February 16/11 10:47 am - CAAWS Announces 2011 WISE Fund Recipients

Posted by Editoress on 02/16/11
 

CAAWS (Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity) is excited to announce the 12 recipients of the WISE Fund grants, each valued at $900. Two cycling groups received grants.

The Women in Sport Encouragement (WISE) Fund was created to help finance girls and women's sport initiatives, and assist members of the sport community in Canada in developing their skills and experience.

"CAAWS is pleased to support the WISE Fund grant recipients and recognize their efforts in developing their own leadership skills as coaches or officials, and in offering sport programs that will give girls and women an opportunity to be actively engaged," said CAAWS Executive Director, Karin Lofstrom.

This year, repicients include seven organizations, four coaches and one official.

2011 WISE Fund Recipients

• Cowichan Storm Women's Lacrosse - Cowichan Valley, BC (Supported by Canadian Lacrosse Association
• Muskoka Girls Hockey Association - The District of Muskoka, ON (Supported by Hockey Canada)
• Ottawa Carleton Wheelchair Sports Association - Ottawa, ON (Supported by Wheelchair Basketball Canada)
• Cyclo Bellas - Calgary, AB (Supported by Canadian Cycling Association)
• Metepenagiag First Nation Recreation and Sport Committee - Red Bank, NB (Supported by Aboriginal Sport Circle)
• South Niagara Rowing Club - Welland, ON (Supported by Rowing Canada)
• L'Échappée Belle - Montreal, QC (Supported by Canadian Cycling Association)
• Joy Ang - Toronto, ON (Supported by Karate Canada)
• Candace Bloomquist - Saskatoon, SK (Supported by Football Canada )
• Vanessa Bonk - Regina, SK (Supported by Biathlon Canada)
• Katrina Couch - Whitehorse, YT (Supported by Canada Snowboard)
• Andrea Valois - Hamilton, ON (Supported by Rowing Canada)

Cyclo Bellas
Cyclo Bellas, a women's only road riding group affiliated with the Alberta Bicycle Association, was created in 2010 with the primary goal of providing women interested in racing with a comfortable and supportive launching point to kick start their racing career. Cyclo Bellas helps address would-be barriers for first time racers, such as obtaining a race license, developing basic race skills and understanding race rules - providing potential racers the information, skills and confidence needed to ensure a positive first race experience. The success of their first season has prompted Cyclo Bellas to expand their Rider-to-Racer program, an eight-week training program led by a NCCP-certified coach that includes clinics on bike maintenance, nutrition, road riding skills and strategy, and a final "newbie" race. The WISE Fund will enable two members of Cyclo Bellas to attend their first NCCP coaching course to further develop the capacity of the group. These newly trained coaches will then assist in delivering the Rider-to-Racer program. Part of the funds will also be dedicated to subsidizing entry fees for all new racers attending the "newbie race". Visit www.meetup.com/calgary-cyclo-bellas/.

L'Échappée Belle
L'Échappée Belle is a female only "cyclosportive" (cycle-sport event accessible to all types of cyclists). Organized by the Fédération québécoise des sports cyclistes (FQSC), this event's purpose is to encourage women of all ages and horizons to stay active while having fun. Originally, there were not many women registering for regular "cyclosportives" because they were found, or believed to be, too competitive and/or not adequate for the needs and expectations of female cyclists. L'Échappée Belle was therefore created to better reflect the interests and expectations of women by combining cycling sessions with shopping, a delicious nutritious meal, and entertainment. In 2010, 175 women attended the first L'Échappée Belle event. In April 2011, with support from the WISE Fund, L'Échappée Belle will offer a three day road cycling development camp for young women. Through this camp, 18 riders between the ages of 14 and 17 will receive training and benefit from expert tips related to nutrition, tactics, mechanics, and sport psychology. A workshop delivered by an elite female athlete will also be part of the program. This event will help capture the interests of young women and promote the sport of cycling. Visit www.echappeebelle.qc.ca.