February features recreation focused on women

By Chet Broberg, University Recreation

PULLMAN, Wash. – Women in Recreation Month at Washington State University will include classes, clinics, activities and women-only hours through February to build the community of participants.

Feedback has indicated that participants feel more comfortable and supported in women-only activities that can serve as a safe space, said Mandy Schenkemeyer, University Recreation.

“We’re taking a group of students that might not be participating in recreation and getting them involved,” she said. “Having more diverse participation within some of these activities can expose people to new techniques or viewpoints and make for a stronger community as a whole.”

Each week will have a different theme – ShePlays, SheLifts, SheMoves and SheRocks. One focus is to get women involved with traditionally male-dominated recreation – weightlifting, for example.

“This is to show women the proper way to lift, that they are capable of it and that they belong in the weight room too,” Schenkemeyer said.

A women’s cross-country ski and snoga (snow yoga) retreat will be Feb. 24-25, and the month will end with the No Man’s Land Adventure Film Festival. Learn more and find a schedule at http://urec.wsu.edu/special-events/women-in-recreation/.