Heather Moyse

	Commonwealth Games Canada Commonwealth Games Canada (CGC) is the international franchise holder for the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth movement in Canada, and an active, contributing member of the Canadian sport community. Led by its volunteer Board and supported by professional staff, CGC is committed to the strengthening sport in Canada and throughout the Commonwealth. Heather is honoured to be a Member-at-Large for CGC, and has been since she was elected in 2002. She hopes her role in this organization will help to make a positive change in communities throughout the Commonwealth, especially with her passion of using sport for development, both locally and internationally.
	International Development through Sport (IDS) Sport is a language that everyone understands, regardless of race or religion. International Development through Sport (IDS) uses this universal language to address social issues and improve the well being of people. Beginning its work in 1993, IDS operates in selected developing Commonwealth countries in Africa and the Caribbean. The power of sport is real. With the help of IDS, we've seen sport develop individuals, strengthen communities and build nations! International Development through Sport (IDS) reaches out to people living in disadvantaged situations, with a special focus on youth at risk, women and girls, and people with a disability. IDS also offers an international internship program called the Canadian Sport Leadership Corps (CSLC) to Canadian university graduates who have been active in competitive sport or have a degree in a sport-related field and who are prepared to share their sport experience and expertise in developing countries. As a CSLC intern, Heather worked as a Disability Sports Program Officer in Trinidad and Tobago for 9 months. She worked within the Special Education Unit of the Ministry of Education to develop and implement sporting programs/events for students with various disabilities, as well as planned and held a workshop on fundamental motor skills for teachers of “special” schools, emphasizing the importance of physical education for people with disabilities (both physical and developmental). Heather also gave a seminar on movement analysis and adaptation to sport. However, the thing that Heather is the most proud of from her time in Trinidad and Tobago is Camp ABLE (Active Bodies, Leadership & Esteem). Heather founded, organized, established, and directed this camp – a sports leadership development camp for 24 students who are deaf or hearing-impaired from various Caribbean countries. Heather was able to put a local committee together to sustain this initiative, and Camp ABLE’s 7th consecutive camp was May 2008, bringing joy to approximately 60 children.
	Stars for Life Foundation for Autism The Stars for Life Foundation was established in 2002 in Prince Edward Island as a result of a lack of appropriate services or planning by the government to ensure the future of children with autism spectrum disorder in their community. The ideals of the Foundation were created by families on behalf of their children, and the founding families developed a working plan to create autism services under the leadership of a voluntary board of committed community members. These founding families recognize that as they themselves age their children will require a safe secure learning environment beyond the life of their parents. In 2006, Heather was honoured to be named the spokesperson for the Pave the Island with Toonies Campaign, launched by the Stars for Life Foundation. After having worked with a number of children with autism, Heather supports this program and believes in the positive effect it can have on the lives of those affected by autism – the individuals themselves, and the people supporting them.
	Coaching Rugby During her time in Trinidad and Tobago, Heather noticed the popularity of the men’s game of rugby, but only a handful of girls practicing off to the sides. After being asked to help with a weekend coaching clinic, she decided to continue coaching girls/women in the sport, and pass on the passion that she feels for the game. After increasing interest, Heather was hired by the Trinidad and Tobago Rugby Football Union on a one-year contract as a Women’s Rugby Coach and Development Officer, which she finished with a mini 4-club league and a national team. Heather continues to make guest appearances and coach her old high-school team whenever she’s home in Prince Edward Island for a visit. She truly believes that if your first coach in rugby is a good one and is passionate about the game, you will always love the sport and will remain involved in it for as much and as long as possible!
	Adopt an Athlete Adopt an Athlete is a grassroots, school-based program that teaches students the value of community contribution by working together to raise funds for athletes with Olympic aspirations. Heather is excited to be part of this program, as it allows her to connect with the community and inspire school-aged children to make a difference in their communities. In many cases, it is confidence and encouragement that people need in order to perform at a higher level, and this program enables a two-way support system through which Heather and the students receive inspiration to achieve at the highest level of any endeavour.