Back on Track: Imagining a better reality for girls and women in sports and in leadership

Even before COVID-19, the participation of women and girls in sports was lagging in Canada. The unfortunate events of the pandemic have further eroded the representation of females in sports, in workplaces, and at decision-making tables.

Join KidSport Kitchener-Waterloo on April 13 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a discussion about a post-pandemic future for women and girls in sports. Our panelists will share their views on what’s needed to include more girls and women in sports. We’ll also cover how female athletes can use their hard-won life lessons to shatter barriers in workplaces.

Our panelists are:

Senator Marty Deacon is a Coach and Educator. Marty has had an extensive career locally, nationally, and internationally. Marty was appointed as Senator to the Government of Canada in 2018.  She worked for the Waterloo Region District School Board as a teacher, consultant, school principal and superintendent for 34 years while also coaching at the highest of levels and being an advocate for physical activity and amateur sport. Marty is committed to the physical and mental health of all young people.

Crystal Shadd is a college professor with an extensive background in fitness and health promotion. She was on several Canadian teams as a track and field athlete for the triple jump and combined events. She has also coached a number of world-class athletes.

Tamara Grahovac is a triple jumper at the University of Pennsylvania. She’s currently a sophomore majoring in Biology with a certificate in ASL (American Sign Language). Tamara is a three-time medalist at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) track and field championships.

Amanda Woodcroft’s passion for sports and physical activity began in Waterloo where she grew up participating with the Waterloo Minor Soccer Association and Waterloo Minor Hockey Association. Amanda fell in love with field hockey at her high school and has been a member of Field Hockey Canada’s Women’s National Team since 2013. She has helped Canada win medals in field hockey at multiple Pan American Championships and had a distinguished career with the University of Toronto Varsity Blues.

This panel discussion will be moderated by Vanja Lakic, Stewardship Officer at KidSport Kitchener Waterloo. Participants will have a chance to ask questions during the presentation.