"There is absolutely no reason to lose sight of your dreams when a child comes into the picture. If anything, it’s more of a reason to accomplish your dreams so you can share it with the ones you love."

To reach her dream Jo-Anne must be accompanied by a caregiver to ensure full commitment to the team and excel as a coach. Unfortunately, there weren’t any programs in place to provide resources to support the expense of a caregiver.

CAAWS along with several other organizations including; Promotion Plus, Canadian Wheelchair Basketball Association, National Sport Centre – Victoria, National Sport Centre – Vancouver, Coaching Association of Canada, BC Wheelchair Sports and the BC Wheelchair Basketball Society believe that Jo-Anne has the right to pursue her coaching dreams and have come together to provide the funds required to cover her additional expenses.

At a time when there are only 11 female National Team head coaches in Canada we must look further into the issues that surround women in coaching. Motherhood is an issue that must be taken seriously for all coaches and athletes and we hope Jo-Anne’s story will help raise awareness of the issues that women in sport face.

Please check back in October to read Jo-Anne’s journal describing her experience as a coach and a mother at the Paralympics.

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