Canadian Paralympic Committee President Carla Qualtrough Named to Most
Influential Women in Sport and Physical Activity List for 2009

The Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity has named Carla Qualtrough to its Women of Influence List for the fifth time

VANCOUVER , Jan. 26 /CNW Telbec/ - Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) President and Paralympian Carla Qualtrough was today named to the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity's (CAAWS) Most Influential Women List for 2009. This marks the fifth time Ms. Qualtrough has received this distinction.

"I would like to thank CAAWS for this incredible honour," said Ms. Qualtrough . "This comes at a very historic time for the Canadian Paralympic Movement, as we prepare to host our first Paralympic Winter Games. Paralympic Team Canada is prepared to give the performances of a life-time, and thanks to their hard work and determination we expect record results. I am very honoured to be in a position to support them achieve their goals, and to have been recognized for that by CAAWS."

A Paralympic swimmer, Ms. Qualtrough is an active member of a number of international and national committees including: the Canadian Olympic Committee, Commonwealth Games Canada , and the International Paralympic Committee. With a unique background in human rights law and sport policy, Ms. Qualtrough is committed to addressing inequity in sport and increasing opportunities for persons with a disability to achieve excellence. In addition to her leadership role at the CPC, Ms. Qualtrough also acts as Director of Sport Initiatives for 2010 Legacies Now and Chair of the Board for the Sport Dispute Resolution Centre of Canada .

Ms. Qualtrough has also used her influence in these capacities to ensure that Vancouver 2010 is an inclusive experience for athletes and spectators, helping Canada to stand apart in its emphasis on the Paralympic Games. Under her leadership, the CPC is sending its best prepared team ever to a Games, and is expected to have a best ever finish in the top three medal-winning nations. Carla was also instrumental in Toronto's successful bid for the Toronto 2015 Pan and Parapan American Games and serves on the Board of Directors for its Organizing Committee.

"With her vast experience in both legal and sport institutions in Canada , Carla is certainly one of the most influential women in sport," said CPC CEO Henry Storgaard. "Her leadership has helped to raise the profile of Paralympic Sport, and it is timely she should receive this honour as Paralympic Team Canada readies to take on the world at the Vancouver 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in March."

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee

The Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) is a non-profit, private organization with 43 member sports organizations dedicated to strengthening the Paralympic Movement by empowering Canadians with a disability through sport. The CPC is responsible for managing the team of athletes who represent Canada at Paralympic Games. By supporting Canadian Paralympic athletes and promoting their success, the CPC inspires all Canadians with a disability to get involved in sport through programs delivered by its members. For more information visit, www.paralympic.ca and follow the CPC on Facebook and Twitter.

For further information: Anna Parisi, Chief of Communications, Canadian Paralympic Committee, [email protected], [phone]