Women in Sport: Empowering The Next Generation With U of S Huskies Women Sponsorship

My decision to support women student-athletes is one with a history and a committed future. Wiegers Financial & Benefits proudly sponsored the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Huskies Soccer team for $20,000 each year between 2019 and 2023 for a total sponsorship of $100,000. Moving forward, in 2025/26, I am supporting women in sport by providing a $6,000 scholarship to each of the following six Huskies teams:

• Huskies Women’s Soccer
• Huskies Women’s Wrestling
• Huskies Women’s Basketball
• Huskies Women’s Hockey
• Huskies Women’s Volleyball
• Huskies Women’s Cross Country and Track & Field

This decision is also very personal. Cliff Wiegers and I have three daughters, each of whom participated (and continue to participate) in sport as girls and young women. I too participated in sport as a girl and young woman, first as a competitive figure skater and then as a coach. Through their and my experiences, we see first-hand the benefits of sport beyond the scoreboard. The discipline, leadership, resilience, and camaraderie gained from our time as athletes were invaluable. Indeed, we emerged as confident, driven, and well-rounded women, prepared to take on the challenges of the professional world.

These experiences helped shape my belief that every girl and young woman should have the same opportunities to grow and succeed through sport. By supporting the University of Saskatchewan Women’s Huskies, we aim to help ensure that women athletes in our community have access to the resources, training, and mentorship they need to reach their full potential. Thus, investing in women in sport is an investment in a brighter future for all.

The Importance of Supporting Women in Sport

1. Building Confidence and Leadership

Sports provide young women with a platform to develop self-confidence and leadership skills that extend far beyond the playing field. Studies have shown that participation in athletics helps build key skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and resilience—all of which are essential for success in academics, careers, and life. By investing in women in sport, we are investing in future leaders.   

2. Creating Equal Opportunities

While some progress has been made in gender equity in sports, women athletes still face significant disparities in funding, visibility, and resources compared to their male counterparts. By directing our support to women in sports, we are taking an active step toward levelling the playing field and helping ensure that women athletes have the same opportunities to excel and achieve their goals.

3. Fostering a Stronger Community

Sports bring people together. They foster a sense of belonging, encourage school spirit, and inspire young people to dream big. When we support women in sport, we are not just helping individual athletes. We are strengthening our entire community by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and shared success.

4. Encouraging Lifelong Health and Well-Being

Participation in sports has lasting benefits for physical and mental health. Active involvement in athletics helps young women develop lifelong habits of fitness, resilience in the face of challenges, and the mental toughness needed to navigate life’s ups and downs. By investing in women in sport, we are contributing to a healthier future for the next generation.

A Call to Action: Let’s Champion Women in Sport Together

This scholarship is just one step in what I hope will be a broader movement of businesses, organizations, and individuals coming together to support girls and women in sport. I encourage our community to get involved—whether by attending games, mentoring young athletes, volunteering, or simply spreading the message about the importance of equal opportunities in athletics. I challenge everyone to put their money where their mouths are, and help increase the funding that is sorely lacking for girls and women in sport. If you don’t have a daughter in sport, you most certainly know someone who does. Please lend support as much as you can.

I am incredibly excited to be a part of this journey and to see the amazing things that these athletes will accomplish. Their dedication, passion, and hard work inspire me, and I am honoured to play a role in their success.

My family, our business, and I stand behind women in sport—not just today, but always. Let’s empower the next generation of women athletes together! For more information, please contact us.

Deb Wiegers (second from right, front row) and several supporters at the Huskie Athletics Women of Influence Breakfast on February 11, 2025.

Deb Wiegers, GBA, CLU, CH.F.C.

Managing Principal, Benefits Division

Wiegers Financial and Insurance Planning Services Ltd.

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