Built Different: How Gord Gallimore’s DNA for Service Is Changing Lives On and Off the Field

CAO’s Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench article series – Black History Month 2026

“There is a great deal of satisfaction watching kids commit to something and you get to not only see but also participate in their progress.”

By David Grossman

You have likely heard people toss around initials, when discussions tend to focus on things like genetics or if the phrase used is “it’s in your DNA”.

The DNA term is defined as Deoxyribonucleic Acid – a molecular blueprint that can involve the passionate gift of making others feel good.

That fits nicely when describing the accomplishments of Gord Gallimore – an educator, coach, parent and so much more. Gallimore has had a life-long plan, one that has regularly been modified and grows consistently with importance and greatness.

Simply put, it’s the compassion, care and feeling he displays when it involves dealing with others. Let’s look at young people – students and athletes. Growth is good, but so is confidence. Gallimore’s enthusiastic camaraderie has positively transformed the lives of thousands.

There have been numerous moments that have shined for Gallimore who, in addition to teaching various subjects at David Suzuki Secondary School in Brampton, has coached sports for the past 24 years.

Gallimore had recollections of an interesting discussion he had during his high school years with teachers Sam Papaconstantinou and Gary Waterman.

“I remember it well – with two of my coaches,” said Gallimore, who is now often referred to as “Coach Gord”. “They told me I would make a great teacher and coach. It’s funny how thinks happen.”

Whether it has been developing and mentoring at four high schools, several universities or minor football teams in Mississauga, Peel, Halton and Durham, Gallimore has consistently achieved one huge objective. That’s his personal counselling and tutoring of teenagers with the emphasis on encouragement and endorsing their physical, social and emotional development.

“It has always been about giving kids a positive impact in their lives,” said the 46-year-old Gallimore who, along with his wife, passed on that message to their two children.

“Coaching is something I genuinely enjoy, and I’ve seen how meaningful the work can be for many people. At times, though, there are challenging situations with students and parents, which is simply part of the role and happens fairly often.”

Pride, more than selfishness, highlights his days as an athlete – and chosen Football Player of the Year in his final term at Father Michael Goetz Secondary in Mississauga.

Gallimore then headed to Canada’s east coast and earned a degree in Economics from Acadia University Wolfville, N.S. Teacher’s certification and a Master’s degree came from St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, where he found time to also coach and take on the job of football recruiting coordinator.

Worth noting is that at age 23, Gallimore required medical attention to repair a lingering shoulder injury and departed Acadia to returned to Toronto for surgery. He took courses at York University – and coached high school football.

“What I find to be very important is to develop and maintain good relationships with players and others,” said Gallimore, who is highlighted during Black History Month and featured in the popular Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) series Empowering Stories from Behind the Bench.

“I’ve seen an array of personalities … people with great talent and others having to deal with troubled lives,” said Gallimore. “As an educator and coach, I very much need to be that positive role model. I think I’m good at what I do, teach and coach, but there are people who don’t see me as valuable.”

The CAO’s series shines the spotlight on individuals, like Gallimore, who have exhibited strong coaching fundamentals. His approach to coaching, is to always find ways to excel in sport.

Gallimore is also Founder and President of the Peel Panthers, a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers – and a club that has grown to more than 500 players. The team, with players 19 years of age and younger, competes in the Ontario Summer Football League (OSFL). Gallimore emphasizes on his list of team goals are the key elements of discipline, teamwork and accountability.

While others have indicated that Gallimore is not one to thrive on game scores and numbers, for him it has been it has been in the capacity of providing meals to those in need, assisting students with school studies and the tutelage of cultivating relationships.

Not being a big fan of personal awards, Gallimore doesn’t believe in egotism. For him, it’s all about viewing the glory and pride associated with those he has inspired. Others believe that when the spotlight shines on people, it should be supported and cherished.

Gallimore’s vision has been colossal – and speaks to the strength of his willpower and determination.

“Like everyone, there are times when I get frustrated (with coaching) and my wife asks me why I continue to do it,” he said. “I tell her that I love football and coaching. There is something special about (coaching) and being a positive influence on kids.”

When the focus is on distinction, the Coaches Association of Ontario honored Gallimore, one of 15 recipients, with the 2025 Ontario Coaching Excellence Award for their positive impact on athletes.

In 2018, the Toronto Argonauts and BMO presented Gallimore, one of six recipients, with a Community Coach award highlighting their impact on growing and developing the game of football in their respective schools and communities. He also was the recipient of the Nova Scotia School Athletic Federation outstanding service award in 2016.

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David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 45+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.

“Coaching is something I genuinely enjoy, and I’ve seen how meaningful the work can be for many people.”