OTTAWA, ON – Wrestling Canada Lutte (WCL) is pleased to welcome and announce its new Board of Directors, elected by the Members at a Special Election Meeting on November 29, 2023.

Presenting the 2023-2024 WCL Board

• Director-at-large, David Bush (1-year term)
• Director-at-large, Bill Haliburton (1-year term)
• Director-at-large, Indyra Helfrich-Linares (1-year term)
• Director-at-large, Theresa Vladicka (1-year term)
• Director-at-large, Brittanee Laverdure (2-year term)
• Director-at-large, Kim Ma (2-year term)
• Director-at-large, Russ Pawlyk (2-year term)

In the fall of 2022, WCL embarked on a governance review with support from the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Return to Sport Funding with an intention on filling the gaps identified in Sport Canada’s Good Governance Report Card and accelerate changes to align with the Canadian Sport Governance Code.

The process resulted in revised Bylaws which include the foundational principles in the Canadian Sport Governance Code as well as precise target requirements for diversity on boards of directors, parameters around board independence and term limits. A new Nominations Policy and Nominations Committee supported and guided the Board recruitment process that prioritized greater diversity, independence, and a competency-based skillset.

“We take this opportunity to thank all the outgoing directors for bringing their passion, insight and experience to the table in contribution to the stewardship of WCL,” said Tamara Medwidsky, WCL CEO. “This group was instrumental in supporting the governance changes that will help us be a better organization, be better at decision-making and be more inclusive and representative of our wrestling community. We are in extremely capable hands with this new highly qualified, independent and diverse team and are excited about the opportunity to lead and impact the community in a positive way heading into an Olympic year.

The Nominations Committee has been directed to initiate a process to find suitable candidates for two vacancies (retired athlete and retired coach directors) for recommendation and appointment to the new board in the near future. Appointments for the Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and Executive Committee will take place in the new year.