City of London Chosen to Host 2011 Ontario Coaches Conference

TORONTO: (August 16, 2010). The Coaches Association of Ontario is pleased to announce that London, Ontario has been selected as the host city to welcome coaches at the Ontario Coaches Conference 0n February 25-27, 2011.

Known for its outstanding sport infrastructure and as a host for many international prestigious sporting events in the past, London will be an ideal gathering place for coaches to share ideas and enhance their skills.  

“We are delighted to welcome the Coaches Conference to London.  We are proud of the success of hosting major conferences and sporting events in our city and are confident the days spent in London will be valuable and memorable,” said Anne Marie Decicco-Best, Mayor, City of London.

Heading to London for the 2011 Ontario Coaches Conference will put delegates in a city that is well known for leadership development in sport. Delegates can shop and eat on trendy Richmond Row or wander through one of London’s many vibrant indoor malls. 

The majority of Conference attendees typically include amateur coaches from 50 different sports, and range from those who volunteer a few days a week in their community league to full-time coaches sharing innovative program preparations for Olympic and Paralympic qualifiers.

“The McGuinty Government is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of all Ontarians.  The Ministry of Health Promotion values the important role coaches play in building healthy, active communities.  The 2011 Ontario Coaches Conference in London will be an opportunity for coaches to learn, share and support the skills and qualities that make them some of Ontario’s finest sport ambassadors,” said Margarett R. Best, Minister of Health Promotion

Entering into its fifth year, the conference combines inspirational keynote speakers, topical education sessions, engaging networking events and a showcase of coaching related partners. The Conference continues to draw more and more delegates each year since its inception, because of the values Canadian’s place on having knowledgeable coaches in all sport programs.  

“As leaders, coaches are required to be part-psychologist, part teacher, safety coordinator, expert in health science, statistician, tactician, nutritionist, sometimes travel agent, and too often backup transportation co-coordinator,” said Susan Kitchen, Executive Director, Coaches Association of Ontario. “Getting together with other coaches in the centrally-located London Convention Centre, where they can talk about the many facets of coaching and improving human performance in sport is a great energizer for all Coaches.”  

Stay tuned for keynote speaker announcements.

The conference is being hosted by the Coaches Association of Ontario with the generous support of the Quest for Gold Lottery. Ontario’s coaches will be able to participate in this professional development opportunity at a subsidized cost, thanks to the partner support of the Ontario Lottery & Gaming Corporation and the Ministry of Health Promotion. 

The Coaches Association of Ontario is an independent, non-profit, coach-led organization that strengthens development opportunities and provides educational resources for coaches in a variety of contexts. The CAO promotes coaching ethics and ensures the wider community recognizes the vital role of the coach in the development of sport at all levels. 

-30-

Media Contact:

Jessica Taggio
(416) 426 -7053
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it