Calgary Master’s runner, Helly Visser, seventy-four, was one of twenty women named by the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity (CAAWS) to their seventh annual list of Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity.

The list recognizes women who have made a significant impact as academics, athletes, administrators, advocates, broadcasters, coaches, executives, fundraisers, managers, officials, psychologists and volunteers. Their selection to the list reflects their influential activity in the calendar year 2008.

The 2008 Most Influential Women (in alphabetical order):
Carol Assalian, Ottawa, ON, COC’s Executive Director of Olympic Preparation
Sylvie Bernier, Rosemère, Quebec, COC Chef de Mission
Mary Bluechardt, St. John’s, Nfld., Long-Term Athlete Development expert panellist
Robin Brown, Toronto, ON, broadcaster
Slava Corn, Toronto, ON, thirty year leader in gymnastics
Melody Davidson, Calgary, AB, General Manager and Coach of the National Women’s Hockey Team
Abby Hoffman, Ottawa, ON, advocate for women on International Association of Athletics Federation’s committees
Carol Huynh, Calgary, AB, 2008 Olympic gold medallist
Jujie Luan, Edmonton, AB, fencing competitor and coach
Chantal Petitclerc, Montreal, QC, Canadian athlete of the year
Sheryn Posen, Toronto, Ontario, Chief Operating Officer of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame
Cathy Priestner Allinger, Vancouver, BC, Executive Vice President - Sport, Paralympic Games and Venue Management for VANOC
Carla Qualtrough, Vancouver, BC, President of the Canadian Paralympic Committee
Sara Renner, Canmore, Alberta, Nordic skier and climate change advocate
Jane Roos, Toronto, Ontario, Canada’s elite athletes fundraiser
Beckie Scott, Panorama, BC, 2002 Olympic gold medallist
Marie-Josée Turcotte, Montreal, QC, broadcaster
Helly Visser, Calgary, AB, Master runner
Penny Werthner, Ottawa, ON, sports psychologist
Donna Wilson, Vancouver, BC, Executive Vice President – Workforce and Sustainability, for VANOC

Ones to Watch:
Canadian Women’s Ski Jump Team
Kristi Richards, Pemberton, BC

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 2008 calendar year.

Photos and individual bios are available at www.caaws.ca/influentialwomen/e/2008/list.htm.