Kicking off National #CoachesWeek, coaches were celebrated at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on September 16, 2023 to a Blue Jays VIP experience!
Thank you to Hydro One and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport for their unwavering support of Ontario’s greatest asset, OUR COACHES!
Winning coaches are also awarded a $500 prize reimbursement to be used on purchases they make for their team, club or organization, from local businesses, proudly provided by Hydro One Inc.
Jozo Weider Race Club, Blue Mountain
Tillsonburg Ringette Association, Tillsonburg
Robert Land Academy, Wellandport
Archery 2 You Archery Centre, Oshawa
University of Waterloo, Indigenous Team Ontario, Milton
MJKO Boxing, Toronto
Badminton Warriors of Mnidoo Mnising, Manitoulin Island
Rising Star Cricket, Brampton
South East Trillium Hunter Jumper Association, Gananoque
London Curling Club, London
East York Collegiate Institute, Toronto
St. Michael Catholic High School, Kemptville
Susan Kitchen Trailblazer Award Toronto Inner City Rugby Foundation (TIRF), Toronto
Hydro One Safe Play AwardLeander Boat Club & McMaster University, Hamilton
Andy Higgins Lifetime Achievement AwardYoung Choung Taekwondo Academy, Vaughan & Toronto
The CAO congratulates all of the award winners and coaches across Ontario for their commitment and dedication to ensuring Canadians live an active and healthy lifestyle. For more information on the Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards and nominating a coach in the future, visit https://www.coachesontario.ca/events/awards/.
Kicking off National #CoachesWeek, coaches were celebrated at the Rogers Centre in Toronto on September 17, 2022 to a Blue Jays VIP experience!
Mountain Volleyball Club, Burlington
Hamilton Bengals Lacrosse, Hamilton
Mississauga Monarchs Basketball, Mississauga
McMaster University, Hamilton
Loyalist College and Vocational Institute, Kingston
Kingston Impact Basketball, Inverary
Jacob Hespeler Secondary School, Cambridge
Durham College, Oshawa Vikings Rugby Club
Hydro One Safe Play AwardMississauga South Baseball Association, Mississauga
Andy Higgins Lifetime Achievement AwardSt. David’s Catholic Secondary School, Petersburg
“She is a very positive and happy person who loves soccer and passes that passion on to her players.” – Co-worker
“You immediately realize that this a person with a special gift for coaching others.” – Parent
“The education of the whole student has been paramount to the leadership he provides.” – Parent
“The championships she has won pale in comparison to what she has done for students, coaches and sport.” – Parent
“She instills a sense of passion and fun that stays with the athletes long beyond the sport.” – Co-worker
“A good coach prepares you for life outside of sport and Warren has helped me do just that.” – Athlete
“Trevelle treats my daughter like she isn’t just included, but like she belongs in the class.” – Parent
“She is always more than willing to do anything and everything in her power to help anyone.” – Athlete
“I wholeheartedly believe that none of my achievements would have happened if not for Mark.” – Athlete
The Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards celebrates the dedication and commitment of Ontario’s great coaches. The Awards recognize the importance of leadership, performance and the value of human insight which are all integral to great coaching.
“She wants to ensure inclusion for Indigenous youth and give them a pathway.” – Co-worker
“He’s funny, dedicated, great to be around, and makes swimming fun.” – Athlete
“It’s amazing what he brings to every single kid that he comes across. Regardless of the kid’s ability, he finds something that he can work with…” – Co-worker
“Her love for the game shows through when she’s coaching. She teaches and they learn. She’s instructive, firm, but a lot of fun…” – Parent
“One of her strengths is being able to build a team up and really give these amazing pep talks. She really knows how to push us in the right direction we need to go.” – Athlete
“With him, it’s more than basketball. It’s really about our future – what we want to do after we’re done school. He believes the past doesn’t define you.” – Athlete
“I don’t think I could understand the game without his guidance and his constant feedback. As a result, my son, as well as a lot of the kids in this club, have grown tremendously under the overall influence of Guiseppe.” – Parent
“He is, by far and away, one of the most innovative coaches who’s working in our high-performance team and he has a way of instilling and imparting knowledge on athletes that’s very unique.” – Co-Worker
“She knows what she’s talking about and she’s not afraid to say it. Which is a good thing, because sometimes guys will be a little hard-headed about what they think they know.” – Athlete
“I am confident our daughters will become synchro coaches to young athletes and this is because of the role model and leader Victoria has been.” – Parent
“Because of coach Darryl and his demeanour, my son still enjoys playing hockey even if he is not the best player on the team.” – Parent
“Laurie’s coaching influence has left a permanent impression in me as I aspire to be the quality of a coach she is.” – Co-worker
“ Denis’s style is one of active learning, team building, respect, discipline and always encourages his players…” – Parent
“She is always willing to put others before herself while doing whatever it takes…” – Athlete
“I owe my entire sculling success to Brad. He goes above and beyond on all fronts and is the best coach…” – Athlete
“I continue to be amazed at the energy and vitality she offers to ensure the success of the program and more importantly of the athletes.” – Parent
“His support doesn’t speak to gender, it speaks to the potential in any individual willing to come out to practice and play.” – Athlete
“Justin & Myke are always thinking of ways to improve and make a difference in our league. These kids come back and beg for these guys to coach them again.” – Parent
“I plan to be involved in hockey in some way and if I end up coaching my own kids, I know this is the kind of coach I will be.” – Athlete
“Jo-Anne is truly passionate about high school sports and ensure that every single athlete at our school receives the best experience through sport.” – Co-worker
“Ken is deserved of being acknowledged as a coach of ‘excellence’ because of his selfless attitude and dedication to the hundreds of young lives he has touched.” – Parent
“Laura clearly defines what it takes to mentor, inspire, and coach youth. She helps make these kids see beyond the black line at the bottom of the pool.” – Parent
“A good coach trains the athlete. A great coach trains the person. A good change in your athletic career. A great coach changes your life. I know what it is like to work with a great coach…” – Athlete
“He played a big part in helping me reach my goal so that I could represent Canada. It wouldn’t have happened without his openness and commitment to integration for athletes with a disability.” – Athlete
“I’ve witnessed Kevin prove that lacrosse is more than winning; instead it about brings people and families closer together to encourage children and players of all ages to play their best and have fun.” – Parent
“He has a unique ability to make the game fun and genuinely cares about their development as players, but more importantly as people.” – Parent
“As a coach that values sportsmanship as well as technical skill, he has provided all of his players the tools to be successful on and off the tennis court.” – Parent
The CAO congratulates all of the award winners and coaches across Ontario for their commitment and dedication to ensuring Canadians live an active and healthy lifestyle. For more information on the Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards and nominating a coach in the future, visit www.coachesontario.ca/events/awards.
Ken passed away shortly after being nominated for this award.
