Thank you, Angie!

Ottawa, ON–Ringette Canada would like to thank Angie Milbury, outgoing President of Ringette Canada, for her dedicated years of service to the organization. After nine years on the Board of Directors, including six as President, her term has come to a close. 

 

In addition to her tenure as the Chair and President, Angie has also served as a Chair and member of multiple committees, including chairing the Nominations Committee, Client Management System Committee, and the Strategic Plan Committee.

 

She was recruited to the Board following the 2013 Canadian Ringette Championships, held in her hometown of Fredericton, NB. Milbury was a co-chair of the committee. “As a leader in my professional life which I love, it seemed a natural fit for me to bring my leadership skills and apply them in a boardroom setting, towards progressing and helping a sport that I love,” Milbury said. “What inspired me [to serve on the Board] was the opportunity to influence the growth of Ringette at a national level, grow my own skills, and the opportunity to work with likeminded people with a similar passion.”

 

Milbury’s involvement in ringette stretches far beyond the boardroom, however. Over the past four decades, she has been an advocate, community and high performance athlete and coach, local association board member, official, and official’s evaluator. 

 

When asked what she was most proud of being a part of during her term, Milbury reflected on the organization’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Hands down, I am very proud of the way the Board, the Ringette Canada staff, and the broader ringette community came together to ensure the ringette community was supported, stayed together, and thrived despite the global restrictions. At the heart of our work during this time was a focus on maintaining those important connections with and between athletes and all participants within the ringette community.”

 

“I am also very proud of my personal commitment and leadership to promote and strengthen collaboration amongst my PTSO counterparts, the Provincial Presidents. We have so much to share and learn from one another all contributing to the betterment of ringette across the nation.”

 

Over the past almost decade, Milbury has had a front row seat to the growth of ringette, as well as the advancements the sport is making in every sector. 

 

“One of my favourite moments was learning our registration numbers [in 2023-24] reached an all-time high. It is rewarding to know ringette is thriving and being enjoyed by more individuals than ever. What makes this special is knowing and appreciating the contributions of the ringette community and its volunteers who make ringette possible and enjoyable for so many,” Milbury said. 

 

She also listed working with colleagues on the board and the athletes as defining moments in her term. “Working alongside my highly competent and dedicated board colleagues as we debate and make decisions to shape the strategy and future of ringette. Working with these people and the Ringette Canada staff who share common values and a passion for ringette is truly inspiring and rewarding.

 

“Another favorite moment was a rare moment of shared vulnerability between the board and a few athletes. Although the moment was difficult and emotional it demonstrated trust, and it provided the board with necessary insight confirming the value we place on strong athlete voice and athlete-centered programming for our sport.”

 

Although her time on the Board of Directors has come to an end, Milbury is certain that her involvement in ringette has not. “As I am sure many will attest one of the promises of ringette is it’s for life. I will continue to enjoy a few hours a week on the ice participating as an on-ice-official and I will continue to be an advocate for this amazing sport helping in any way I can.” 

 

On behalf of the ringette community, we would like to sincerely thank Angie for bringing her passion, dedication, and love of ringette to the Board as a member and President. Your legacy is one of support, forward-thinking, and innovation, and our sport is better for having had your guidance.