2025 OWA
Annual General Meeting
Board Candidates

 

Julia Ryan (JustLift x Landmark) - Candidate - OWA President

 

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I am seeking the position of President of the Ontario Weightlifting Association with a deep commitment to serving our diverse community and upholding the OWA's values of excellence and integrity. My journey from a newcomer to the sport in my 20s, to 12 years of achieving competitive success on the provincial and national stages, and to my current role as an NCCP Competition Development Coach-in-training, has given me a full perspective of athlete development. My connection to club operations as the spouse of a club owner has also given me firsthand knowledge of the needs of our clubs, which are the bedrock of our community. As an enthusiastic supporter of all those who choose weightlifting for personal growth, I recognize that our greatest assets are our members - our athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteers - whose talents and drive are vital for our sport and organization.

 

In addition to these long-standing personal experiences in the sport of weightlifting, I bring a distinct range of professional capabilities to serve the OWA. My doctoral-level education provides a foundation in evidence-based strategy and long-term project management, with specific skills in research, grant writing, and navigating complex institutional policies. This is complemented by my experience as a business owner, which provides practical skills in financial stewardship and sustainable, team-based growth. My work in the mental health field has reinforced my commitment to leading with empathy, ethical practice, and a focus on listening to and addressing the needs of our community.

 

My unique combination of athletic, academic, and professional experience will allow me to guide the OWA through the current economic climate that threatens the longevity of our sport while ensuring we stay true to our mission. I aim to strengthen our development pathways, empower our athletes, coaches, and officials, and ensure our unwavering commitment to safe and inclusive sport.

 

With a comprehensive understanding of our community’s goals and needs, and a dedication to serving and working collaboratively, I am committed to cultivating the continued growth of our sport and all those who participate. I am prepared to dedicate my time and skills to this important work and would be honored to serve as your President.

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Linda Rosario-Earnshaw - Incumbent - OWA VP Technical

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​Linda Rosario-Earnshaw joined the OWA in 2013 and began her journey in weightlifting later in life, competing as a Masters athlete in her forties. Her path to becoming a technical official started when she accompanied her teenage daughter to weightlifting competitions, leading to a suggestion that she officiate, given her travels from city to city. This marked the beginning of her commitment to volunteerism. Between 2015 and 2020, Linda served as a team leader for both the Ontario Sr. and Jr. teams. The 2020 Pandemic Lockdown did not hinder her role as a technical official; she continued her involvement by participating in online competitions worldwide.

Although Linda has ceased her training as a lifter, she continues to be involved with the OWA as a technical official. In 2021, she presented her candidacy for the position of VP Technical and has been committed to nurturing and aiding both novice and experienced officials in Ontario, consistently motivating others to become involved and relish the responsibilities of an official.

Linda is committed to her mission of recruiting new officials and advocating for advanced training to enhance their skills. Her aim is to act as a role model, inspiring a passion in others to uphold and enhance the standard of officiating throughout Ontario.

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