As warmer weather approaches and children all over Ontario hope for new opportunities to participate in sport and organized physical activity, the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) hopes to increase the number of coaches so that all Ontario children can play Sports. Coaches can have a positive impact on a child’s self-confidence, and social and physical well- being. Individuals can take up coaching even if they are not highly athletic people with extensive sport backgrounds.
From April 18 to 26, 2009 the CAO will host Ontario Coaches Week, a celebration of the province’s thousands of community coaches and the positive influence those coaches have on their communities. The theme of the week-long celebration —“Ready, Set, Coach”—reflects the CAO’s goal of recruiting, educating, and celebrating Ontario’s community coaches.
“There’s never been a greater need for more caring qualified community coaches to bring the benefits of sport to thousands of youth throughout this province,” says Susan Kitchen, CAO’s Executive Director. “This year during Ontario Coaches Week we hope to clearly communicate the message that becoming a community coach is a way to make a positive difference in the communities where we live.”
Throughout the week, free workshops will target new coaches including women, aboriginals, and youth. Also planned are a wide range of fun and interactive events providing coaches, from the novice to the veteran, with access to experienced coaches, free resources, and networking opportunities. The schedule includes
NCCP Free Days, delivering National Coaching Certification Program courses for up to 400 coaches in 20 communities.
Free Ready, Set, Coach workshops for sport parents.
A Women-in-Coaching Networking event.
A “Thanks Coach” poster contest for elementary school students across Ontario.
Coach Appreciation Day at the Toronto Blue Jays on April 18, 2009.
The week-long celebration is funded by Ontario’s Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport Canada.
Visit www.coachesontario.ca for a complete listing of workshop dates and locations.
The Coaches Association of Ontario is an independent, non-profit, coach-led organization that strengthens development opportunities and provides resources, representation and recognition for coaches in a variety of contexts.
