An ex-professional tennis player from Sheffield will join over 150 girls from across South Yorkshire as Aston Academy prove just how inclusive sport can be.
The all-female event, which will take place in Aston-cum-Aughton Leisure Centre next door to the Rotherham school, is being held to promote positive body image in teenagers. It is inspired by the Sport England project #ThisGirlCan – set up in 2015 to inspire more women to get fit.
A hundred girls from local special schools have been invited to take part in a variety of sports; from wheelchair basketball to yoga and dance. Former Great Britain tennis player Anna Fitzpatrick will be the special guest and she can’t wait to meet the youngsters.
“As a proud Sheffield girl myself, I jumped at the opportunity to promote sport at Aston Academy. I’m delighted to have been asked to take part in this event,” said the 29-year-old, who was once ranked number two in the world in tennis doubles and reached the quarter-finals of the Wimbledon girls’ doubles tournament at the age of 18.
Organised by James Clarke, head of PE at Aston Academy, the recent sporting successes of pupils at the school will also be celebrated.
He said: “There will be an opening ceremony and procession to kick-start the event and we want the girls to try as many different sports as possible.
“There will be wheelchair basketball, yoga, dance, boccia and many more sports being showcased on the day. We want to prove just how inclusive sport can be – and to promote a positive body image to these students.”
Year 8 pupil Ruby Clarke received her first call-up for the England football team in the summer and the Rotherham school also have several students who play cricket and ice-hockey to a high standard.
Dominic Curran, principal of Aston Academy, added: “We are very proud of the hard work and commitment of all our students and this is a fabulous way of showcasing the female talent at our school.
“We’re delighted to be hosting this event and look forward to welcoming the pupils of The Willows School, Abbey School and Kelford School to Aston.”
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