Having a day of fitness activities just for girls is worthwhile, according to Myah Tymbulak. The General Amherst High School student was one of about 150 local Grade 10 and 11 girls participating in “Girls in Motion,” Friday in the Human Kinetics Building.

“It takes a lot of pressure off you, because boys always try to compete with you and want to be better,” Tymbulak said.

It was the 13th year for the event, created by kinesiology professor Marge Holman to reach girls who were at risk of dropping out of physical activity at the high school level. Sponsored by Leadership Advancement for Women and Sport and the Windsor Essex County Health Unit as well as the Faculty of Human Kinetics, it is now led by Dr. Holman’s fellow faculty member, Sarah Woodruff-Atkinson.

The students and their teachers were welcomed by dean Michael Khan before cycling through three physical activities in the St. Denis centre: yoga, a fitness circuit, and skipping.

Tymbulak’s General Amherst classmate Grace Northrup said the day was a boost to her self-confidence.

“We have learned the importance of a health and active lifestyle — and how to continue that lifestyle, even if we don’t have access to a gym or fitness centre,” she said.

At the completion of the physical portion of the day, the students socialized over lunch in the atrium of the Human Kinetics Building and heard from guest speaker Samantha Courtis, sport co-ordinator at Rose City Sport and Social Club.

Her topic, self-love through positive self-talk, was well-aimed at the group, said Dr. Woodruff-Atkinson: “Her speech was the perfect message to send to the girls after a fun-filled day of activities!”