Sheffield’s community of Hillsborough honoured International Women’s Day through a female-led BMX jam inspired by a ambitious teenager.

The Give to Gain Jam, at Hillsborough Pump Track, was organised by 16-year-old resident Jessie Leasley.

Jessie is a BMX fan, who decided she wanted to take matters into her own hands, and involve more women in the world of racing.

She said she wanted to “empower and encourage other women and girls in biking”. 

This led to the creation of Jessie’s ‘Give to Gain Jam’, a celebration to promote more women’s riding within the local area. 

It was a day of fun and joy, where everyone was free to ride to their heart’s content, as various activities took place with lots of prizes to be won.

The event was open to all ages and saw many riders, from those who were in it to win it, to those who just wanted a day of riding with family and friends.

Jessie had been planning out the jam for months, with the birth of the idea in November, constant days of planning in December, to her dreams becoming reality just in time for International Women’s Day this March.

Being a part of the Young Leaders Programme at Access Sport, a charity which ensures that no child is excluded from life changing opportunities, helping many from those in areas of depreciation, ethnic minorities, neurodivergent and girls.

Jessie worked with the organisation’s cycling delivery manager Libby Hawkins and they managed to bring together other neighbouring biking communities such as Chesterfield BMX Racing Club and Rotherham BMX Club.

Coach Jack, from Chesterfield BMX Racing Club, said: “If one person’s session is cancelled we go to the other track and everyone rides together.”

Activities included intros to BMX, Ladies-led rides, learning how to jump on bikes and Limbo.

The stand-out event was the air bags, which was largely anticipated.

Coach Lucia, from Chesterfield BMX Racing Club, said: “When they found out they got a free air bag they was just over the moon.”

With explosive jumps, coming in at high speeds, multiple tricks and flips were showcased leaving the crowd in awe, bringing the day to a close.

A total of 84 riders showed up to the event, with many local volunteers who put aside their fears taking part.

Val, a volunteer from Hillsborough, said: “I don’t know anything about BMXing it frightens me to death, so I feel very brave standing here on the side of the track.”

Jessie thanked everyone who helped out. She said: “It’s all been volunteers so everyone’s just selflessly given up their time to come and help me and support what I’m trying to do.”