Attendees of the conference include high school students and adults who provide (or are interested in providing) education and professional development that encourage, support and motivate females to participate in, develop and lead active programs in their communities. Participants have come from all over the province, including a number of people from Labrador.

Eighteen-year old Jane Turpin is one of the people who travelled from Goose Bay to be here. She’s interested in a lot of different sports and thinks a conference like this will definitely help other girls be more interested in sports as well.

“There are a lot of problems around women and sports and it’s not really talked about. But by being here everyone can be a little more informed,” she said. “The people attending this are leaders in their communities so they can take what they learn back and hopefully educate other people. I’m involved in a lot of committees at my school so I’m hoping I can learn a lot to take home and share.”

Former HKR director Dr. Mary Bluechardt was the keynote speaker and Minister Derrick Dalley from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation also made an appearance to welcome the delegates to kick the conference off.

The conference consisted of a variety of workshops and activities including sessions on positive body image, leadership, and even one on how to use bicycles to make children active and healthier.

Second-year HKR students Shiann Park and Dawn Tulk deliveried DrumFit and Tinikling, both part of their movement concepts/dance course. As well, third-year HKR student Lisa Murphy held an activity session to get the participants moving. In addition, there were a number of HKR students and former students volunteering at the conference.