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WOA Supports Women in Sport Celebrations at the Pan Am Games

6 | 8 | 2015

WOA Executive Committee member Nancy Hogshead-Makar has been in Canada to help celebrate women in sport and raise awareness for the WOA amongst Olympians of the PASO region. 

The triple Olympic gold medallist was a guest of the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the COC Women in Sport Committee at a special reception to honour women in sport and leadership and to celebrate the achievements of women during the recent Pan American Games in Toronto.

The former American swimming champion, who is founder and CEO of Champion Women, a non-profit advocacy group which is committed to using sport to improve the lives of girls and women, and is a tireless campaigner for women in sport, was well received by the Olympians and sport leaders present at the reception.

Hogshead-Makar spoke to attendees about the importance of advocacy for women’s sport and the need to ensure a level playing field. She also updated those present on the activities of the WOA and used the occasion to promote the WOA’s mission and work including the NOA Development and Grant Funds, the WorldFit project and the Olympians Reunion Centre, which will be established in Rio for next year’s Olympic Games.

Of the event, Nancy Hogshead- Makar, said:

“It was an amazing opportunity to meet and network with a room full of impressive women about subjects that are dear to my heart such as equality, leadership and excellence in sport and beyond. 

“I was also able to spread the word about the fantastic work being done by the WOA, our mission and the projects we’re involved in. I know a lot of people had a much clearer understanding and a greater appreciation of the WOA’s role within the Olympic Movement.”

Charmaine Crooks, C.M, Chair of the Canadian Olympic Committee Women in Sport Committee, five-time Olympian and former Vice-President of the WOA, said:

“It was a privilege to have Nancy attend our reception as she is a true leader amongst women and an inspiration in our fight for gender equality and the empowerment of women through sport. 

“Everybody present was really engaged by her update on the activities of the WOA. It’s always inspiring to hear about the hard work our fellow Olympians are doing around the world to promote the messages of the WOA and the pursuit of Olympism.”

Image: Leading members of the Women in Sport movement: (Left-Right) Anita DeFrantz, Claudia Bokel, Nicole Hoevertsz, Nancy Hogshead-Makar and Charmaine Crooks