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With the Williams sisters contesting the Women’s Final at the Australian Open, recently appointed Federal Minister for Health and Minister for Sport Greg Hunt has set out to promote the Australian Government’s Girls Make Your Move campaign and Tennis Australia’s Cardio Tennis initiative today at Melbourne Park.

Joined by two-time Grand Slam champion and Tennis Australia Performance Director Pat Rafter, Minister Hunt stated “to see these elite athletes (the Williams sisters) performing at the pinnacle of their game is an inspiration to us all.

“They inspire us to get involved – for fitness, for fun, for confidence, for physical and mental health and well-being.

“As Minister for Health and Minister for Sport, one of my top priorities is boosting sports participation across all ages.

“That’s why today at the Australian Open, I am delighted to get behind ‘Girls Make Your Move’.

“Girls Make Your Move is about Australia’s young women getting out there and giving it everything you’ve got, being active, being fit and staying healthy.”

Launched last year by the Federal Government, Girls Make Your Move is set to be backed by a $7 million national advertising campaign as of next month.

Minister Hunt added “lack of physical activity is one of the major causes of preventable disease. Regular physical activity reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, osteoporosis, colon cancer, obesity and injury.

“And it has significant benefits for mental health. It helps manage stress, alleviate depression and anxiety, strengthen self-esteem, enhance mood and boost mental alertness.

“Currently only one in 10 young Australians move enough and Australian girls in particular do less physical activity as they move through their teens.

“Research shows that girls face additional barriers to men _ they don’t want to be judged or ridiculed and they can be self-conscious about how they look when exercising.

“Girls Make Your Move wants to push past those barriers. It’s about inspiring, energising and empowering young women to be more active in whatever way suits them.”

Today’s activities saw Tennis Australia showcase its Fitbit Cardio Tennis initiative - a tennis workout program catering to all fitness levels that combines a variety of cardio workouts, a range of fun tennis drills backed by a high-energy soundtrack. The program is focused on leading a healthy, fun and active lifestyle.

For more information visit www.australia.gov.au/girlsmove 

Images: Minister Hunt with Pat Rafter and female tennis participants.

18th January 2017 - GREG HUNT NAMED AUSTRALIA’S NEW MINISTER FOR SPORT AND HEALTH

8th December 2016 - LANDMARK STUDY FINDS SPORT STRUGGLING TO KEEP YOUTH ENGAGED 

24th September 2016 - GENDER BALANCE IN SPORT VITAL TO IMPROVING PUBLIC HEALTH

9th September 2016 - GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES A NATIONAL DIGITAL GATEWAY FOR WOMEN’S HEALTH

1st September 2016 - NEW CONFERENCE CHAMPIONING WOMEN IN SPORT 

12th April 2016 - TENNIS AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES FITBIT AS NEW CARDIO TENNIS PARTNER

21st March 2016 - OVERCOMING THE MOVEMENT SKILLS GENDER DIVIDE

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