Empowering Women in Sport

How Waterloo Region’s Sport Hosting Office is working to change the game 

Sports have long served as a dynamic platform for developing teamwork, inspiring competition, and empowering individuals. In Waterloo Region, sport – together with strong female leadership – is also helping to reenvision the athletic landscape, with women’s and gender-inclusive sports redefining the region as an inclusive and dynamic sport community. 

Waterloo Region is creating opportunities for Women in Sports 

For decades, women in Waterloo Region have engaged in sport at all levels. Today even more opportunities exist for female athletes thanks to the work of leaders in the space. Those leaders include Explore Waterloo Region’s Sport Hosting Office (SHO), a collaborative entity that combines the sport resources of Waterloo Region in one place to facilitate world-class event hosting services and support. 

Taylor MacIntyre, Manager of SHO, says their team is committed to providing equal opportunity for women in sport and equity in hosted events locally.

“In 2024 Waterloo Region hosted four high-caliber women’s and female-identifying sport events,” she says. “In 2023, SHO hosted the Canada – USA Women’s Hockey Rivalry Series and OFSAA Girls’ AAA Volleyball. Looking ahead, the 2025 and 2026 U SPORTS Women’s Hockey National Championships will be returning to Waterloo Region.” Events like these not only highlight the region’s capacity to host world-class competitions but also reflect a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for women in sport. 

MacIntyre believes in the Billie Jean King adage “If you can see if, you can be it” and understands what it’s like to be a female who is pushing the boundaries of sport. A life-long passion for football led MacIntyre to become the first girl to complete a season with her high school football team. In 2021, she was hired at McMaster University Football as part of the Women’s Football Coaching Apprenticeship Program. In 2024, she was hired as the Assistant Receivers’ Coach for the University of Waterloo Warrior’s football team. Macintyre is also the founder of the Women’s FootbALL Conference – a platform to provide education, inspiration, and networking opportunities for women and gender minorities in football. MacIntyre says her “why” is to show young girls and women what’s possible in football, and that opportunities to be successful exist for women in sport. 

Community is a Waterloo Region advantage 

Waterloo Region boasts a number of extraordinary female athletes whose accomplishments continue to inspire and empower young athletes. Their achievements also show the strength of the sports infrastructure in Waterloo Region and the vital role played by local coaches, clubs, and communities in supporting female athletes. 

Sarah Pavan is a highly decorated Kitchener Olympian who won multiple beach volleyball gold medals for Canada at world championships and Commonwealth Games. She says the majority of her athletic development happened in Waterloo Region, thanks to the top-tier youth sports organizations that exist here. 

“Young athletes get the best of both worlds, being able to compete for successful teams without losing the feeling of being a family,” Pavan says. “I have received support from the community in Waterloo Region my entire career, and there is a certain amount of pride associated with being from the region. We have produced some of Canada’s top female athletes in a variety of disciplines, and I think a big part of that is the region’s commitment to excellence combined with a strong sense of community.” 

Mandy Bujold is an Olympic and world champion boxer from Kitchener and credits the community for providing her with the strong support system she needed to succeed. 

 “Waterloo Region is an incredible training ground for female athletes, thanks to the unwavering support from the community,” she says. “The way the community rallied behind me was remarkable. From fundraising events that allowed me to compete internationally to the messages and notes of encouragement I received while I was away, every gesture—big or small—made a difference.” 

Looking Ahead: The Vision for Women in Sports 

As Waterloo Region continues to grow, so does the potential to create a more inclusive and equitable future for women in sports.  

Since its formation in 2019, SHO has hosted world-class events in Waterloo Region – but, as MacIntyre points out, their work is far from over. “The opportunity to work with our municipal partners, venues, and local sport organizations to influence and impact change throughout the sport system is a priority in our community. We recognize through these relationships, that we can have a transformative impact on creating safe, inclusive, and accessible spaces for all participants and sporting events in Waterloo Region.” 

Women are creating opportunities for themselves to be profiled as role models to younger athletes of all genders and continue to change the sport landscape in all roles – as athletes, event organizers, General Managers, coaches, Directors and Managers. 

SHO has the privilege of partnering and collaborating with many influential female sport leaders in Waterloo Region: Jillian Fleming (Director, Recreation Services, City of Waterloo); Allyson Samms (Manager, Kitchener Memorial Auditorium); Marie Malcolm (Recreation Manager, Township of Woolwich); and Kate McCrae Bristol (Director, Athletics & Recreation, Wilfrid Laurier University) to name a few. These strong female role models continue to break barriers in Waterloo Region to make sports and sport events safe, inclusive, and accessible for everyone. 

Talk to SHO to find out more 

With the combined efforts of the Sport Hosting Office, communities, sport organizations and athletes, Waterloo Region is poised to be a leader in women’s and gender-inclusive sports. 

To level up your next regional, provincial, or national sporting event, contact the Sport Hosting Office at Explore Waterloo Region.  

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