Gemma McCaw, the former Black Sticks great, has been unveiled as the ambassador for a new Women in Sport Fund in Christchurch, New Zealand which will support women and girls sport both on and off the field in the region.
The Women in Sport Fund is a legacy project as a celebration ahead of next year’s Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Four annual scholarships will be offered to female athletes, coaches, and officials, while winners will share their stories at events held each year to inspire other women and girls.
In Christchurch, numbers reveal that just 24 per cent of coaches are female and 27 per cent of chief executives or organisation leads at regional sporting organisations were female.
“More than two thirds of residents listed equality as a top area of focus for targeting philanthropy. As a result, The Christchurch Foundation has several initiatives underway in an area that we call Opportunities for All,” said Christchurch Foundation chief executive.
“Sport was a logical place to focus as it is a shared passion that transcends diversity and joins people together. It is important both for physical and mental health and gives people a strong connection to others. All of which is important for our residents to thrive.
McCaw, 31, who played for New Zealand at three Olympics, retired last year after 254 appearances in the black shirt.
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