AN initiative is getting women and girls in to sport. 

Activity Team West Berkshire is working with Sport England to offer girls and women not currently taking part in sport a great opportunity to get started.

The Activity Team will be at the Pangbourne Fete and Pangbourne Rotary Dragon Boat Event on 10 June between 11am and 3pm.

Girls and women simply have to book in at the Activity Team West Berkshire tent in the meadow to be in with a chance to be one of eight lucky winners of either a 6 week climbing or canoeing course.

Inspirational 'This Girl Can' Ambassadors Andrea Romano and Ruth Stacey will be on the stand to offer encouragement and advice.

Andrea, who suffers from severe epileptic fits, was born with Brain malfunction and suffers with speech, language, emotional and behavioural difficulties and needs 24/7 care to administer treatment. However, the Activity Team saw her climbing potential and worked hard with her to enable her to not only climb, but to exceed all expectations of her abilities.

Andrea received the accolade of Best Climber 2014 at the UK Adventurer Awards and has now moved into the world of mainstream sport as part of the British Mountaineering Council Para climbing League. Ruth, who is visually impaired, has just completed the Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race – 125 miles, nonstop!

Dave Treagus, Operations Officer, Activity Team West Berkshire said, “Andrea and Ruth’s achievements clearly show that there are no limits once boundaries have been broken. We want to help as many women and girls as possible to find a sport they love and to thrive within it. There are endless benefits to taking part in sport, not just the fitness aspect but the building of confidence and being part of a great social scene.”