At each BC Winter and BC Summer Games, a ProMotion Plus Leadership Award is presented to a local individual, group or organization who has increased participation or enhanced/improved access and opportunities for girls/women in BC or to recognize their personal achievements in sport, recreation or physical activity.
An application process was distributed in the community and a selection committee of representatives from the 2016 BC Summer Games Society, ProMotion Plus, and the community consider the many nominations that were received.
At the Civic Luncheon held on the Friday of the 2016 BC Summer Games, Jen Ross was presented with this award.
Jen received three (3) separate nominations for this award. She is a former National Team Rugby player who dedicates an abundance of time and energy to helping young women flourish in rugby. She coaches multiple teams throughout the year at the Abbotsford Rugby Club, local schools, and provincially.
Jen uses her coaching as a mode for developing assertiveness, confidence, and social skills in her athletes. She is a true role model in both her athletic skills, and the way she navigates through life with compassion and strength. In 2016 Jen was selected as the BC Rugby U15 Women's coach. She coached undefeated u16 and u18 girl’s rugby teams from Abbotsford this year, coached high school rugby, and managed the u18 girls team from the Farser Valley to an undefeated run in 2016 Provincials in Burnaby.
Jen was the 2014 Sport BC Female Coach of the Year and the 2013 Rugby Canada Coach of the Year. She is a mentor and a leader in guiding young women that transcends just sports.
-30-
ProMotion Plus is the provincial organization for girls and women in sport and physical activity in BC. One of their key objectives is to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of, and to support girls and women to participate more fully in physical activity or sport as participants, competitors, and/or leaders.
Jen Ross is pictured with the Mayor of Abbotsford, His Worship Henry Braun. Photo credit: Jean Konda.