Results
University of Essex
University of Essex
03/11/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/11/2026 07:55
Hundreds inspired by International Women's Day sporting spectacular
Hundreds of fans, families and young athletes gathered at the University of Essex for a high-energy weekend of sport, celebration and female empowerment to mark International Women's Day.
The Essex Rebels hosted two days of blockbuster basketball and volleyball fixtures at the Essex Sport Arena on the Colchester Campus, bringing professional athletes, community groups and business leaders together to celebrate women in sport.
The weekend began on Saturday with the Her World, Her Rules basketball clinic for girls aged seven to 14.
Delivered in partnership with Basketball England and international partners, the session saw around 50 young players train with Rebels women's basketball stars, who inspired the next generation.
The Her World Her Rules clinic
The magic of sport was shared with budding ballers
Smiles all round at Her World Her Rules
University of Essex Vice-Chancellor Professor Frances Bowen also joined the celebrations, opening the Rebels' Lead Like a Rebel networking event earlier in the day.
The session brought together women working across the sports industry to explore leadership, confidence and career development, before attendees headed into the arena to support the Rebels.
Essex Rebels Manager Diana Voynova said: "This weekend was about far more than just the results on the court.
"International Women's Day gave us the perfect opportunity to celebrate the incredible women involved in sport at every level - from the young girls taking part in our Her World, Her Rules clinic to the professional athletes representing the Rebels.
"Seeing so many families, fans and community partners come together at the University of Essex shows how powerful sport can be in inspiring the next generation."
The on-court action
Young fans enjoy the day
Youngsters enjoying the day
The scenes in the fanzone
The festivities continued with a lively fanzone featuring music, games, food and giveaways, before the Rebels women saw off Newcastle Eagles in a crucial league clash - winning 92-79.
Later in the evening the Rebels men faced Hemel Storm as they pushed closer for a playoff place in the British Championship Basketball League in a closely fought 99-93 victory.
The weekend concluded on Sunday as volleyball took centre stage, with community sessions and competitive fixtures rounding off a festival of sport celebrating women, leadership and community at the University of Essex.
The men lost 0-3 to London Giants and the women beat Sideout Polonia 3-0.
University of Essex published this content on March 11, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 11, 2026 at 13:55 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]