5+3tips on creating equal opportunities for physical activities
1. THE ELEMENTS IN THE FACILITY MUST BE APPROPRIATELY SIZED FOR GIRLS
For example, if a beach volley net or fitness equipment is of a height or size suitable for men, this tells girls that the place is intended for men.
2. USABILITY
This is increased by visible instructions: what can you do here and how to apply the instructions. This provides limits and encourages users to adapt the facilities for their own purposes.
3. SENSE OF SECURITY
This is provided by familiarity and a location close to residential areas. Locations we know from childhood remain important to us for long after; facilities that encourage physical activity should be introduced in such places.
4. OWN SPACE
Smaller, separate areas within a larger facility form places that we can use for our own activities.
5. LOCAL NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS
Natural environments are permissive; they are far from the standards and performance goals of formal sports facilities. Local natural environments are significant in a number of ways.
I will add three factors to the list with a wider perspective on equal opportunities in physical activities for young people:
6. Stretching the cultural limits is worthy of respect and approving glances. Conquering the threat of embarrassment is a major issue.
7. Things should be allowed, not just prohibited. Physical activity is allowed here, for everyone!
8. Ask. Do not assume that you know what being physically active or inactive involves nowadays.