Active Wāhine: A Transformative Term at Lincoln High School
This year, Lincoln High School’s Active Wāhine program has proven to be a game-changer for our female students, blending fun, fitness, and friendship into a powerful initiative. Beginning with insightful workshops in Term 3, we tailored a Term 4 program to reflect the girls’ interests and aspirations. The result? A dynamic six weeks of activity that left a lasting impact.
A Snapshot of the Program
The term was packed with engaging activities:
- Weeks 1 & 2: Volleyball with Molly from Primary Sports Canterbury
Molly led two energetic weeks of volleyball, introducing the fundamentals while keeping the focus on fun and participation. A highlight for the girls was creating their own version of volleyball, which included plenty of laughs and creative teamwork as they adapted the game to suit their style.
- Weeks 3 & 4: BoxFit with Ayla from Lincoln University Gym
BoxFit brought a new level of excitement as Ayla guided the girls through dynamic workouts. The first week took place at school, and in the second week, the girls visited the Lincoln University Gym, where they experienced a professional training environment. The sessions were a hit, offering a mix of fitness, strength, and empowerment.
- Weeks 5 & 6: Lacrosse with Molly from Primary Sports Canterbury
To wrap up the term, Molly returned to introduce lacrosse. This fast-paced and unique sport challenged the girls to develop new skills, sparking curiosity and building confidence.
Active Wāhine’s Impact
The program’s success was reflected in incredible feedback from the participants:
- Physical Growth: 72% of participants recorded an increase in their physical abilities since joining the program.
- Confidence Boost: 81% experienced a rise in confidence through their participation.
- Trying New Things: 45% tried or considered trying a new activity.
- Staying Active: 45% reported an increase in physical activities outside the program.
- Encouraging Friends: 72% felt more comfortable encouraging friends to join in physical activities.
- Positive Peer Influence: 72% observed that their friends are now equally or more active.
- Life Skills: 54% overcame challenges and applied what they learned outside the program.
- Future Plans: 81% plan to remain active after the program ends.
- Holistic Growth: 63% said they grew in confidence, skills, and social connections.
- Benefits Identified: 45% highlighted coaching, variety, friendships, and goal-setting opportunities as key benefits.
- Advice to Others: 81% would encourage new participants to embrace trying new things to build confidence.
Highlights from the Girls
Beyond the numbers, the girls shared heartfelt reflections on their experiences. Many cherished the chance to:
- Spend time with friends and share laughter during activities.
- Learn new skills and adapt games, such as their fun twist on volleyball.
- Step out of their comfort zones and discover newfound confidence.
A Successful and Inspiring Initiative
The Active Wāhine program has not only diversified the sporting options available to our students but also empowered them to pursue their interests with passion and determination. The seamless collaboration between Lincoln High School, Primary Sports Canterbury, and Lincoln University Gym has been instrumental in delivering a program that is both impactful and enjoyable.
As we celebrate the achievements of our Active Wāhine this year, we look forward to building on this momentum, continuing to offer programs that inspire and support our students in their athletic and personal growth.
Looking Ahead
As the term wraps up, the Active Wāhine program leaves behind a legacy of empowerment and excitement. We look forward to continuing this journey and expanding opportunities for our students to grow, learn, and thrive.
Stay tuned to see what Active Wāhine opporutunities are popping up in 2025!
Active Wāhine: Where fun, friendship, and fitness come together!