Cycling Ireland has officially pledged to the 20x20 Charter; a movement within Irish sport that aims to increase female involvement across all sports.
It aims to increase media coverage of women in sport,
increase female participation in sports and increase attendance at women’s
events; all by 20 per cent by the end of next year.
The campaign has been going for some time and has now
been joined by Cycling Ireland under the stewardship of the federation’s new
chief executive Matt McKerrow.
The aim to increase participation by women in cycling
includes riders, officials and coaches.
Cycling Ireland’s backing of the 20x20 Charter with the Federation of Irish Sport has now become official as the cycling body has now pledged itself to it.
The 20x20 movement effectively aims to shift the balance
in Irish sport, which has seen fewer girls taking up sport and then dropping
out in greater numbers.
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“We’re proud to be signing the 20x20 Charter,” said Cycling Ireland chief executive Matt McKerrow.
“We’ve a number of examples of inspirational and strong women competing in, officiating and administering our sport.
“And we are committed to growing these numbers because we welcome and value the diversity of skills and knowledge this will bring.”
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McKerrow added Rás na mBan had showcased the opportunities for young riders in Ireland.
The event featured junior, elite and masters cyclists and was also organised under the management of a woman, Valerie Considine.
Federation of Irish Sport chief executive Mary O’Connor
said she was delighted to have Cycling Ireland on board, saying the 20x20
movement was a growing one.
“20x20 has gone from strength to strength as a result of the support and hard work of the 71 sporting organisations committed to the 20x20 goals,” she said.
“Cycling Ireland are the latest sporting organisation to join an ever-growing movement to shift the dial on women in sport.”
Rás na mBan race director Valerie Considine welcomed the announcement and was “delighted” with Cycling Ireland’s commitment to the 20x20 Charter.
“Our race is an International event at the pinnacle of Irish cycling and serves to inspire women of all ages to a healthy participation in sport,” she said of the six-stage Rás na mBan
“We are firm believers in the 20x20 message that a greater visibility of women’s sport leads to greater involvement at all levels.
“We have worked hard over the last 14 years to create our promotional structure to make our race, and by extension women’s bike racing, visible and accessible for fans and racers alike and any impetus that can be given to the task of spreading the message is to be welcomed.”
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