Today, March 8th, marks International Women’s Day 2018. The day aims to celebrate the achievements of women throughout the world, writes Nathaniel Holland.
GBWR are fortunate to be part of a rare group of mixed gender sports where men and women play alongside each other. And it isn’t just on the court where women are doing great things, we are lucky to have a great network of female officials, volunteers, supporters and staff.
Following our series of stories profiling some of the incredible women in our sport, GBWR caught up with two talented female players in the form of Caledonian Crushers and GB Development player Gemma Lumsdaine (pictured above) as well as Gaelic Warriors mid-pointer Amy Fitzpatrick (pictured below).
Lumsdaine, 20, lists local Dundee doctor Elizabeth Ferris as one of her biggest female inspirations: “She single-handedly set up Dundee Dragons Wheelchair Sports while training to be a doctor. Elizabeth was the first wheelchair user to become a doctor in Dundee and continues to make an impact on disabled females’ lives.”
Fitzpatrick, from Ireland, is a mad football fan and Manchester United supporter. She draws inspiration from not only her team mates but the likes of Carli Lloyd and Alex Morgan of the US Women’s Soccer team. The 34-year-old also lists Irish athletes Niamh Briggs (rugby union), Sonia O’Sullivan (athletics) and Katie Taylor (boxing) as some of her other female sporting idols.
“As well as all these amazing athletes, my Mam is also one of my heroes and what a lady she is!” said Fitzpatrick.
Both Lumsdaine and Fitzpatrick lined up together in an all-female wheelchair rugby tournament in Paris recently, narrowly missing out on first place, losing to a team featuring New Zealand international Maia Amai.
“Today is a day to celebrate women past and present in honour of what they have achieved. The future of women in sport is huge and each generation has a duty to inspire the next.
“For such a long-time sport was always male dominated. I’m happy to see more women getting involved with sport we are doing a great job” added Fitzpatrick.
Lumsdaine echoed the thoughts of her one-time team mate by adding: “Sometimes being a female, disabled sports person can come with challenges however for me it’s just about giving my all, training the hardest I can and enjoying what I do. My gender and disability do not impact on this.”
To find out more about International Women’s Day check out their website here
