Essex University celebrates International Women's Day

The crowd of cheering fans were there to enjoy International Women’s Day and support the Essex Rebels volleyball team last Saturday.

Essex Rebels were chosen as a lead partner to deliver FIBA’s (the International Basketball Federation) women’s and girls’ basketball campaign, Her World, Her Rules on behalf of Basketball England and the British Basketball Federation.

Smiles - one of the future stars taking part (Image: Essex University) Ready - two more girls ready for the game (Image: Essex University) A special Her World, Her Rules basketball clinic thrilled youngsters before tip-off with female professional basketball players passing on top tips to young girls.

More than 50 took part and learnt from the Essex Rebels stars - as well as running out with the teams and providing the half time entertainment.

Inspiring - Cameron Taylor-Willis, Danielle Taylor, and Brooke Flowers speak to the girls at the HWHR clinic (Image: Essex University) Happy - Danielle Taylor and Brooke Flowers on the court (Image: Essex University)
Building on the community spirit of the event Rebels ace Cameron Taylor-Willis helped coach along with girls from the U16 Junior NBL teams.

Former Rebel and sports development officer, Olivia Partridge said: “It was an inspirational day, and I am so proud to help encourage the next generation of girls.

Competing - two of the girls taking part (Image: Essex University) Hugs - crowd members watching on (Image: Essex University) “I just want to do all I can to create opportunities for young basketballers that I didn’t have when I was growing up.

“It was really great to see so many girls out there and our players loved speaking to them and getting them involved in the gameday.”

Fan - one young girl awaiting tip-off (Image: Essex University) Celebrating - the girls volleyball team (Image: Essex University) A special fan zone also entertained youngsters with stalls celebrating women, poster making, and a kid’s zone where youngsters could hone their on-court skills.

After the session, the Rebels took to the court with the D1 Men’s Basketball team facing the City of Birmingham Rockets for their penultimate home game of the season.

Excited - some of the youngsters waiting to go on the court (Image: Essex University) Sadly, they lost out by just two points in a close-run 84-86 loss.

However, the women’s volleyball side came up victorious and sunk Time Sideout 3-2.

Buzzing - the team celebrating on court (Image: Essex University)
Rebels volleyball captain, Chelsea Simmons said: “I’m proud to be a woman in sports.

“Sports have taught me lessons towards growing my confidence, work ethic, and dedication.

“It has also brought me my best friends and role models to motivate me through life.

“I am thankful for the recognition in Saturday’s game, in celebration of both team’s athletes who are committed women in sports, creating attention and media towards IWD.

“I hope our games inspire young girls and boys and encourage them to find their passions too.”