(Ottawa, ON) Wheelchair Rugby Canada (WRC) is pleased to announce the election of Laurel Crosby to the position of President, on May 2, 2019.

“I am very honoured to have the opportunity to serve as President of this very dynamic and exciting organization” said newly elected President, Laurel Crosby. “As we look with anticipation to the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, we appreciate the dedication of the wheelchair rugby athletes who are preparing for this event, as well as the commitment of all of the staff members who play such an integral part in the success of the Canadian team. I am looking forward to working with the newly elected Board of Directors who bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise and skill to our Board.”

Laurel Crosby (Ladner, BC) is highly respected within the sports community and has been a dedicated advocate for people with disabilities for more than 40 years. She is recognized throughout Canada for her leadership and commitment to wheelchair sports.

Crosby was instrumental in the success of the 2010 World Wheelchair Rugby Championships in Vancouver, Canada. She devoted four years to the event as the Chair of the Organizing Committee and spearheaded the creation of a teacher’s resource package and schools’ program to raise awareness about wheelchair rugby and the ability of persons with a physical disability.

“We would like to thank Dr. Donald Royer, past President, for his commitment and dedication to wheelchair sports and athletes with a disability for the past 20 years. He has played an important role in the growth of the Paralympic movement in Canada” said Crosby. “Thank you as well to retiring Board member Jared Funk for his years of service on the Board.”

WRC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Wheelchair Rugby Canada is also pleased to announce the election of Erika Schmutz to its Board of Directors.

Erika was a member of the Canadian National Wheelchair Rugby team from 2005-2013, winning a Bronze medal at the 2008 Summer Paralympic Games in Beijing, China. Since 2014, Schmutz has served on the Board of Directors for the ON Para Network (formerly Ontario Wheelchair Sports Association) as the Wheelchair Rugby Representative.  She was also been heavily involved in starting a new wheelchair rugby club in Trenton, ON.

Kathy Newman  has been re-elected to the board as Vice-President, Jen Braem has been re-elected as Treasurer, and Byron Green has been re-elected as the athlete Director. More information on the Wheelchair Rugby Canada’s Board of Directors can be found HERE.

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ABOUT WHEELCHAIR RUGBY CANADA

Wheelchair Rugby Canada is the national governing body for the Canadian Heritage Sport of wheelchair rugby. Wheelchair Rugby Canada strives to be a world-leader in wheelchair rugby, a respected advocate for wheelchair athletes and a visionary organization committed to excellence in programs from recruitment to retirement.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Ben Parker-Jones
Communications and Marketing Coordinator
Wheelchair Rugby Canada
Tel: 613.523.0004 Email: ben@wheelchairrugby.ca