A non-competitive sporting challenge: experience shared by a group of women

Given that scientific evidence shows that regular physical activity (PA) has physical, psychological, and social benefits, multiple initiatives have been implemented to promote its practice among women. One such initiative is Le Défi des Roses, a non-competitive sporting challenge in Quebec, Canada. A mixed method study consisting of a questionnaire (n = 141) and individual interviews (n = 38) was used among women enrolled in the challenge to: 1) assess participants' physical, psychological, and social profile at the beginning of their training and 2) describe the physical, psychological, and social impacts of the challenge on participants. Le Défi des Roses had positive impacts physically (e.g. increase in the diversity of PA practice), psychologically (e.g. improvement in body image) and socially (e.g. increased influence over family members). These results could inspire other active leisure organizations designed to promote women's regular PA, and ultimately, their physical, psychological, and social well-being.