Former snowboard cross athlete and founder of the women’s alternative sport community Letzshare Giorgia Rescigno speaks with Luke Owain Boult and the reasons for founding the company and the importance of challenging ourselves.
What is it that Letzshare does?
Letzshare aims to encourage women to try new and alternative sports, get together, meet new people, increase their self-confidence and have some fun whilst exercising. We organise all female sports events like snowboarding, climbing, surfing, yoga, and coasteering to offer women the opportunity to try different sports that they may have never tried before.
What inspired you to found Letzshare?
I’ve always been passionate about sports and was always involved in alternative activities where there were always less females involved. Out of all sports, snowboarding is my passion, I’m also a former International GB Snowboard Cross athlete and have always been passionate about more women being involved in the sport. So, when I finished university and was trying to start a business I thought it would be great to offer a women’s only snowboarding session in Cardiff. I always heard comments about how “cool” people thought the sport was and how they would love to try it- so I decided to organise the event. The overwhelming interest then led me to organise more events based on women’s interests and various activities offered in the area.
What issues affect women most in sports?
Different sports may have different issues and I believe all women are affected differently. I believe the fear of being judged whilst doing sports is quite a big thing, body image and self-confidence are also raised a lot. There’s also the issue amongst women that sports are only about sweating, being red and not smelling rosy. That is exactly what I want to break down: allowing women to try sports in a comfortable environment where no one is being judged and where everyone is given a chance to have fun and do their best.
Why is it important that it’s exclusively for women?
Following experience from the events, I find it allows women to feel more comfortable when trying new activities and allows them to push themselves more. It becomes a great environment where no one has to worry about being judged or worry about body image but just relax and enjoy the sport.
Why do you believe it’s important to challenge ourselves?
Life’s too short not to. We’re getting too used to being at home or spending most of our time on social media and forgetting about making the most of opportunities around us. Don’t get me wrong, challenging ourselves can be scary, but that’s what it’s all about. Overcoming fears, putting yourself outside your comfort zone and realising you’re able to do a lot more than what you think is incredible.
Info: www.letzshare.co.uk