More females getting out to one-day events

With longer days and warmer weather fast approaching, there are many people who consider participating in local sports leagues and fitness events in our community.

According to the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity, when moms are active in sport, their daughters are 22 per cent more likely to participate in physical activity. Several of the local events that occur in Medicine Hat can be accessible for both mothers and daughters who may be somewhat active already, or wanting to become more active this summer.

On April 29, 62 per cent of Rattler Run participants were female, spanning distances of three, five and 10 kilometres. That is an encouraging indicator that female participation in our community is above average.

Conquer the Coulee is an annual obstacle course race put on by Red Rock Union in Kin Coulee Park, taking place on May 27 this year.

The obstacles range from beginner to advanced, which allows both mothers and daughters to complete the course at their desired level of difficulty in either competitive or non-competitive fields. In the past, registration for this event has been about 60 per cent female; this year numbers are showing upwards of 70 per cent female registrants so far.

The Mile High Tri, an annual triathlon in Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, has races for both kids and adults and estimates female participation to be about 30 per cent for last year’s race, with the kids race being closer to 50.

There are many local family friendly events coming up that moms and daughters can participate in to reap the benefits of physical activity including improved self image and confidence, as well as prevention of heart disease, obesity and Type 2 diabetes.

Chloe Aman is a chiropractor with the Ridge Spine and Sport Centre and can be reached at caman@ridgespinesport.com.