A trial program in which the NSW Office of Sport targets fathers to improve their daughters’ physical activity and sports skills in the Central West has been declared a ‘huge success’.
The Office partnered with the University of Newcastle to launch the ‘Daughters and Dads Active and Empowered’ program, which involved 35 fathers and daughters over six weeks in August and September.
Acting Chief Executive of the Office, Karen Jones said the Daughters and Dads program was a key focus of the Office’s women in sport strategy, Her Sport Her Way.
Ms Jones said the program concluded with a camp at Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Centre where participants undertook camping and adventure activities as well as rough and tumble play, sport, and fundamental movement skills.
She said the Her Sport Her Way strategy was the “vision for the future of women’s sport in NSW”.
She said the Strategy was driving powerful change for women and girls and leaving a legacy for the way women’s sport is played, led, promoted and consumed.
“It includes the state-wide rollout of the Daughters and Dads program with the first regional program delivered in Orange over the last six weeks,” Ms Jones said.
“Through educational and practical sessions, the program targets fathers as the agents of change by participating in fun activities that help improve their daughter’s sport skills, confidence, self-esteem and resilience,” she said.
“We’re extremely pleased with the response to the first program in regional NSW and the exceptional results that have been achieved.”
Ms Jones said the Strategy contained 29 initiatives which aimed to increase women’s and girls’ participation as players, leaders and coaches, improve facilities, and attract more investment and recognition for women’s sport.
