Special Olympics Manitoba's Jennifer Campbell Named to CAAWS Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity List for 2013

TORONTO, Jan. 8, 2014 /CNW/ - Special Olympics Canada is thrilled to congratulate Special Olympics Manitoba's Vice President of Sport and Program, Jennifer Campbell, on being named to the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport and Physical Activity's (CAAWS) Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity list for 2013.

CAAWS has published the Most Influential Women List for the past 12 years, aiming to recognize and highlight the achievements of Canadian women in sport. Past inductees include the late Sarah Burke, Clara Hughes, Hayley Wickenheiser, Cassie Campbell, Anne Merklinger and Cathy Priestner Allinger, to name a few.

Jennifer has been a long-standing advocate and champion of using sport to enrich the lives of Canadians with intellectual disabilities, particularly through her various roles within Special Olympics Manitoba. Most recently, she led Team Canada as Chef de Mission at the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea, the only person to have held this role for Canada at a Special Olympics World Games twice. The first time was at the 2011 Special Olympics World Summer Games in Athens, Greece. In PyeongChang, Jennifer led Team Canada to a record medal total of 109. Jennifer also serves as a member of Special Olympics Canada's Canadian Sport Council, contributing both her expertise and knowledge to the organization on a national scale.

With Special Olympics Manitoba since 1995, Jennifer has held various positions within the organization and has taken on an increasing number of leadership roles throughout her tenure. Special Olympics Manitoba, along with Special Olympics Canada, is fortunate to have someone with an enthusiasm and passion for sport such as Jennifer on their team.

The CAAWS Most Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity List is compiled through a CAAWS selection panel, as well as public nominations and contributions from knowledgeable sport and physical activity leaders. Please click here to see the full list of this year's recipients.

About Special Olympics Canada

Established in 1969, the Canadian chapter of this international movement is dedicated to enriching the lives of Canadians with an intellectual disability through the transformative power and joy of sport. Operating out of sport clubs in all Canadian provinces and territories, except Nunavut, this grassroots movement reaches beyond the sphere of sport to empower individuals, change attitudes and build communities. From two-year-olds to mature adults, more than 36,739 athletes with an intellectual disability are registered in Special Olympics year-round programs across Canada. They are supported by more than 17,398 volunteers, including more than 12,694 trained coaches.

SOURCE: Special Olympics Canada