A campaign to encourage women in sport is the theme of this year’s Inis "Iron" Meáin island road race.
The 20x20 initiative aims to shift the perception of girls and women in sport by increasing the visibility of women's sport, and also the participation of women in sport.
The race is organised by the Inis Meáin’s secondary boarding school, Coláiste Naomh Eoin. The theme was picked by the school’s principal Mairéad Ní Fhátharta.
"This year, we’ve teamed up with the 20x20 vision which is a nationwide campaign to increase participation of women in sport by 20%," said Ms Ní Fhátharta.
She is hoping to increase female participation in this year’s race. Ms Ní Fhátharta has also run workshops about the 20x20 campaign in her classes.
"The ages 13 to 18 have been identified as a time of life when a lot of girls withdraw from sports.
"We’ve a running club here on the island so we inspire [our students] to start training early on in the year and the goal then is towards the Inis "Iron" Meáin," Ms Ní Fhátharta said.
Sixteen-year-old student Elizabeth Counihan explained why taking part in sport can be difficult as a teenage girl.
"In school, I always did this, you'd step aside when the boys were playing football. Not just because you were scared they wouldn't pass it to you. You kind of feel intimidated", she said.
The school’s running club is coached by local man Páraic Ó Fátharta.
Seventeen-year-old student Nour Stevens is part of the club, and training takes place twice a week.
"I think for me, the 20x20 campaign is so important because I think for young girls to see role models that are taking part in sport that are women, is so important because it gives them a push.
"If they see a woman role model they think I can be that," she said.
Co-founder of 20x20 Sarah Colgan said: "We are very proud that 20x20 has reached [Inis Meáin] and are inspired by how Coláiste Naomh Eoin is encouraging everyone to #ShowYourStripes for girls and women in sport. Hopefully the Inis "Iron" Meáin will grow by 20% every year."
The Inis "Iron" Meáin island road race has three categories of 5km, 10km and 12km.
It takes place on Saturday 9 March.
