely.

All sessions are free, but places are limited for some, so people are encouraged to book early. The full programme and tickets are available at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/sportandleisure/2406789

To close the week, there will be a 10-Year Celebration Party on Friday 6 November, from 8pm to 1am, with live music, food and a bar, for ages 16 and over. There are 300 places available at £15 each, booked separately through the Council's online leisure booking system: https://leisureculturebookings.orkney.gov.uk/stellar3/stellar3/#/admissions/select/3/1/1/0

The week is made possible by Title Sponsor The Leask Group, along with Cooke Scotland, Lows, Sheila Fleet, The Orcadian and Kirstin Shearer Photography.

John Macleod, Leak Group Chief Operating Officer (Corporate & Commercial), said: “The Leask Group is proud to be title sponsor of Orkney’s programme for the tenth Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week. Supporting our local community matters to us, and we’re delighted to help create opportunities for women and girls to get involved, try something new and enjoy being active.

“The free programme is a great opportunity to build confidence, make connections and celebrate women and girls in sport. We thank the organisers, clubs and volunteers bringing it together and encourage everyone to give an activity a go.”

Chair of the Council's Education, Communities and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: "It's great to see Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week reach its tenth year. The programme here in Orkney offers a breadth of activities, from athlete talks and health workshops, to fitness classes and coaching sessions.

"I'd encourage anyone who's interested, whatever their age or experience, to come along and be part of the celebrations."