Women's History Month, celebrated each year in October, marks the anniversary of the "Persons Case" of 1929, in which Canadian women were formally recognized as "persons" under the law. In Saskatchewan, we are taking the opportunity throughout the month to celebrate the historical gains for women and girls to participate fully in all athletic domains.
This year's provincial theme, "Saskatchewan Women in Sport," pays tribute to the women who have achieved success in sport throughout the province's history, and acknowledges their potential to influence and inspire new generations of talented females in sport.
"Saskatchewan females in sport have not only demonstrated their ability to perform and succeed in high-level athletic competition, but they have also demonstrated how these skills have contributed to their success beyond sport to serve as business and community leaders, coaches or directors on recreation boards," Minister responsible for the Status of Women Donna Harpauer said. "Our government is proud to recognize the legacy of these inspirational women, and to encourage other women and girls to reach for their dreams."
"Like the status of Canadian women, female athletics has come a long way since the turn of the last century," Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Mark Docherty said. "By celebrating the accomplishments of past and present female athletes, this year's provincial theme highlights the benefits of athletic participation and the ways it can empower women both on and off the field, court, ice and water."
"Extraordinary women have been, and continue to be, critical to the development of sport in our province," Sask Sport Inc. Volunteer President Jeff Herback said. "Many Saskatchewan women involved in sport have broken barriers, achieved national and international success, and have become true role models, leaders and builders for our province. Our next generation of female athletes, coaches, officials, administrators, volunteers and builders in sport are continuing this tradition and their amazing achievements, both in and outside of sport, truly exemplifies that sport is more than a game."
Throughout the month of October, in partnership with Sask Sport Inc., the Status of Women Office will spotlight a series of Saskatchewan females in sport on the website at www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/swo covering the following themes:
Female leaders/builders in the sport community;
Aboriginal females in sport;
Youth females in sport;
Females in Para-sports; and
19+ females in sport.
