March 20, 2007 – The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) announced today the names of the twelve recipients of its WISE Fund grants of $900 (see list below). The WISE (Women in Sport Encouragement) Fund was developed in response to the ongoing financial need within the sport community. The Fund is made available on an annual basis to assist active girls and women and/or organizations offering sport programs targeted to girls and women. The 2007 Fund is the fourth time CAAWS has offered the grant program. Since the program’s inception in 2004, CAAWS has supported 44 individuals and organizations through this fund, dispersing over $38,000 to members of the sport community. Details regarding the next opportunity to apply for the Fund will be posted on CAAWS’ website in the fall of 2007.

2007 WISE Fund Recipients

· Katherine Girgulis (athlete, age 11, gymnastics & diving, Calgary, AB)
· Samantha Hodgins (athlete, age 18, tae kwon do, Antigonish, NS)
· Nigist Sewnnet (athlete, age 40, adapted sailing, Toronto, ON)
· Sonja Leverkus (coach, age 27, weightlifting, Fort Nelson, BC)
· Karen Williams (coach, swimming for athletes with a disability, Winnipeg, MB)
· Suzanne Paulins (official, age 40, swimming, Brantford, ON)
· Saskatoon Sports Council (organization, wrestling, Saskatoon, SK)
· Spin Sisters Women’s Mountain Bike Club (organization, cycling, Calgary, AB)
· Baseball New Brunswick Women’s Committee (organization, baseball, Saint John, NB)
· 360-degrees Initiative (organization, squash & rowing, Ottawa, ON)
· Chignecto Central Regional School Board (organization, multi-sport, Truro, NS)
· Diamond Drillers Soccer Club (organization, soccer, Yellowknife, NWT)

For detailed bios of the successful grant recipients or for more information, contact Krista Benoit (kbenoit@caaws.ca) or visit us on-line at www.caaws.ca.