BCBSRA athlete wins prestigious international award
From a press release issued by AthletesCAN

Athletes CAN congratulates Lilo Ljubisic, Award Recipient of the Isabel Ferrer Prize

March 8, 2004 (Ottawa, ON) - Athletes CAN wishes to congratulate Board member Lilo Ljubisic, who has been awarded the Isabel Ferrer Prize by the European Commission for the 2004 International Year for Education and Sport.

To celebrate International Women's Day on March 8th, Lilo was awarded the International Isabel Ferrer Prize by the Valencian Government (Spain) on behalf of the European Commission, in recognition of the 2004 International Year for Education and Sport.

The award recognizes women who have contributed to equality between men and women. It is given to women with international and deserved recognition in working in social fields and who have strongly worked in defending human rights. The European Commission set 2004 as the International Year of Education and Sport and the Valencian Government is dedicating the awards to women in sport.

Lilo, a 5-time Paralympian stated, "I must share with you how privileged and honored I feel to have been selected from an ocean of more worthy candidates. There are so many women leaders around the world working tirelessly to bring awareness of issues for women, sports, education and so much more. I truly consider myself as being the minutest particle of that effort. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for including me in the annals of history for doing something that I have derived so much satisfaction and personal growth".

Ljiljana (Lilo) Ljubisic is a 5-time Paralympic blind athlete who has successfully represented Canada at the international level of athletics for two decades. Her career highlights include double world record holder in both shot put and discus for blind women, an amazing 19 international podium finishes, including 3 bronze, 2 silver and one gold Paralympic medals.

Lilo has been a Board member of Athletes CAN since 1994, is the newest Board member of the Canadian Association for the Advancement of Women in Sport (CAAWS), a recipient of the 2004 Women of Distinction Award presented by CAAWS, member of the International Olympic Committee Athletes Council and is the first female President of the International Paralympic Committee Athletes Council. Lilo is a sought after Keynote Speaker who delivers inspirational messages to youth, at conferences and for corporations. Lilo is currently preparing to defend her discus title at her 6th Paralympic Games this summer in Athens.

Athletes CAN is honored to congratulate Lilo for the Isabel Ferrer Prize; her commitment, passion and drive all have a lasting impact on the sport community.

Athletes CAN is the collective voice of Canadian national team athletes. Established in 1992, Athletes CAN provides programs of leadership, advocacy and education to ensure a fair, responsive and supportive sport system for athletes.

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