January 5, 2005

CAAWS Names 2004 List of
Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity

Ottawa, ON . . . Twenty accomplished Canadian women have been named to the 2004 List of the Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity. The list is compiled by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity, (CAAWS). It recognizes women who have made a significant impact as athletes, administrators, advocates, board members, executives, medical doctors, officials, policy makers, and volunteers.

This is the third time CAAWS has announced its Most Influential Women list. In presenting the 2004 names, the Chair of CAAWS, Theresa Harvey Pruden of Winnipeg explained how the list corresponds to the way women influence sport and physical activity in Canada. “These women all have a wide sphere of influence, and yet they may exert it in many different ways. Some of these remarkable women have inspired all of us with their athletic accomplishments, serving as role models not only for young girls, but for mature women as well. Others are carving out new territory for women in such traditionally male fields as officiating and leading volunteer boards. And still others have exerted their influence by creating networks and coalitions to encourage more and more people to reap the benefits of physical activity and to prevent some of the chronic diseases in this country.”

Four athletes are first-time nominees to the list: 20-year old swimmer Stephanie Dixon who competes in both Paralympic and able-bodied competitions; Olympic Gold Medallist Lori-Ann Muenzer; Paralympic Gold Medallist Chantal Petitclerc; and the ageless golfer Marlene Stewart Streit. The importance of physical activity and its impact on health is recognized with the inclusion of Dr. Carolyn Bennett, the federal Minister of State (Public Health), Dr. Elinor Wilson from the Canadian Public Health Association and Farida Gabbani, Senior Director of Nova Scotia Sport & Recreation’s Office of Health Promotion. Three women appear on the list for the third time, International Olympic Committee member Charmaine Crooks, CBC-TV Sports Executive Nancy Lee, and President of 2010 LegaciesNow Society Marion Lay.

Harvey Pruden outlined why CAAWS began compiling its list of influential women in 2001. “Other end-of-year lists may focus strictly on athletic accomplishments, or the power and influence that come with being a CEO or senior executive. Women often work collectively, sharing knowledge and best practices as well as sharing results and successes. CAAWS wanted to recognize these exceptional women and also acknowledge both their influence and their invaluable contributions to our society.”

Many of the women named to the CAAWS list were nominated by colleagues and the general public. The final list was compiled by the CAAWS selection panel from both public nominations, and contributions from knowledgeable sport and physical activity leaders. The panel reviewed the submissions and based its decision on the scope of activities in the 2004 calendar year.

The 2004 Most Influential Women in alphabetical order are:

Dr. Carolyn Bennett, Minister of State (Public Health), Toronto, ON
Guylaine Bernier, FISA International Rowing Official, Montréal, QC
Phyllis Berck, Past-Chair, CAAWS Board, Toronto, ON
Charmaine Crooks, IOC and Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC), Vancouver, BC
Linda Cuthbert, President Diving Canada and the Aquatic Federations of Canada, Toronto, ON
Stephanie Dixon, Athlete, Paralympic Gold Medallist, Victoria, BC
Farida Gabbani, Senior Director, Nova Scotia Sport & Recreation, Office of Health Promotion, Truro, Nova Scotia
Marion Lay, President & CEO, 2010 LegaciesNow Society, Vancouver, BC
Nancy Lee, Executive Director, CBC-TV Sports, Toronto, ON
Ljiljana (Lilo) Ljubisic, International Paralympic Committee member, Vancouver, BC
Dru Marshall, Associate Dean Academic, Faculty of Physical Education and Recreation, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB
Anne Merklinger, Director General, Canadian Canoe Association, Ottawa, ON
Lori-Ann Muenzer, Athlete, Olympic Gold Medallist, Edmonton, AB
Chantal Petitclerc, Athlete, Paralympic Gold Medallist, Montréal, QC
Cathy Priestner Allinger, Senior Vice President of Sport, (VANOC), Vancouver, BC
Jane Roos Leinemann, Independent Olympic Athlete Fundraiser, Toronto, ON
Pat Reid, Canadian Olympic Committee, Toronto, ON
Deb Sanderson, Director of Live Events, Rogers Sportsnet, Toronto, ON
Marlene Stewart Streit, Athlete, Golfer, Unionville, ON
Dr. Elinor Wilson, CEO, Canadian Public Health Association, Ottawa, ON

Click here to view photos and brief biographies