The Abbotsford 2016 BC Summer Games Society, in partnership with ProMotion Plus, the provincial organization for girls and women in sport, presented a Leadership Award at the Civic Luncheon on Friday.
The criteria of the award is to identify, recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of an individual, organization, or group in BC that has challenged the traditional limits for women and girls in physical activity and sport and in doing so has supported girls and/or women to participate more fully in physical activity or sport as participants, competitors and/or leaders.
A committee of Games volunteers and community members reviewed applications submitted by individuals that were solicited through an open process promoted in the Abbotsford area.
Many outstanding candidates were nominated, making the decision of the committee challenging but leading them to Jen Ross as the recipient.
Jen is a former National Team Rugby player who dedicates an abundance of time and energy to helping young women flourish in rugby received three (3) separate nominations for this award from people in the community. 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.
This year Jen was chosen as the BC Rugby U15 Women's coach. She was named the Sport BC Female Coach of the Year in 2014 and the Rugby Canada Coach of the Year in 2013. She has led many teams to provincial and national championships. She coached undefeated U16 and U18 girls rugby teams from Abbotsford
this year and coached the U18 Fraser Valley
girls to an undefeated run in the recently held Provincial Rugby Championships in Burnaby.
Jen has been an amazing advocate for women's sports, not only rugby. She is a mentor and a leader in guiding young women that transcends just sports. A well-deserving candidate of this award.
(Jen is pictured with Mayor Henry Braun, Mayor of Abbotsford)
ProMotion Plus is a non-profit organization whose mission it is to promote access and opportunities in sport and physical activity for the women and girls of BC. They are a partner of the BC Games Society. As part of the partnership between the two organizations, each Games Host Society awards a Leadership Award to a community member. For more information about ProMotion Plus, see their website - promotionplus.org