Girl Powa has more adventures on offer
More funding awarded from Sport NZ
Pirongia-based First Step Outdoors has been successful in securing another round of funding from Sport New Zealand’s Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund, administered by Sport Waikato, for their Girl Powa Outdoors Adventures Programme.
Designed to create outdoor adventure opportunities for female rangatahi aged 12-19, Girl Powa adventures for 2024 include kayaking, rock climbing, mountain biking and caving.
“It is thanks to the funding we are able to provide the activities at just $50 a ticket. Each ticket admits two females — one teen aged 12-19 and one female adult aged 20-plus,” said First Step Outdoors managing director Kate Parr, who runs the Girl Powa programme.
“We included the adult in the ticket as our research has shown transport was a barrier to taking part, as was having someone to go with.
“The funding helps to break down the cost barrier, and by making them all-female events with only female instructors, we can create a safe, fun, supportive and non-competitive en
vironment where our female teens can thrive.”
The First Step Outdoors team were at last week’s Sport Waikato Sport and Active Recreation Awards, where Girl Powa was a finalist for the Commitment to Inclusion and Accessibility Award.
“We were so proud to have been finalists. It was a great night, and we were really inspired by all the amazing programmes and people out there
in our community,” Parr said.
“We didn’t win the award, but I believe we are winners when we see the impact our programme is having on our young wāhine.”
For more information and to book, visit firststepoutdoors. com or the First Step Outdoors Facebook page.
Celebrating success: Girl Powa builds confidence and self-esteem.