January 14, 2009
James Christie
Globe and Mail
CANFUND FOUNDER JANE ROOS MAKES THE GLOBE AND MAIL’S “POWER LIST 2009 TOP 30”
[Below is an excerpt. Click here for full article.]
They’re not all Canadians, but they wield enormous power and influence in much of what you see, hear or cheer for in Canadian sport. Keep your eyes on these individuals in the next 12 to 15 months- from the Winter Games to TV, these folks are makring their mark.
How It Works
In the past, The Globe and Mail published the annual Power List in December to recognize the most prominent sports personalities and issues of that year. For this edition, we have tweaked the parameters and decided to move publication to January. The list now distinguishes people who, by their accomplishments or positions attained during the preceding year, have the power to influence Canadian sport in the next 12 to 15 months. In addition, we expanded the roster to 30 people from 25. Sports reporter James Christie wrote the accompanying blurbs, with input from Globe and Mail staffers Stephen Brunt, Eric Duhatschek, Allan Maki, Matthew Sekeres, Beverley Smith, Jeff Blair, William Houston, Tim Wharnsby, David Shoalts and others.
Tom Maloney, Sports Editor
Top 30 of 2009
| 1. John Furlong 2. Keith Pelley 3. Larry Tanenbaum 4. Gary Bettman 5. Jim Balsillie 6. Mark Cohon 7. Cathy Priestner Allinger 8. Phil King 9. Phil Lind 10. Steve Yzerman |
11. Bob Nicholson 12. Jarome Iginla 13. Nancy Greene 14. Clara Hughes 15. Paul Kelly 16. J.P. Barry/Pat Brisson 17. Bill Daly 18. Jennifer Heil 19. Eric Lamaze 20. Brian Burke |
21. Mike Gillis 22. David Braley 23. Georges St. Pierre 24. Don Cherry 25. Roger Jackson 26. Dave Branch 27. Paul Beeston 28. George Gillett 29. Jane Roos 30. Patrick Chan |
Jane Roos
Former heptathlete and fundraiser for financially struggling athletes on the Olympic journey. She ticks off the Canadian Olympic Committee because she’s selling the Olympic sizzle without official use of the actual word or rings. She has attracted donations of up to $1-million (from Ottawa Senators owner Eugene Melnyk). Some of the $8-million Roos has distributed over the past decade has gone to Olympic champion kayaker Adam van Koeverden, wrestler Daniel Igali and the men’s rowing eight.
Testimonials from Athletes
“Hello! I would like to offer a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Jane for this well deserved recognition. She has put the importance of supporting Canadian amateur athletes back into mainstream dialogue and has raised millions for all of us! As a prominent Canadian woman she remains an inspiration to all of us on how to give back to sport and support our athletes in achieving their goals. I am forever grateful for the funding I have received through the Canadian Athletes Now Fund as it has facilitated my attendance to training camps and competitions for the past two years. Two thumbs way up!! Take care!”
– Jillian D’Alessio, Canoe/Kayak, 2004 Canadian Olympian
“Being able to win double gold in Beijing is a direct result of the CAN Fund and the dedication and commitment to amateur athletes by Jane Roos! Jane you truly are a Canadian Champion in more ways than one.”
– Michelle Stilwell, Athletics 100m and 200m
“Just want to congratulate Jane on this huge accomplishment. CAN Fund has helped me with my Olympic journey towards Beijing and came at times when I was forced to steal cereal from the Hotel to eat dinner during my World Championships. THANKS JANE!”
– Oliver Bone, Sailing