JW Networks fuels female empowerment with successful ‘Girls on Wheels’ motorsport event

Wednesday, 6 December 2023 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Girls On Wheels Team

Girls On Wheels guest invitees

JW Networks, an organisation founded by Sri Lankan motorsport enthusiast Jorgina Donna, successfully conducted the very first ‘Girls on Wheels’, a pioneering initiative that empowers female motorsport enthusiasts aged 16 and above, unveiling opportunities for them to embrace motorsport and explore career possibilities in it.

Making history as the first-ever females-only motorsport awareness program in Sri Lanka, Girls On Wheels helped to highlight the importance of gender inclusivity in traditionally male-dominated fields and brought together motorsport and road safety, offering a unique platform for participants to learn, experience, and envision a future in the fast lane.

The event was graced by the presence of several distinguished invitees including the then Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs Secretary, Denusha Ranasinghe, Director legal to the President of Sri Lanka, Thushitha De Silva, Sri Lanka Automobile Sports (SLAS) President, Ashhar Hameem, Automobile Association of Ceylon (AA) Secretary, Devapriya Hettiarachchi globally-recognised Sri Lankan professional racing driver Dilantha Malagamuwa and former Sri Lankan hurdler and female sport icon Sriyani Kulawansa. The special guests showed great support and enthusiasm for the event encouraging the participants and organisers and offering words of advice on how the event can grow to make an even greater impact in the country. They declared their admiration to JW Networks and Jorgina Donna for what they achieved by initiating this much-needed ground-breaking event for female motorsport enthusiasts.

The awareness program held at Pink Auto Green Yard at Kimbulawala consisted of several activities. The motorsport introduction and demonstration were carried out by the Auto Sport Federation Secretary, Shehan de Tissera and Motorsport Sub Committee Chairman, Abeeth Dangalla. The road safety session was conducted by Dr. Malith Dassanayake while the ‘Drive in the moment’ project was carried out by Auto Mobile Association representative Santhosh Rathnasighe.

The Go-Kart demonstration held at Pro Ride Kotte was conducted by Abeeth Dangalla and included a Kart explanation along with a track walk, a detailed explanation regarding the rules and regulations of Karting and other related information. Dilantha Malagamuwa provided details on the important role of fitness and endurance in Go Karting and other motorsports adding that this program can pave the way towards producing a female champion in motorsports one day.

Participant feedback of the event was very positive with many praising the organisers for assembling a unique event of this nature that provided valuable insights to the exciting world of motorsports and how females can build a career in it. The positive reviews highlighted the need for further events of this nature that would open the doors to a wider audience and help raise awareness.

Girls On Wheel was powered by Biseka, The Ruralist, and Capello as gift partners, Elephant House as beverage partner and Nawaloka the medical service partner.