OTTAWA—Plenty has been said about “elbows up,” “Canada Strong,” “support local,” and many other key phrases meant to symbolize a proud, vibrant Canada that takes a back seat to no one. We are fortunate we have a living example of this sentiment representing our country so well in a global sports arena.

The team many of you have not likely heard of but should know and should cheer loudly for this coming weekend is Canada’s national senior women’s rugby squad. They will be playing against England this weekend in London in the final of the Women’s World Cup of Rugby. They are the team that can become world champions, and regardless of whether they do, are an aspirational model not just for athletes, but also for everyone.

Canada has been to a World Cup final before in 2014, and came away with a silver medal. We are also current Olympic silver medal holders in the sport of rugby sevens. Some members of that team are in this World Cup team.

Some of the players in this current final representing Canada were on the squad when they were required to pay some of their own money to put on a national jersey. While that is no longer the case, the same “we are going to commit whatever it takes to get it done” attitude—even if it includes money from our own wallets—still drives the team. In a very refreshing way, this team just goes about getting things done and solving problems rather than creating them.

They needed more funding to prepare for this World Cup so they started their own “Mission: Win the World Cup” campaign to raise $1-million on top of the funding they get. Last I checked, they were near to the target as many people responded to their call. Unlike their opponent England—whose squad is funded at levels many multiples higher than Canada—this team, to borrow Prime Minister Mark Carney’s words, were effectively investing more and spending much less than the competition. While the Canadian sport system as a whole could use more investment, this team didn’t have time to wait.

In their journey to the final, Canada cast off current World Cup holders New Zealand in historical fashion. Canada had only previously once beaten and tied the New Zealand Black Ferns. On Sept. 19, they dispatched their opponent in a clinical, forceful, and determined way giving the Black Ferns their most significant World Cup loss ever.

With players from all parts of the country, most of whom came from the university sports system, the Canadians are a group of well-educated athletes—many of whom have put other careers on hold to pursue this dream. While there are now professional women’s rugby leagues, the salaries are not yet at a level where financial security is achieved once an athlete’s playing career is done.

You can probably count on one hand without using all your fingers the non-ice-based world championships Canadian teams have won in global competitions. That is why what is happening in England now and could happen on Sept. 27 is so special.

Watch this team. Watch these athletes. They are fast and furious. Yet, at the same time, methodical and disciplined. They are proud and passionate. They aren’t just happy to be there; they are determined to win. They are the best of Canada in a time when we need to see that showcased. Stand with them on Saturday and going forward. You won’t regret it.

Tim Powers is chairman of Summa Strategies, and managing director of Abacus Data. He is a former adviser to Conservative political leaders.

The Hill Times

 

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