ABOUT THE BREAKTHROUGH AWARDS

There have been tremendous strides in bringing gender equity to the forefront of sports and physical activity in Canada over the past few decades.

Since the Breakthrough Awards were first introduced in 1986, CAAWS has celebrated many outstanding achievements and recognized the contributions that ‘break through’ the traditional limits and pave the way for girls and women to participate at every level.

While there are still many accomplishments worthy of recognition, CAAWS has decided to change the award structure. From this point forward, CAAWS will only be soliciting nominations for the Marion Lay “Herstorical” Award. This award is presented to an individual, group or organization whose distinct contribution has had a long-term and significant influence and has broken down barriers to equal participation for girls and women in sport and physical activity.

There are still many other opportunities to recognize and honour women leaders whose accomplishments have pushed the limits and enhanced the participation of girls and women in sport and physical activity, including but not limited to:

• Canadian Sport Awards - This annual gala awards ceremony celebrates excellence in sport and honours athletes and leaders who compete and inspire hope throughout the year. Leaders from the sport and corporate communities gather to honour the pinnacle of commitment and competition in Canadian amateur sport. (http://www.truesportfoundation.ca/en/site/category-12)
  

• Y Women of Distinction Awards - Since 1994, the Y Women of Distinction Awards have recognized women who inspire us through their work in various communities across Canada. These awards celebrate the visionaries of the past, the courageous women who change the way we live today, and the young women who shape our tomorrow. (http://www.ymcaywca.ca/special-events/21/)
  
  
• CAAWS Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity List - Women excel across Canada at all levels of sport and physical activity in a variety of ways. Women nominated for this list may be: an athlete who has achieved national or international recognition; or an executive who has led an organization with a clear, defined vision; or a volunteer who has donated countless hours to coaching or organizing; or an individual who demonstrates leadership through their professional expertise and through a strong commitment and contribution at the provincial, national or international level; or someone in the print or broadcast media who influences coverage of girls/women in sport and physical activity. (http://www.caaws.ca/influentialwomen/e/)
  
  
• Provincial/Territorial Sport and/or Recognition Awards – Many provincial/territorial organizations have established a provincial award program to honour and promote the achievements of individuals who have contributed to the development of sport and physical activity within their province.