Growth of women's military sport analysed at MOD symposium
The growth of women's sport within the British military was a hot topic of discussion at a symposium held at the Ministry of Defence's main building.
BFBS Sport's Cath Brazier hosted a panel at a symposium that included three top female stars from the Navy, RAF and Army.
The symposium saw a number of panels discussing the culture of women's sport, the science behind it, and highlighting some individual experiences.
"I think events like this are so essential," said RAF and Scotland international rugby player Flying Officer Sarah Bonar.
"It's visibility at the end of the day – if you can't see it then you can't be it.
"I think women's sport is such an important topic in terms of the benefit you get from it – grassroots, elite level or whatever!
"It's so transferable into day-to-day life. It's something we need to keep banging the drum about."
Sarah joined skydiver and doctor Major Anna Lea and Royal Navy boxer Able Seaman Sophie Colebourn on a panel recognising the female talent that exists within the military.
"It's positive role models for other women to see what is possible," said Maj Lea.
"To see that you can get a balance between work and sport and women can push ourselves to high levels to achieve amazing things."
AB Colebourn, who won a national boxing title earlier this year, thinks there are less sportswomen coming from a similar background to herself, so she hopes she can be a shining light to inspire.
She said: "I'm one of a few. There's not many 'Sophie Colebourns' out there, I don't think, or younger girls that are coming through and want to do, not even boxing but, elite sport.
"Hopefully, in the future, there will be many more but you have to pave the way, don't you?
"People now start recognising me for boxing and that's a great thing," she added.
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