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The list is compiled by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS). Twenty women were named to the 2006 list, and one young woman was named as “one to watch“. The list recognizes women who have made a significant impact as athletes, administrators, advocates, board members, coaches, executives, officials, policy makers and volunteers. While many of the women named have had significant careers, the selection to the list reflects their influential activity in the calendar year 2006.

This is the fifth time CAAWS has announced its Most Influential Women list. In presenting the 2006 names, Winnipeg’s Janice Forsyth, Chair of the CAAWS Board of Directors outlined what constitutes an influential woman, “While many of the women named to our list this year are truly outstanding athletes, what makes them influential is often what takes place in addition to their competitive careers. We have been inspired by the stands that they have taken to keep sport drug-free, to focus attention on people who are much less fortunate and to give back to the sports they love. Others have chosen to exercise their influence in many different ways, by opening up research forums, speaking and educating others, from recreational participants to the elite level of athletes in sport. These women also represent people who have made sport a professional career, as well as those who serve as volunteer administrators and officials. They have all made the Canadian sport and physical activity world a better placed due to their contributions this year.”

Sport has always been a part of Kathy Newman’s life, providing many opportunities for personal growth and for sharingher passion for sport with others. Kathy Newman continues to “think big” when it comes to running her provincial organization, as Executive Director of BC Wheelchair Sports Association. During her 24 years with the organization, she has never been content to work within small parameters. She continues to bid for and host international events that increase the awareness of athletes with a disability world wide. Her ability to work at the provincial level, and to also see the possibilities that international events hold for Canadian athletes, both in hosting and in participating is remarkable. Her 2006 schedule included co-chairing the Rick Hansen Wheels In Motion Vancouver Event, travelling to the 2006 World Wheelchair Championships with Canada’s Wheelchair Rugby Team and was a key leader in organizing the 2006 CANADA CUP, the International Wheelchair Rugby Tournament which featured eight of the top wheelchair rugby teams in the world.

Named as the “One to Watch” was 11-year old Holly Micuda of Oakville, ON. After watching the 2006 Olympic Winter Games on television, she came up with the idea of helping raise money for athletes’ training, coaching and living expenses. Now, more than 17,000 of the $3 wristbands have been sold with the proceeds going to Canadian Athletes Now, a non-profit organization that raises funds to support Canadian athletes prepare for international competition.

The 2006 Most Influential Women (in alphabetical order) are:

Stacey Allaster, President, Sony Ericsson Women’s Tennis Association Tour; Toronto, ON & St. Petersburg, FL

Wendy Bedingfield, Dean, Acadia University; Wolfville, NS

Cassie Campbell, Athlete, Ice Hockey and Sports Commentator; Calgary, AB

Slava Corn, Official, Gymnastics; Toronto, ON

Chandra Crawford, Athlete, Cross Country Skiing; Canmore, AB

Melody Davidson, Coach, Ice Hockey; Calgary, AB

Sylvie Fréchette, Administrator, Canadian Olympic Committee; Montreal, QC

Clara Hughes, Athlete, Speed Skating, Glen Sutton, QC

Cindy Klassen, Athlete, Speed Skating, Winnipeg, MB & Calgary, AB

Moira Lassen, Volunteer and Official, Canadian Weightlifting Federation; Whitehorse, YK

Silken Laumann, Author and Children’s Advocate; Victoria, BC

Marielle Ledoux, Nutritionist and Professor, University of Montreal; Montreal, QC

Nancy Lee, Broadcaster, Olympic Broadcast Services Vancouver ; Toronto, ON

TA Loeffler, Professor and Outdoor Educator; Memorial University; St. John’s, NL

Allison McNeill, Coach, Women’s Basketball, South Surrey, BC

Kathy Newman, Executive Director, BC Wheelchair Sports Association; Vancouver, BC

Chantal Petitclerc, Athlete, Paralympics, Montreal, QC

Carla Qualtrough, President; Canadian Paralympic Committee; Vancouver, BC

Beckie Scott, Athlete, Cross Country and Athlete Advocate; Vermillion, AB

Xiuli Wang, Speed Skating Coach, Calgary, AB

“One to Watch”
Holly Micuda, Fundraiser; Oakville, ON 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 2006 calendar year.

Photos and individual bios are available at: http://www.caaws.ca/influentialwomen/e/2006/list.htm

About CAAWS
CAAWS encourages girls and women to participate and lead in sports and physical activity. A not-for-profit organization, CAAWS offers a number of services, programs and resources to a variety of clients, including sport and physical activity organizations, teachers, coaches, health professionals and recreation leaders. CAAWS works in close co-operation with government and non-government organizations on activities and initiatives that advocate for positive change for young girls and women in the sport and physical activity communities. Visit www.caaws.ca for more information.