Sport can empower girls
TWO AFLW Cats stars have opened up about body image and confidence issues in an effort to empower young girls.
Georgie Rankin, a former basketballer, has long been a sports star, but was branded “big” by another student when they saw her break a school record for shot put.
“This is a stereotype of strong women that can often be viewed in a negative light, especially at school age,” Rankin said. “I had broad shoulders, muscular legs and was fairly tall for my age, and, therefore, her comment created feelings of self-doubt and lack of confidence that meant I tucked my ribbon in my pocket, as I was worried my peers were thinking the same.
“Luckily, I had extremely supportive parents who reassured me I was healthy, strong willed and strong bodied, and that was something to be proud of.”
Fellow Cat Renee Garing only started playing football when she was 28.
“As expected when you first try a new activity, I wasn’t good at it straight away,” Garing said. “It’s imperative we do not compare ourselves to others in a way that makes us feel less confident in our own bodies and physical abilities.
“When it comes to sport, the most important thing is to develop confidence through regular physical activity and if there is an area you want to improve, then practise is key.”
She said sport was a good way to empower girls to feel great about themselves.
“In addition to the benefits of physical activity on mental health and self-worth, in sport and in team settings, particularly, it shows us that different shaped and sized people can be capable of such a multitude of things and bring various assets to a team,” Garing said.
The pair has spoken out as the AFLW, body image experts and not-profit organisation the Pretty Foundation collaborate on a new children’s book.
Charlie’s Tales: Peggy and the Fantastic Football is accompanied by parent and educator kits developed with body image specialists.