The Minerva Foundation for B.C. Women is pleased to announce the three recipients of its Women In Sport Award who will be honoured at a luncheon being held in Vancouver on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. The honourees are: Marion Lay, Olympic swimmer and advocate for women in sport, Olympic figure-skater Karen Magnussen, and Jean Senft, Olympic and world figure-skating judge.

Figure-skater, Barbara Underhill, five-time Canadian champion, 1984 world champion and founder of the Stephanie Gaetz Keepsafe Foundation will deliver the keynote speech. Barbara will discuss her career as one of Canada's leading figure-skaters and the importance of communities in safety education and injury prevention among children.

The Women In Sport luncheon is the third in a series of recognition and awareness events in the Minerva Foundation's "Women In..." series - celebrating leadership, excellence and philanthropy. This year's event will celebrate the role sport plays as a vehicle for strengthening and connecting communities. The three award recipients have been selected for their passion, dedication and outstanding accomplishments in giving back to the community in the field of sport.

"Everyday British Columbians are reminded of the importance of sport in shaping thriving communities. These women have been instrumental in creating this rich sporting tradition," said Julia Kim, Chair of the Board for the Minerva Foundation for BC Women. "They have worked tirelessly to grow the status of sport and share Minerva's vision to strengthen communities by inspiring and empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. They all continue to shape the development of sport, and we are proud to celebrate their achievements."

The luncheon is a volunteer-driven event that is expected to attract 450 business and community leaders to celebrate the vision of the Minerva Foundation.

Sponsors of this year's "Women In..." luncheon are Phillips, Hager & North, Signal Hill Media Group, Electronic Arts and Bull Housser Tupper LLP. The event is also supported by Four Seasons Hotel - Vancouver, Air Canada, Business in Vancouver, Image Group Inc., Bell and Mink Chocolates.

The Women In Sport luncheon will take place at the Four Seasons Hotel, 791 West Georgia Street, Vancouver on Wednesday, December 3, 2008. For further information about the event and to purchase tickets, please visit www.theminervafoundation.com.