EmpowerHER 2020

“The energy here is palpable. I’ve never been part of anything like this. In one day, I’ve been inspired to step outside my comfort zone, open up, trust, connect, and move. Today was the best.”
​-Grade 10 SD73 student 

On February 5th, 240 teenage girls from across School District No. 73 came together for a day of movement and connection at the first ever EmpowerHER Forum. Surrounded by inspirational women and a community of support, students were asked to let go of fear, trust, and open themselves up to possibility. With the hope of connecting each student to an activity of interest, students were invited to try a variety of movement offerings, including spin, Limbus, barre, yoga, pilates, HIIT, Pound, kick-boxing, weight lifting, and interval training. Paralympic athlete Jessica Vliegenthart delivered a message about the power of role-models, overcoming challenge, taking risk, and connection. 

A huge thank you to all of our amazing partners for whom this day would not have been possible: PacificSport Interior, the City of Kamloops, FitSpirit, the Kamloops YMCA-YWCA, and the United Way Thompson Nicola Cariboo. And, a very special thank you to all the wonderful community organizations that came together in support of EmpowerHER 2020: The MASH Movement, Fit By Design, Yoga Now Kamloops, Stride Spin, Be.you.tiful Fitness, Philippa Thiessen, and Barre Kamloops.

“Honoured beyond words to have been part of the amazing EmpowerHER event []. Teenage girls from around the Kamloops district showed up and opened up to the power of movement and connection. Their energy was palpable! Nothing beats being surrounded by powerhouse women who role model so beautifully the art of possibility…all with their own story to tell. Messages of tenacity, vulnerability and love were shared and we were once again reminded that joy lies in the doing. Grateful for all the partners and words of wisdom.” – Kasha Mitton, The MASH Movement

​The EmpowerHER Forum, in partnership with PacificSport Interior and FitSpirit, marks the start of a 17-week after-school program aimed at engaging girls in physical activity. Teenage girls from six participating schools are meeting on a weekly basis (at their respective schools) for a free after-school program that embraces a 'for girls, by girls' approach to programming. The purpose of the after-schools program is to reduce the many barriers to participation and to transform every activity into a memorable experience complete with friends, role models, and fun. 

On June 3rd, all participants will come together for a FitSpirit Celebration event- a memorable, high-energy day of physical activity and fun with friends. Every girl, regardless of skill or fitness level, will tackle a 5K or 10K walk and/or run without worrying about their times. The Celebration will take place at Riverside Park and will feature a multitude of community organizations that are supporting and celebrating girls’ participation in sport and physical activity.