Inspirational Bristol Girls Can campaign backed by Claudia Fragapane

Claudia Fragapane, the four times Commonwealth gold medallist gymnast has lent her support to a new campaign to inspire more women in and around Bristol to get out there and enjoy exercise.

Today’s launch of Bristol Girls Can campaign ahead of International Women’s Day on the 8^th of March and follows the success of Sport England’s This Girl Can campaign, launched earlier on in the year.

Supported by Bristol City Council and Sport England, the campaign will try to bring women from across the city together to show the world that Bristol Girls Can.

Around 38.3% of women in Bristol undertake 1x30mins activity per week, with more than 60% of women currently not taking part in any regular activity, according to Sport England statistics

Bristol Girls Can is a celebration of active women who do their thing no matter how well they do it, how they look or even how red their face goes. 

It’s aimed at inspiring women to jiggle, wiggle and prove that judgement is a barrier which can be defeated. The message is clear: Do your thing, don’t let anything stand in your way.

Seven women, who do what they do without letting any obstacle stop them, have stepped forward as the stars of the Bristol Girls Can campaign.

The Bristol Girls include:

• Climbers Tracey Price, 46, of Withywood, and Clare Enyon, 52, of Bishopsworth;
• Swimmer Rosee Woodland, 39, of South Bristol;
• Rose Taylor, 31, of Bedminster, who attends outdoor fitness class, Buggy Buddies;
• Cyclist Jenny Bell, 35, of Totterdown;
• Footballer Evelyn Cohen, 26, of Redfield;
• This Mum Runs runner Anneke van Eijkern, 40, of Ashton;
• Gig rower Polly Howe, 16, of Brislington.

Claudia Fragapane, who trains at the Easton-based Bristol Hawks Gymnastics Club, said: “I really like the concept of the “This Girl Can” campaign as it seeks to get women of all ages, shapes and sizes to simply get involved in some form of activity and just enjoy themselves. 

“There are so many positive outcomes of being involved in activities – firstly the health benefits but also the camaraderie it brings.

“If you are thinking of giving zumba, the gym, a running club or gymnastics a go, I would say definitely go for it.

“You can be tall, short, slim or curvy, it really doesn’t matter - it is all about enjoying yourself and doing something that will have a really positive affect on your life.”

Mayor of Bristol George Ferguson said: “The message behind Bristol Girls Can, as with the national campaign, is brilliantly inspiring.

“It gives me enormous pleasure to see the city celebrate its active women and I hope others will be inspired by Bristol Girls Can.

“Creating an active, healthy and happy Bristol is at the core of my vision for the city and I remain a champion for raising participation in sport and physical activity, as well as women’s issues, through my mayoral commissions.”

The Assistant Mayor with responsibility for sport, Councillor Simon Cook added: Bristol Girls Can has a real feel good factor, as well as the potential to make a huge difference to the lives of Bristol’s girls and women – this is something each and every one of us can embrace.

“The council’s Sport, Play and Funding Team aims to support women and girls to enjoy active lifestyles, and we are proud to partner this national campaign organised by Sport England. 

“I encourage everyone to get out there and enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle, however you choose.”

As part of the campaign, organisers are challenging women to post pictures of their “game face” on the Bristol Girls Can Facebook page and Twitter using #BristolGirlsCan to bring together a community of the city’s active women.

As well as posters and banners springing up all over the city, there will be a plethora of fun activities in Bristol for females of all ages and abilities as the campaign gets into full swing.

The council is offering free women-only activity sessions across the city on 8 March, to celebrate the launch of the campaign and International Women’s Day

More information on this, as well as opportunities to lead active lifestyles in the city, can be found at www.bristol.gov.uk/thisgirlcan.