Ontario Women's Directorate

Women in the Lead

Celebrating Women's History Month

Women in Winter Sports

October is Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is a national celebration of the contributions of women to Canada’s rich history. With Canada hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the theme of Women in the Lead – Winter Sports shines a well deserved light on the women who have changed the face of winter sports. Ontario is very proud to honour the contribution of Ontario women to winter sports. They have represented Canada in virtually every Olympic and most Paralympic winter games and filled our hearts with pride and admiration.

Canada’s beloved game of hockey was one of the first venues for women to actively participate in competitive winter sports. Whether it was Lord Stanley’s daughter, Lady Isobel playing “shinny” with other ladies on a natural ice rink in Ottawa or at the first women’s hockey game in 1892, their passion and ingenuity dominated. Playing behind closed doors by preference, they took to the ice, long skirts and all, with the vigour of any man - often impressing the only man allowed to attend – the referee.

Since then, Ontario women have continued to excel in winter sports from figure skating to speedskating to aerial skiing and wheelchair curling. They brave the cold and warm the hearts of Ontarians with their passion for their sport and determination to be the best.

Ontario Women in the Lead – Winter Sports

Many Ontario women have achieved outstanding success in their sport and have paved the way for future generations. They have come from all walks of life and from all corners of Ontario. Their successes provide a strong foundation on which others can achieve future success.

On this page, we are pleased to present some of Ontario’s women leaders who have competed in winter sports and left a legacy. They have been either Olympians, World Champions or have achieved first in their sports, or have been the youngest. We invite you to read more about these accomplished Ontarians.

Click on a name to view the person's profile: