September 22, 2014 (Canmore, AB) – Olympian Madeleine Williams will take over chair responsibilities for Cross-Country Ski de fond Canada’s Women’s Committee – a group of high-profiled professionals who are focused on shaping opportunities for girls, and women, in all facets of cross-country skiing across the country.

The Women’s Committee is an operational committee of Cross-Country Ski de fond Canada (CCC) and exists to ensure equality of opportunity for girls and women as participants, competitors, coaches, officials and leaders in cross-country skiing in each of its five regions across the country (Atlantic; Quebec/Nunavut; Ontario; Manitoba/Saskatchewan/Alberta/ NWT; and British Columbia/Yukon).

Williams, who retired from competitive ski racing after achieving her Olympic dream while representing Canada in the sport at the 2010 Games in Vancouver-Whistler, is a talent both on and off the trails. Williams competed at numerous World Cups, two Under-23 World Championships and three World Junior Championships.

Williams’ pursuit of excellence continued into the classroom during her 10-year career in the national program. Graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Distinction from Athabasca University in 2009 helped propel Williams to chase a law degree. She recently graduated from McGill University Faculty of Law, with both Civil and Common Law degrees.

“I am incredibly excited about the opportunity to chair CCC’s Women’s Committee,” said Williams, who was also part of a group of young skiers who ran the inaugural Fast and Female event spearheaded by Olympic Champion Chandra Crawford.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from everyone in the CCC community, as we work towards a brighter future for everyone, regardless of gender, in our sport.”

During Williams’ tenure at McGill she published an article in the International Sports Law Journal making policy recommendations to improve gender equity in elite Canadian sports.

“Madeleine is relentless in her commitment to excellence – both as an athlete and in her law career – and I know the future of women in our sport is in good hands with Madeleine chairing this highly accomplished group of women who are passionate and dedicated to the success of cross-country skiing,” said Davin MacIntosh, CEO of CCC.

The Committee’s focus is on educating women on the roles they have an opportunity to pursue in cross-country skiing and facilitating the participation of women in areas where affirmative action is required.

Williams takes over the reins as chair of the committee from two Canadian trailblazers, Beckie Scott and Milaine Theriault, who both opened the door to new opportunities for thousands of Canadian girls both on and off the field of play.  During their two-year term as co-chairs, Scott and Theriault renewed the Committee’s membership and infused new energy.  One of the more significant enhancements that was facilitated by the Committee was a change to the CCC bylaws that will ensure that at least 2 females hold positions on CCC’s board of directors at all times.

Scott and Theriault will continue to serve on the Committee that will also include: Camille Pepin (Quebec); Kathy Davies (Alberta); Marie-Helene Thibault (Alberta); Sue Holloway (Ontario); Sharleen Hoar (British Columbia); Pavlina Sudrich (Yukon); and staff member Stephane Barrette.

“Beckie and Milaine are huge inspirations for me, and have done an incredible job creating new opportunities to get involved in cross-country skiing that have changed the lives of women in every corner of this country,” said Williams. “I am anxious to work with Beckie, Milaine and all of the accomplished women in this group, to build on our past successes as we collectively chase our goal of developing more young girls into elite skiers.”

Reporting to CCC’s CEO, Williams will work collaboratively with management Committee Members during her two-year term.

Williams is currently articling with Justice Canada in Edmonton where she lives with her husband, National Ski Team athlete Graham Nishikawa.