Y-Files
November 03, 2007 07:23 AM
By: Katie Gardner
Learning to use a palm heel strike and correctly execute a headlock is all about living safe, strong and bold.
Girls Incorporated of York Region is midway through Project Bold, a program that teaches self-defence to girls between the ages of 12 and 14.
Youth co-ordinator Ashley Martin runs Project Bold at the Newmarket Community Centre every Wednesday at 4 p.m. The program is in its fourth week of eight and is free.
Ms Martin encourages new members to come out, as she says the program is essential for girls of this age group.
“The things they learn here will be with them forever.
“What matters is how you feel. No one can tell you how you feel,” Ms Martin says to the girls in the program.
This session is a more serious one, Ms Martin tells Cherie, Avery, Atheenah and Britney. Today, the girls learn about sexual harassment.
Julia Sugden from Robinson’s Karate comes every session to teach the girls how and when to use a high punch, escape from a headlock and walk with confidence. She goes through warm ups and stretches with the girls.
“What do we say when were in position girls?” asks Ms Sugden.
“Ay-ya,” the four girls yell back.
They practise their moves and stop for the occasional water break.
After the self-defence session, the girls get a chance to write in their journals and send g-mail, (girl-mail).
“How many cards do you want?” Ms Martin says to Avery, who asks for three.
With each one she writes one positive thing about each of the girls and puts it into their personal envelope.
“The program is awesome,” Atheenah says.
“And fun,” Cherie adds.
Congratulating each other with high fives and complimenting one another through g-mail, Girls Inc. has done what it sought out to do: Inspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.
Girls Inc. is a non- profit organization that aims to empower young girls.
Katie Gardner is a second-year journalism student at Ryerson University and a member of the York Region Media Group’s y-team. You can contact her c/o dteetzel@yrmg.com