Grade 9 girls from schools across Thunder Bay will converge on Lakehead University on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023 for the INSPIRE – Sport & Health for Life event presented by Ontario Power Generation.

INSPIRE will connect girls with twenty local sport and activity providers in a fun format. Girls will meet leaders and role models, enjoy demonstrations, and participate in various sports and physical activities.

Despite efforts in recent years to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in sport, studies show that one in three girls drops out of sport by age 16, compared to one in ten boys. Additionally, many girls have not returned to sport post-pandemic. INSPIRE is an attempt to reverse these trends.

“The aim of this event is to encourage girls entering high school to be active,” said Trisha Heino, the City’s Sport Development Coordinator. “We want to introduce girls to various sports and other physical activities and promote health.”

“This type of event creates a platform that enables and empowers girls in sport,” said Chad Tanner, Corporate Relations Officer with Ontario Power Generation. “OPG is proud to sponsor this event, as it fosters an inclusive culture where these young women can connect, belong and grow.”

Local partners hosting this new event include Lakehead University, Superior Secondary Schools Athletic Association, Thunder Bay District Health Unit, and the City of Thunder Bay.

For the latest updates on the event visit www.thunderbay.ca/inspire.