The Sport Ireland National Indoor Arena in Blanchardstown was buzzing with energy yesterday as more than 1,500 teenage girls from over 35 schools across Ireland gathered for the first-ever Her Moves Festival.

Part of Sport Ireland’s Her Moves campaign, and delivered by fellow Sport for Business member Titan Experience, the intent is to empower teenage girls to embrace movement on their own terms.

Minister of State for Sport and Postal Policy Charlie McConalogue attended the event and praised the initiative, stating, “It’s inspiring to be here among all these brilliant teenagers who are showing us what the future of movement looks like—fun, fearless, and on their own terms.”

The festival featured a dynamic lineup of speakers during the Main Stage Talks, guided by sports journalist Marie Crowe.

Paralympic rowers Katie O’Brien and Tiarnán O’Donnell shared their journeys in elite sport, while outdoor enthusiast Molly Erin discussed the benefits of embracing adventure and nature to reduce anxiety.

Her Moves ambassador Thammy Nguyen, the first Irish weightlifter to win a senior medal at the European Championships, spoke about balancing sport with motherhood and business.

Olympic boxer Gráinne Walsh addressed body confidence, resonating with many attendees.

Beyond the talks, the Try It Zone allowed participants to engage in over 20 activities, including volleyball, rowing, roller skating, boxing, wheelchair rugby, athletics, golf, and badminton.

Other unique elements, such as The Useless Project’s sustainability station, the Braid Brigade’s hair tutorials, interactive social media challenges, and spot prizes, contributed to a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.

“The Her Moves Festival is not just a celebration — it’s a statement of intent,” said Dr Una May, Sport Ireland CEO.

“It reflects the vision of Sport Ireland’s Women in Sport Policy to drive greater visibility, sustained participation and real cultural change for women and girls in sport.

“Teenage girls are at the centre of everything we do for Her Moves, and it’s our collective responsibility to build the systems, environments and opportunities where they can see what’s possible and feel empowered to take part.”

Michelle Tanner, Sport Ireland Board Member and Chair of the Women in Sport Committee, highlighted the festival’s impact: “Today’s festival is a shining example of what happens when we listen to teenage girls, involve them in shaping the experience, and create spaces where they feel confident and supported to move in ways that suit them.”

The Her Moves campaign continues to expand its reach. It has delivered over 125 programs through National Governing Bodies and Local Sports Partnerships, directly engaging more than 10,000 girls.

Its educational outreach includes 111 schools participating in the ‘Her Moves: Supporting Teenage Girls in Sport’ online workshop.

The campaign’s visibility efforts, such as the widely viewed ‘It’s Complicated’ video and the distribution of over 23,000 Period Positive Posters, aim to foster a more supportive environment for girls in sport.

 

 

Further Reading for Sport for Business members:

Check out Sport for Business coverage of Children and Sport

 

SPORT FOR BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

Doing things the way they have always been and failing to recognise the different audiences that sport can benefit from as well as delivering a great experience to is something we need to be on top of.  All of yesterday’s speakers and experiences spoke with a real focus to those 1,500 teenage girls that were present.  Sure it was a chance to get out of the classroom for a day, but if only ten per cent of those present were inspired by hearing, seeing or feeling sport in a different way then this will have been transformational.

WHAT’S UP NEXT?

The Sport for Business Children and Sport 2025 event will take place in September with more information and a call for what we might highlight to be published in the coming weeks.

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