Officer of the Order of Canada
- Awarded on: October 25, 2007
- Invested on: April 07, 2010
Clara Hughes is an Olympic champion and a compassionate humanitarian who serves as a role model for all Canadians. She performed a feat not yet equalled in Canada when she won medals in both Summer and Winter Olympic Games. After winning her speed skating gold medal in 2006, she announced on live television that she was emptying her bank account and donating $10,000 to Right to Play, an organization that brings sport to children in developing countries. She encouraged others to follow suit, spurring a massive funding drive. She also serves as co-chair of Right to Play's Canadian advisory board, and as a spokesperson and volunteer for other sporting and environmental groups.