“Proud,” says Corporal Brandi Weibel.
“I think I know what my word is,” said Warrant Officer Amanda Jardine. “Community.”
The two recently donned their military sports’ uniforms and joined a province-wide photo call for an imagery project highlighting Nova Scotia girls and women in sport.
Photographer Meghan Tansey Whitton set up in New Minas in February and asked participants, between still and video shooting, what word comes to mind for each of them when they think of being involved in sport.
Jardine, who knew women from her university and provincial rugby teams’ experience who’d done the project in 2024, immediately knew she wanted 14 Wing Greenwood’s athletes involved.
“I wanted to get some representation for the base,” Jardine, a military softball and hockey player, says. “I’ve worked in military recruiting, and sports was one of the biggest draws I used: girls and women who play sports at the club or university level, and who then join the military, can continue their hobbies or be a pretty elite athlete with military sports.”
And, within the military itself, Jardine says women are always welcome to join in, from newcomers at intersection programs or try-it events to the base teams that go on to Canadian Armed Forces regional and national tournaments. The international CISM program for military athletes provides a worldwide stage for individual and team sports. There are opportunities for athletes, coaches and officials at all levels.
“I just hope we get more people out in sport. It helps people mentally and physically, and we support each other.”
Weibel missed sport as soon as she wrapped up her college and university basketball and soccer participation.
“I though sport was over for me,” she says. “I was looking for women’s rec league basketball, and it wasn’t there.”
She’s since returned to soccer, and taken up softball – both available through her military career.
“The connections – really good connections, and friendships, are long-lasting,” says Weibel. Even if people you’re playing with are posted out and they are at a different base, you see them at sports – or you see them through work courses or exercises.
“I play team sports; and, there is a team I work with. It’s good to know how to be cohesive with a bunch of different personalities. The sports’ links are strong and on-going.”
Support4Sport, through the sale of designated Nova Scotia Gaming Corporation lottery products, raises funds for community and provincial sport programs, training and development opportunities for athletes, coaches and officials throughout Nova Scotia; managed by Sport Nova Scotia.
The final Support4Sport video will be released March 8, International Women’s Day.
Canadian Armed Forces sports programs are more than just a way to stay fit. Participation develops core military attributes: teamwork, self-discipline, leadership, esprit de corps, perseverance and resilience. Sports help CAF members stay operationally ready.
The CAF Women in Sport Program helps reduce challenges that have traditionally hindered women’s full and equal participation in sports. The goal is to increase women’s participation in physical activities at all levels, from grassroots to elite; and showcase female talent and achievement. Projects could include nutrition education, injury prevention and mental well-being specifically for female athletes; training facility access and sporting events, coaching and resources; leadership opportunities, such as coaching, administration and governance training; and recognition for the accomplishments and contributions of female athletes, coaches and leaders.
For information, visit cfmws.ca/sport-fitness-rec/sports/caf-women-in-sport-program-2024-2025 or contact 14 Wing Greenwood sports coordinator Alyssa DeAdder, alyssa.deadder@forces.gc.ca
