Aboriginal boxer named one of 20 most influential women in sport

The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) has named 20 women in its Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity (MIW) list for 2011, including trailblazing boxer Mary Spencer of Wiarton, Ontario, an aboriginal woman who is expected to win an Olympic medal as women’s boxing makes an appearance at the London Games this summer. Spencer moved up from last year’s Ones to Watch list issued by CAAWS.

The objective of the list is to focus on women who are leaders and role models making a difference on the Canadian or international scene. The women on the MIW are influential women who contributed in a significant way to sport and physical activity in the year 2011.

About The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity
The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to creating an equitable sport and physical activity system in which girls and women are actively engaged as participants and leaders. CAAWS provides a number of services, programs and resources to a variety of clients, including sport and physical activity organizations, teachers, coaches, athletes, volunteers, health professionals and recreation leaders.

“CAAWS publishes its Most Influential Women list to celebrate and honour Canadian women who are influencing change in their area of expertise of sport and physical activity,” said CAAWS Executive Director Karin Lofstrom of Ottawa. “These leaders share a passion for sport and physical activity – and use it to improve the lives of others. These women are game changers who motivate others to become leaders.”

The CAAWS list – which has been published for 11 years – includes athletes, officials, coaches, politicians, professors, administrators and volunteers. Some women have been named to the list several times, such as Paralympian and coach Chantal Petitclerc; and some are new to the list like Olympic boxer Spencer, and Karen Rackel, who is the first woman president of the Royal Canadian Golf Association in its 116-year-old history.

Nine women are first-timers on the list, while Olympian Beckie Scott and Paralympic wheelchair racing legend Petitclerc have each been named six times, and Olympian Charmaine Crooks has appeared a record seven times.

More about Most Influential Women in Sport
More about CAAWS, including list of Most Influential Women in Sport 2011