MORE than 400 girls took part in a week of sporting fun at Chepstow Comprehensive School, as part of an initiative to get pupils more active.

This Girl Can is a national campaign that celebrates women being active, regardless of shape, size and ability. Inspired by this, Gold Sports Ambassador Hannah Wilding developed ‘Chepstow Girls Can’ to encourage girls from years 7-11 to try new sports.

Throughout the week, the school hosted a range of different sporting activities, including martial arts, netball, street dance, Zumba, boot camp, hockey and table tennis. The school’s sports leaders and volunteering community coaches ran all of the sessions.

The cabinet member for education, councillor Liz Hacket Pain, said: “This is an exceptional initiative and I’m delighted the week was such a success.

“National research has shown that many girls are afraid to exercise because of fear of judgement. This Girl Can helps to tackle stereotypes and encourages women to live healthy, active lives.

“Monmouthshire has a fantastic reputation of sporting success and the council plays an important role in maintaining this, through the facilities to offers and inspirational programmes such as this.

“I hope the taster sessions held throughout the week encouraged many of the girls to take up a new sporting activity or exercise regime.”

On Friday, former Welsh international rugby player Philippa Tuttiett visited the school and ran a series of rugby skills sessions. She said: “Sport is massively important to any young person, boy or girl. It is a great way to make friends, to build confidence and have fun. It installs a healthy live style. Just get outside and have fun!”

The week culminated in a two-hour Zumbathon at Chepstow Leisure Centre on Friday afternoon, which raised funds for cancer charity, CLIC Sargent.  The event was supported by the Monmouthshire events team and water was provided by Tesco, which took a great interest in wanting to support the event after speaking to Hannah.

Community and sports development officer Geraint Roberts said: “The turn out for the Zumbathon was fantastic and a brilliant way to end an incredible week of sports opportunities for all girls.

“Everyone seemed to have a really great time. I’m delighted with the turnout and I would like to thank all the volunteers for giving up their time and helping inspire others to take up a sport.”