It's a shocking statistic that 40% of young women quit their favorite sport because they feel self-conscious about their bodies. At a time in their lives when they experience physical changes faster than at other times, attitudes, approaches and perceptions of how this affects how many girls feel about their appearance are of concern. Attention is being focused on reversing this trend.
The Laureus Sport for Good Foundation's Body Confident Sport campaign is a global partnership between the Center for Appearance Research (University of the West of England), Laureus Sport for Good, the Tucker Center (University of Minnesota), Dove and Nike. This is the ultimate goal of creating a change in mindset in all areas of sport, from athletes to coaches and society in general.
As part of this initiative, World Triathlon has been awarded a grant of £30,000 which will be split between the three national federations. England, Italy, Mexico. Each will use this funding to help more young women participate in triathlons feel accepted and empowered by their bodies, their amazingness and what they are capable of. We plan to identify the following areas.
World Triathlon is encouraging coaches around the world to be mindful of the language they use and the culture they manage within their training groups, to help them be aware of what young women are thinking and thinking. We made athlete confidence an essential component of our coach re-evaluation process. Feeling.
“The importance of the Laureus campaign for women's interests, the sport and triathlon cannot be underestimated,” said World Triathlon President Marisol Casado. “Triathlon is a sport where 'every day is a tri-suit day' and triathletes spend most of their time in swimsuits or tri-suits. A talented young woman who feels relieved to forget all the hard work and training. If the statistic is shocking, the main reason is even more troubling. We have to make sure we're as comfortable, happy and confident as possible. It's something that starts with training, influences racing and needs to permeate every part of our culture. Our Friends I look forward to seeing how the British, Italian and Mexican Federations can create initiatives that bring about a meaningful change in mindset to reverse this trend for future generations.”
Michelle Hayden, Head of Coaching, British Triathlon
“British Triathlon is delighted to be working with World Triathlon, Italian Triathlon and Triathlon Mexico National Federation to raise awareness of body confidence among young women in our sport. We are delighted to be able to work with women and women participants in the sport to raise awareness of body image and self-confidence. We want to harness the power of swim, bike, run and triathlon to make the sport more accessible and a place where women and girls can have fun and be active. At the same time, we support coaches in increasing their knowledge and understanding.”
Claudia Beristain of Triathlon Mexico, Project Leader
“Participating in the Body Confident Sport program for girls aged 11 to 17 with a triathlon coach is important because the program focuses on building confidence, self-esteem, and positive body image, and encourages physical activity. Because it promotes a healthy, balanced approach to triathlon coaching. Give coaches and coaches the guidance and support they need to develop their triathlon coaching skills while prioritizing the overall health and mental well-being of participants. By following this program, girls will develop a lifelong love of sport, strengthen their physical fitness, develop a resilient mindset, and prepare them for success on and off the racetrack. Mexico is committed to educating physically confident coaches in order to build a better coaching culture in our country.”
Riccardo Giubiley, President of the Italian Triathlon Federation
“We are honored to have been selected by World Triathlon and the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation to take part in this important two-year project alongside other important federations: Great Britain and Mexico. Themes being discussed is of fundamental importance and it is precisely for this reason that the Italian Triathlon Federation, in cooperation with coaches, aims to foster an inclusive environment where all young people have equal opportunity to participate and feel safe. Physical activity. Thanks to this program, we are able to carry out the training that we provide to improve the competence of coaches and the necessary skills, so that athletes can improve their own skills during sports activities. We can promote a positive body image culture so that people have greater confidence in their bodies.”
For more information, please visit www.bodyconfidentsport.com.
