Judy Shanley (left) and Gillian Thomson were this year's recipients of the ProMOTION Plus Leadership Awards. Congratulations!

Judy Shanley  is recognized for her work  benefitting women over the age of 19 - the Outward Bound Urban Women of Courage program. Judy created this unique program while a student at Langara College. The Urban Women of Courage program is the first urban-focused program for Outward Bound and has been so successful they are looking at its potential as a national program.
The Urban Women of Courage program targets women disempowered through violence and abuse… It is designed to develop self-esteem and enhance skills through participation in physical activity and sport. Often this program is the women's first exposure to this types of physical activity and sport.

Gillian Thomson is recognized for her work with girls and women under the age of 19… for her dedication to the sport of sailing as an athlete, volunteer and leader. Gillian's sailing career has spanned over 22 years during which she competed both provincially and internationally. She was named one of the most influential people in B.C.’s sailing community by Pacific Yachting Magazine, a local sport Hero by Sport Kelowna, and Canada’s 2006 Sailor of the Year by the Canadian Model Boat Association.  Gillian was instrumental in the development of the International Trapseat 16 catamaran class for disabled athletes and has worked tirelessly to ensure access and opportunity to those in Kelowna who want to learn the sport of sailing.  Through her efforts, the Learn to Sail program in the Central Okanagan Sailing Association has expanded from 60 students to a record 2,000 students last year – It is the largest and most successful program of its kind in Canada and is unequalled in North America.