The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games were heralded by many as “The Women’s Games”, due to the increased numbers of female participants, the fact that all countries were able to include women athletes in their teams, and that a sport like women’s boxing was included for the first time.

One year on from the launch of the Anita White Foundation, this event draws together a panel of people who were directly involved in the Games to discuss their experiences and debate the question “To what extent were they gender equal?” The discussions will reflect on the public interest in women’s sport, the media coverage of the Games, the role of female presenters, decision makers and coaches, the ongoing challenges for women wishing to have a career in sport, and the rhetoric surrounding the Olympic legacy for women’s sport.

Panellists:

• Dr Tim Holder (Sport Science Support to the London 2012 GB Synchronised Swimming team, and Senior Lecturer at the University of Chichester)
• Sarah Porter (London 2012 Gamesmaker, Aquatics officer for the ASA, and former student of the University of Chichester)
• Sue Tibballs (CEO of the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation)
• Emma Wiggs (London 2012 Paralympian and Captain of GB Sitting Volleyball team, and former student of the University of Chichester)

Panel Chair: Dr Anita White OBE
Event host: Dr Elizabeth Pike, Chair of the Anita White Foundation

Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions of the panellists, and are invited to join them for informal refreshments following the discussion. Please RSVP to events@chi.ac.uk in order to ensure sufficient seating and refreshments. The event is free of charge but participants will be invited to make a donation to the Anita White Foundation.