Two women who broke barriers in the sports world, one in professional wrestling and another in hockey, will be honoured as trailblazers at a star-studded event in London this February.
WWE Hall of Famer and entrepreneur Trish Stratus and Hockey Canada’s first female officer Karen Phibbs will both be seated at the head table at the Start.ca London Sports Celebrity Dinner and Auction at the London Convention Centre February 12.
Phibbs, who currently serves as president of the Ontario Hockey Association and spearheaded the move to make full facial protection mandatory for all junior players, has been named the dinner's Sportsperson of the Year.
“It's difficult to put into words how honoured I am at being selected and included with those who have been recognized previously with this award. I am deeply humbled,” said Phibbs, who got her start in 1977 as a general manager and assistant coach in the St. Thomas Minor Hockey Association. “I find myself reflecting on those who have been colleagues and mentors, those who have supported and encouraged me to work in a sport and on behalf of an age group I deeply believe in.”
The 62nd annual event raises money for the Thames Valley Children's Centre, which serves more than 8,000 children and their families each year. The organization provides a wide range of services for those with physical disabilities, communication disorders, developmental delays, and autism.
“The Centre plays such an important role in the lives of so many children, youth and their families. I’m also really looking forward to visiting London," said Stratus in a statement.
Stratus spent 11 years in the male-dominated world of professional wrestling, winning seven WWE Women’s Championships before retiring and opening an award-winning eco-friendly yoga studio.
Additional sports greats that will join Stratus and Phibbs at the head table will be announced next month. In past years, the dinner has brought such iconic athletes as Darryl Sittler, Roberto Alomar, and Rick Vaive to the city.
The night features a chance for Londoners to rub shoulders with celebrities, while enjoying entertainment, and bidding on a variety of auction packages.
Tickets are $150 per person or $1,500 for a table of ten. For more information visit www.ldnsportsdinner.com.