I hope you are doing ok during this latest lockdown, and that you and your whānau are safe, whatever your circumstances. I live by myself so it’s pretty quiet and am envious of those of you with company. But I’ve also got friends who have said wish they were in my shoes. So it can be tough either way!
This week I was going to share my thoughts on the news that NZ Football are exploring whether to change the name of the men’s national team, the All Whites. I even wrote it out. But to be honest, there are enough thoughts out there on this topic and what should be a positive story has attracted a disappointing amount of negativity. I did include some in the links below but not many. It’s a very personal journey for the team and I wish them well for the mahi ahead.
Instead, I thought I’d highlight some of the positive stories that happened in women’s sport this week to shine some sunlight amongst other gloomy news dominating headlines.
First, the Paralympics are underway and so very inspirational. Swimming Queen Sophie Pascoe has won her first medal, a silver, in the 100m breaststroke, an event she only entered to warm up before her main events! Stuff have highlighted five of our Paralympians to keep an eye on: Holly Robinson (javelin), Sarah Ellington (cycling), Michael Johnson (shooting), Danielle Aitchison (athletics), and Scott Martlew (canoeing). It’s also heart warming to read the story on Paralympics chief executive Fiona Allan who is going out of her way to ensure the 29 Kiwi Paralympians in Tokyo feel supported and are connected with their families back in Aotearoa, especially the 18 athletes who are at their first Paralympics.
I recommend checking out Scratched, a video series from The Spinoff highlighting 13 of Aotearoa’s sporting heroes who didn’t get their appropriate recognition, but whose legacies deserve to be in lights.
Also, Football Australia have announced a programme to attract 30,000 female coaches and players to football, as well as a commercial partnership with Commonwealth Bank, as part of their campaign towards the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This time last year, footballer Huda Anas made headlines with her work towards supporting more Muslim girls and women to play football, and the importance of being able to ‘see her to be her’.
Check out all the media headlines in women’s sport for the 27th August right here.
Alida Shanks 