The innovative 20×20 campaign was officially launched on Monday aimed at increasing participation numbers amongst women in sport in Ireland by 20% within two years’ time.
The brainchild of the Federation of Irish Sport hopes to increase the involvement of women in sport across the board by 2020, with three target areas being of particular focus- attendance, participation and media coverage.
The campaign was launched at the Google Foundry in Dublin and will be championed by Ireland’s National Governing Bodies of Sport and Local Sports Partnerships, and is being supported by AIG, KPMG, Investec, Lidl and Three all of whom already play a significant role in women’s sport in Ireland through their sponsorships of Dublin GAA, Women’s Professional Golf, the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, National Football League and the Ireland Senior Women’s National Football Team.
From a golfing perspective, Cavan’s Leona Maguire – KPMG’s Ambassador for 20×20 and Jordanstown’s Stephanie Meadow – Investec’s Ambassador for 20×20) have jumped in to support the initiative.
The pair have been plying their trade on Symetra Tour in America this year with Meadow earning her LPGA Tour return after a brilliantly consistent season. They have both been outspoken about increasing female participation in golf throughout their short careers to date and the involvement of Ireland’s two wonderful golfing ambassadors has been welcomed by the ILGU’s Sinead Heraty.
“The launch of the 20×20 campaign on Monday was a fantastic and inspiring event,” said Heraty. “For us personally we are very proud that two female golfers in Stephanie and Leona have been asked to champion the campaign – hopefully inspiring more girls to give golf, and sport in general, a go.
“At the ILGU, we will be supporting the objectives of the campaign, specifically targeting an increase in participation and media coverage over the next 18 months.”
Further to the stars of sport lending their time to the initiative, clubs, universities, schools, leisure centres, community groups and the general public are being asked to pledge just one action to show their support by doing anything that can accelerate progress for women’s sport in Ireland. Those taking part are encouraged to share their contribution on the 20×20 social media channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram using #20×20, #ShowYourStripes and #CantSeeCantBe.
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