Login

AthletesCAN announces 2024-25 Executive Team

TORONTO – AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is pleased to announce the election of its new board executive.

Susanne Wereley (Rowing) has been elected as the organization’s 16th President, replacing Erin Willson (Artistic Swimming) who stepped down upon the conclusion of her three-year term as president. Joining her on the executive will be Vice-President Colin Hodgson (Curling), Secretary Andrea Proske (Rowing) and Treasurer Michael Sametz (Para-Cycling), who has served in the position since his appointment in July 2024. 

Wereley (née Grainger) rowed for Canada on the Senior National Team for eight years and at two Olympic Games, most notably as a member of the women’s eight boat that won gold at Tokyo 2020. Her rowing experience has been multifaceted, spanning various levels including the NCAA, U23, and senior competitions over the course of 17 years in the sport.

Outgoing President Erin Willson will continue to serve as a member of the board of directors until the conclusion of her term in 2026, following her re-election to the board at the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM). Highlights of Willson’s tenure as President include the launch of AthleteHUB, a one-stop-shop that brings together resources from across the Canadian sport system into one convenient, easy-to-use space, the prohibition of Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) in athlete agreements, and an increase to AAP funding of $35 million over the next five years.

“Congratulations to Susanne on your election as our new President. I am excited to see how your lived experience, skills, and passion for athlete leadership helps bring AthletesCAN to new heights. I look forward to working with you, and all of our new board, to continue growing and amplifying the athlete voice in Canada.”

Erin Willson, Past AthletesCAN President

Wereley will chair the newly elected 2024-25 Board of Directors, following their announcement at the organization’s 2024 AGM held on Nov. 6.

About AthletesCAN

AthletesCAN, the association of Canada’s national team athletes, is the only fully independent and most inclusive athlete organization in the country and the first organization of its kind in the world.  As the voice of over 6,000 current and recently retired Canadian national team athletes, AthletesCAN membership spans 68 sports across the Olympic, Paralympic, Pan/Parapan American, and Commonwealth Games, and those currently funded by Sport Canada competing at Senior World Championships. AthletesCAN ensures an athlete-centered sport system by developing athlete leaders who influence sport policy and, as role models, inspire a strong sport culture, through educational resources, support, training and professional development.  

Follow the #AthleteVoice on social @AthletesCAN

For more information, please contact:

Alicia Renaud-Paquin
Manager, Athlete Relations & Marketing
AthletesCAN
613-526-4025 Ext. 224
[email protected]