Launch of sport development scheme for women

Women in country areas will get a better deal in sport following the launch of an innovative development program, South West Minister David Smith said today.

Mr Smith launched the Women's Sport Regional Development program in Bunbury at a breakfast function this morning, which included prominent sportswomen, sports administrators and coaches, and community leaders.

He said that under the development program the South West region would be targeted because it had many women with excellent records of sporting achievement.

"The development program aims to increase the participation of women in sport and to reinforce its value to their physical, mental and social development," Mr Smith said.

"Fortunately the South West region has some outstanding role models for women of all ages, across a range of popular sports."

Mr Smith cited distance runner Karen Gobby, wave ski rider Lucy Pries, tennis player Siobhan Drake-Brockman, golfer Lynette Ryan, Busselton gymnast Jenny Couch, netball umpire Gloria Vivian, Manjimup sports trainer Sue Kennedy and football administrator Christyn Olsen, as examples of successful sportswomen in the region.

He announced that the Women's Sport Regional Development Program would be managed by a South West committee of the Women's Sport Foundation of Western Australia and co-ordinated by Catherine Roberts.

"Catherine was selected because of her well balanced academic and sporting background and her strong links with the South West," Mr Smith said.

"She will seek to increase participation in women's sport and help those participants to reach their sporting potential.

"The Regional Development Program will also complement the work done by schools, health agencies and community groups.

"Additionally, women whose commitments and responsibilities have interrupted their participation in sport will be encouraged to re-enter sport."

Mr Smith said further key aims of the program were the identification and development of talented sportswomen and improved standards of coaching.