This year on International Women’s Day, Sporting Life joins the world in recognizing and celebrating the incredible achievements that women accomplish every day. We are thrilled to highlight some of our own Sporting Life staff today and share what International Women’s Day means to them and how being active empowers them.

Rebecca Brownridge – Softgoods Divisional Manager

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

A day to reflect and show gratitude to the women who have helped me become the person I am today. I’m eternally grateful for my mum and grandmothers making sure I understand the weight of what the day means for our past, present and future.

What empowers you? How does being active empower you?

The energy that you get from trying something new, something possibly scary, and conquering it. It is empowering being outside with my girlfriends! Hiking, riding, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and exploring Canada’s amazing outdoors together! That energy you get: cruising a powder run with my sister, having my mum lap me on the bike route around the lake, watching my friend link her first turns together on a snowboard. It’s infectious!  Sharing that with a community of women is powerful stuff.

What’s your favourite product to help you get outside and ready to take on anything that comes your day?

The North Face City Futurelight Parka. I am obsessed with this stuff. It is crazy breathable, incredibly light, and the most waterproof of any garment I have ever owned.

Denise Coleman – VP, Financial Planning & Allocations

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

I am fortunate enough to work with an amazing group of people – many of whom are women.   International women’s day reminds me that there are still places in the world where women struggle to have equal opportunities and I am deeply appreciative of being supporting by the entire SL team.  Every day I am inspired by the women (and men) on the merchant team who are so incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about the carefully selected products we sell that help our customers (and ourselves) be comfortable and protected on our outdoor adventures.  I love that technical clothing, footwear and equipment can make such a difference in my ability to enjoy the outdoors.  Being comfortable, dry, warm and ready for adventure allows me to be able to totally focus on the activity at hand.

What empowers you? How does being active empower you?

My activity of choice is walking or hiking.  During this last year, this has been the main way I have  kept centered and focused.  Making sure I have the right footwear is foundational for me.  I am a huge fan of Ice+ technology and have several pairs of hiking boots and shoes with it.  Ice+ is available in a broad range of footwear from Saucony trail running shoes to Merrell hikers.   These have saved me many times when walking on icy city sidewalks or up a slushy hill in the Rouge forest. 

What’s your favourite product to help you get outside and ready to take on anything that comes your day?

It seems like a small thing but having a comfortable sock is as important if not more than the right shoe.  I have not been able to top the comfort and durability of the Smartwool medium hiking sock.  They are temperate regulating and with the wool content antimicrobial.  This sock when paired with my Merrell hiking shoes ensures that I can fully enjoy my exploration of the outdoors.

Nathalie Guimond – Senior Buyer, Footwear

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

In my mind it should be International Women’s Day every day! It’s important to celebrate all of the achievements women have made and continue to make in the world.  We still have a ways to go to get women’s equality but I do see it happening.

What empowers you? How does being active empower you?

Getting out and challenging myself empowers me.  Instead of fearing something I like to challenge myself to give it a try.  Being confident with myself empowers me as well.  Being active is key to feeling confident, strong and empowers me to be my best.

What’s your favourite product to help you get outside and ready to take on anything that comes your day?

I enjoy being outdoors and hiking is a great stress release for me. Feeling that fresh air on your face always makes me happy. I take this Hoody Jacket on all my hikes!

Sarah Pennacchio – Buyer, Women’s Apparel

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

It’s another reminder to celebrate the women in the my life and to do everything we can to inspire and lift each other up!

What empowers you? How does being active empower you?

Reaching new fitness milestones and being active is empowering because you start to see growth and know how much work went into each milestone. Its empowering to feel that your actions are leading to the results you want.

What’s your favourite product to help you get outside and ready to take on anything that comes your day?

My favorite item is the Arc’teryx Covert Hoody Jacket. It’s so versatile- I wear it snow shoeing, hiking and out for errands on the weekend. 

Ryan Sager – Assistant Store Manager

What does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women’s Day is a day where EVERYONE can come together to celebrate the courage, tenacity and strength of each and every woman across the world. It serves as a reminder to how far we have come in gender equality, but more importantly a day in which we can pause and reflect on how much more work we need to do as a society. It’s a day for me to honour all of the amazing women in each of my communities – whether it’s in my workplace, my family, my friends or my fitness community – all women need to stick together and keep moving forward!

What empowers you? How does being active empower you?

What empowers me is the ability to show yourself what is possible when you put in work. Putting work into your practice and showing up for what you believe is possible for yourself. Visualizing your goals and achieving the progress in meeting them – that feeling of meeting a goal is unmatched! Being active allows me to constantly look to raise the bar and show myself that when I put action behind my words and believe in what is possible, I can achieve anything I put my heart and soul into!

What’s your favourite product to help you get outside and ready to take on anything that comes your day?

I love love love this shoe! I use it for both my at home HIIT workouts and for distance runs. They are incredibly responsive, supportive and provide great cushioning when you’re pushing your body to the max!