News Andy Burnham MP for Leigh

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28/09/2009 - ‘Girls in Sport’ Competition – Burnham congratulates winners

Soroptimist International of Leigh & District welcomed Leigh MP, Andy Burnham to the ‘Girls in Sport’ Competition Presentation evening at Leigh Sports Village on Friday, 25 September 2009.

Marlene Downey, President of Soroptimist International of Leigh & District said the event was ‘an overwhelming success’ as Leigh Genesis U9/10s Football team and Golborne High School 12/13 years Rugby League team were awarded the joint winners prize.

Runners up were Lowton High School U14s Football team with consolation prizes awarded to Tyldesley Girls U15/U18s Rugby Union Team and Astley & Tyldesley U9/10a Football team.

Earlier this year Andy Burnham called for Girls in Sport to be taken seriously and called on the wider media to showcase the achievements of UK sporting women. The lack of visible female sporting role models has been blamed for the high drop-out rate from sport among female school leavers.

Andy has applauded Soroptimist International for raising the awareness of girls sport in Leigh. He said, "Tonight was a great opportunity to broadcast the success of girl’s sports across the Leigh area and gives girls and young women the recognition they deserve."

Marlene Downey, President of Soroptimist International of Leigh & District said, “I challenged our members to raise the money to provide a team kit for one local girls football or rugby team, they took the challenge and tonight's presentation to several prize winners has shown how generous everyone, including local councillors and the Leigh Sports Village has been in supporting our local girls sports community. I also wish to thank Andy Burnham MP for endorsing the competition and continuing to support our event by attending and presenting the prizes.”

Andy is pictured with the winning teams, coaches and Marlene Downey of Leigh & District Soroptimists.