CAAWS – Canadian List of Women of Influence Includes Nova Scotia Champion

 

(Halifax) The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) released the names of the 2015 Women of Influence in Canada in sport and physical activity which included Nova Scotia’s Rachel Bedingfield.  Bedingfield was recognized for leading several initiatives including her role in establishing WomenActive-NS.  WomenActive-NS was launched in December receiving Canada-wide recognition, as well as the support from Nova Scotia’s Minister of Health and Wellness.  “WomenActive-NS exists to advance women and girls’ participation in sport, physical activity, and recreation, and to empower them to take on leadership roles”, says Cindy Russell, Director of WomenActive-NS.  “As the Co-Chair, Rachel’s energy and passion to address gender equity in sport and recreation is endless and we are so proud that her efforts in all areas of sport and recreation are recognized by this honour”.

As the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Kentville, Bedingfield continues her commitment to ensure everyone, particularly vulnerable populations, have the same access and opportunities to recreation and sports.  Bedingfield is in good company joining an impressive list of 20 women who have advocated for change in the sport and physical activity sector across Canada.  The list includes Brenda Andress, Commissioner of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League whose most notable milestone was the partnership she forged between the NHL and the CWHL, which led to the inclusion of women’s hockey in the NHL’s annual Winter Classic game; Chandra Crawford, former Olympic Gold Medalist and 3x Olympian in cross country skiing who founded Fast and Female to keep girls healthy, happy and active in sports through their teens; Kailee Humphreys, two time gold medalist and the first woman to compete in the four-man bobsled competition in the men’s event at the World Championship level, as well as on the World Cup circuit; and Guylaine Demers who has been recognized provincially, nationally and internationally for her accomplishments and work on equity in sport for women. She was the Chief Organizer for Conversation 2015, a symposium held in Québec City, dedicated to fostering solutions to bettering the experiences of girls and women in the Canadian sport system.  Demers will be in Nova Scotia in March supporting regional initiatives in both the Fundy and Valley Regions. 

The 2015 Women of Influence are an outstanding group of women leaders in Canada and the national attention Nova Scotia’s Rachel Bedingfield has received only highlights the importance of moving her efforts forward.

To view the list of CAAWS 2015 Women of Influence visit http://www.caaws.ca/grants-and-recognition/most-influential-women-list/most-influential-women- 2015/

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Released by:   WomenActive-NS – Cindy Russell, Director  Cell: 902-210-4926 www.womenactive.ca

To contact Rachel Bedingfield:   Phone: 902-679-2541      Email: rbedingfield@kentville.ca