I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself to players, coaches, parents, and fans. My name is Lisa Newton and I have been involved in Ringette for 18 years. I am the current Athlete Representative for Ontario. I also sit on the Ringette Canada Board of Directors as the Eastern Canadian Athlete Representative.

To offer a quick background about myself; I am 23 years old and a graduate of the University of Guelph, currently attending Graduate School at McMaster University, studying Child Life. I have been playing Ringette since I was 5 years old. I have competed in 7 National Championships and 1 World Championship. Unfortunately, I missed the last season and part of the current one due to a serious knee injury. After two surgeries, I am well on the road to recovery and looking forward to lacing up soon. The capacity of my involvement in the sport has varied, including referee, player coach, and now board member.

I was elected last year as Athlete Representative to do just what my title says - to represent the athletes. My most important role is to ensure that the opinions, concerns, interests suggestions, and any comments of the athletes are heard and dealt with. I am considered a liaison between the Athletes and the Board. I hear directly from athletes and also from Regional and Association Representatives who pass along concerns and suggestions to me.

Athlete Forums, which are held at both Provincial AA and A Championships and hopefully Regional Championships are my main source of gathering information and ideas from the players. Through discussions and questionnaires at this forum, I am able to offer a report to the board on what the athletes want for their sport. Watch for more information and details on this important event!

Another important role of Athlete Representative is to develop and maintain athlete networking channels. I hope to have a chat room up on the ORA site soon, where athletes from all over the Province can communicate and discuss issues amongst themselves. I would also like to offer my ringette e-mail address to anyone who has an issue, concern, or comment they would like to send directly to me at

I look forward to working with all of you and hearing your opinions. Play hard, have fun, win well, lose better, and spread the word - Ringette for Life.

Yours in Sport,

Lisa Newton