Newman is the 2020 recipient of the WAC Bennett Award  

Wheelchair Basketball Canada congratulates Board President Kathy Newman on her induction into the BC Sports Hall of Fame. Newman is the 2020 recipient of the W.A.C. Bennett Award, which is presented to an individual who has made significant, unique and lasting contributions to sport in British Columbia.

Newman, who was elected President of Wheelchair Basketball Canada’s Board of Directors in February, received the award during a virtual ceremony on July 15, 2021.

“Kathy is a true leader and pioneer in the development and growth of wheelchair sports and is most deserving of this honour,” said Wheelchair Basketball Canada Executive Director Wendy Gittens. “Her work has changed countless lives for the better while transforming the wheelchair sports landscape in B.C. and across Canada.”

Newman served as the Executive Director of BC Wheelchair Sports Association for 25 years, where she created programs such as ‘Bridging the Gap’ and ‘Have a Go’ that encouraged people with disabilities to try sports.

She helped facilitate world-class events such as the 2014 Women’s World Wheelchair Basketball Championship and the inaugural Women’s U25 World Wheelchair Basketball Championships.

“I was shocked when I heard the news. It’s an amazing honour, for sure,” said Newman. “I just wanted to continue to solve challenges and remove barriers—try and do the best I could possibly do. It has been and always will be a passion for me to continue to improve the parasport movement across Canada and around the world.”

In 2012 Newman received the Daryl Thompson Award for lifetime achievement from Sport BC for her leadership and advocacy in disability sport.  As well, she was awarded the “In Her Footsteps” award, which recognizes significant contributions by women to girls and women in sport in 2010. Additionally, in 2006 Newman was named to the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women and Sport and Physical Activity’s (CAAWS) Women of Influence list.