November 22, 2013 – Here is the latest news and information about upcoming events and awards from the offices of the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS).

1. CAAWS at a Glance
Inspiration at the CAC’s Sport Leadership Conference – Elizabeth Manley was the keynote speaker during the Women in Coaching Session at this year’s Sport Leadership Conference in Calgary. Elizabeth shared her journey as an athlete. Many of her experiences underpinned the importance of addressing the psycho-social factors that influence girls and women’s participation. For more information about creating and safe and supportive environments to support girls’ and women’s participation and performance, download CAAWS’ CS4L resource.

CAAWS Newcomer On the Move Project Gathering – Program leaders involved with CAAWS’ Newcomer On the Move Project gathered in Ottawa at the end of October, sharing success stories, challenges, and lessons learned through community based programs designed to increase healthy living opportunities for newcomer girls and young women. For more information about the project and about working with diverse ethno-cultural groups visit our website.

CAAWS welcomes two new board members Dr. Cheri Bradish and Danielle Bedasse (Silverstein) Dr. Cheri L. Bradish is the newly appointed Loretta Rogers Research Chair in Sport Marketing with the Ted Rogers School of Management at Ryerson University. She comes to Ryerson after sixteen years at Brock University, where she founded their Bachelor of Sport Management (BSM) degree. As part of her work at Ryerson, she will focus on the theme of women, leadership and the sport industry.

Danielle Bedasse is the Executive Director of the Jays Care Foundation part of the MLB Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club. She is responsible for the day-to-day management, planning and execution of the Jays Care Foundation fundraising activities, events and programs. Danielle comes with a great background in sport marketing, communications, and community relations having worked with the NFL Washington Redskins, ’99 FIFA Women’s World Cup, Washington DC site and the agency representing McDonald’s in Greater Washington, DC.

2. WISE Fund
Applications will be accepted until December 6, 2013 for CAAWS’ Women in Sport Encouragement Fund. The grants are intended to support the development of women leaders, or organizations that are currently offering or creating sport programs targeting girls and/or women.

For more information and to apply please visit WISE Fund webpage.

3. CAAWS Most Influential Women List of 2013
Recognize and honour an influential woman by nominating her to CAAWS’ Most Influential Women List for 2013. Nominate one or several women who were influential on the national or international stage in 2013 in sport or physical activity.

4. CAAWS Lunch and Learn Events – Ottawa ON
CAAWS’ Lunch and Learn events are professional development and networking events that bring together women working and volunteering in Ottawa’s sport and physical activity community. Mark your Calendars to ensure you don’t miss this year’s inspirational speakers for the following dates:
– December 4th, 2013 – Karen O’Neill, CEO Canadian Paralympic Committee, will share lessons learned about leadership, innovation and excellence, through her involvement in a number of National Sport Organizations, including the CPC, Field Hockey Canada, and Commonwealth Games Canada.
– February 5th, 2014 – Speaker TBD
Spaces are limited, so please register here for the December 4th event by November 26, 2013.

5. 2013 Marion Lay “Herstorical” Breakthrough Award – Call for Nominations
Through the years, CAAWS has celebrated many outstanding achievements and recognized the contributions that ‘break through’ traditional barrier and pave the way for girls and women to participate at every level. Nominations are now being accepted for the 2013 Marion Lay “Herstorical” Breakthrough Award. The award is presented to an individual, group or organization whose distinct contribution has had a long-term impact (10 years or more) and significant influence on breaking down the barriers to equal participation for girls and women in sport and physical activity.
To obtain more information, consult the CAAWS website.

The deadline for nominations is Friday, November 29, 2013.

6. Upcoming CAAWS Events
– November 30, 2013
Sports Day in Canada – how are you celebrating girls and women in your community?
– December 4, 2013
CAAWS Lunch and Learn – Speaker: Karen O’Neill, CEO Canadian Paralympic Committee
– December 10, 2013
Addressing Homophobia Workshop
Saskatoon, SK

For more information and other upcoming events visit our calendar.

7. Celebrations
Congratulations to:
– Gabriela Mayer was elected to IWAS Wheelchair Fencing Executive Committee.
– Dr. Jane Moran was appointed to the International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) Medical Commission’s Games Group.
– Jane Edstrom was appointed as IAAF International Athletics Technical Officials
– Christa Bortignon was named World Masters Athletics’ Best female. She competes in the 75+ category.
– Geraldine Heaney was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
– Archery Coach Joan McDonald earned the Jack Donohue Coach of the Year award.
– Mylène Paquette became the first North American woman to row solo across the North Atlantic Ocean, from Canada to France.

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