Inspiring women

THE regular monthly meeting of the European Union of Women Marina Alta (EUWMA) invited three sportswomen to talk about their journey, each of them achieving final recognition and respect.

Triathlete Lisa Childs, boxer Amy Dale and weightlifter

Melissa Wall spoke movingly of their chosen sport, not one of them fitting into the common perceptions of a

‘women’s sport’.

Their stories unearthed disturbing facts: the provision of toilets for women runners and triathletes is abysmal, some national sports associations allow non ­ Spanish nationals to compete but won’t award them prizes when they win, and most surprising of all, lots of women can be discouraging, very mean or worse, to those fit, healthy women who look good.

But the good news is that these three inspirational women are already coaching and encouraging other women­ and girls­ into their sport by using their own experiences and expertise.

And on a national and international scale, women sports professionals are fighting for equal treatment, quality equipment and equal pay. For further information visit ‘European Union of Women Marina Alta’ on Facebook or email euwmarinaalta@gmail.com