TWO women who joined a Basildon karate club in a bid to get involved in sport have been recognised for their dedication.

Christina Massey and Chelsea Digby, both 23, have been named Sportivate participants of the year for the eastern region, in recognition of their commitment to getting young women back into sport.

Sportivate, a programme funded by Sport England, encourages young people who are not particularly sporty to become more active.

Christina and Chelsea, from Basildon, both joined a Sportivate funded women’s self-defence class, run by the Maru Karate Kai club, in Luncies Road.

Although the pair were initially nervous, they were both made to feel welcome at the club.

Christina said: “The instructors were so nice and just helped everyone to learn at our own pace and have fun.

“We learned loads and I feel a lot more confident now.”

Sportivate gives 11-to-25-year-olds, who are not participating in sport in their own time, access to six-to-eight weeks of free or subsidised coaching.

Chelsea said: “Neither of us were really doing any sport and we thought we would just give this a go.

“I’ve really enjoyed it and we are now encouraging our friends to come along as well."

The Sportivate programme is delivered by Active Essex, the organisation which leads on sports development in the county.

Gary Sullivan, Active Essex chairman, said: “Chelsea and Christina are shining examples of how, through the Sportivate programme, young woman are achieving great things and inspiring others to do the same.

“We are very happy to present this regional award to them.”

Ray Gooding, county councillor responsible for sport and physical activity, said: “We are proud to be able to offer this programme to young people across Essex.

“Sportivate not only encourages those who are inactive to try new things and improve their fitness, it can also dramatically improve their confidence and boost their wellbeing.”

Active Essex is inviting applications for funding to support activity taking place in the January to March 2016 period.

For details, visit activeessex.org

Applications must be received by Monday, December 7.