CAC is pleased to announce that two exceptional coaches will be presented the Geoff Gowan Lifetime Achievement Award in 2009: exemplary wheelchair basketball coach Tim Frick, and world-renowned gymnastics coach Keith Russell.
Tim Frick
Best known for his achievements as a wheelchair basketball coach, Tim Frick and his national women's team have compiled a record that rivals any by a Canadian team. Esteemed for his ability to encourage his athletes to achieve levels they did not believe possible, his influence as a leader reaches far beyond the basketball court. Athletes of all ages, skills, and backgrounds respect him as a tireless teacher, a dedicated mentor, a great motivator, and a generous advocate.
A passionate educator and committed mentor, Frick willingly shares his knowledge with other coaches. Dedicated to furthering the coaching profession, he has supported numerous aspiring coaches, leading to the development of a strong pool of junior and national coaches.
“Tim Frick's positive approach has brought Canada the respect and admiration of athletes and audiences worldwide,” says Jean-Marie De Koninck, chair of CAC's Board of Director. “His willingness to go above and beyond what is expected is a testament to his dedication to the coaching profession.”
Keith Russell
For close to 40 years, Keith Russell has helped to guide the development of every gymnastics coach in the country through his teachings and his mentoring, in all disciplines and at all levels of performance. At the University of Saskatchewan, Russell is a respected professor and coach. Over the years, he has introduced gymnastics to countless physical education students, many of whom have continued to teach, coach, and enjoy gymnastics and become leaders in the sport at provincial and national levels.
Widely published, Russell is world renowned for his ability to explain science to coaches. He has brought the Canadian system of gymnastics to innumerable international coaching courses and clinics, and he continues to educate the international gymnastics community in his new role as President of the Fédération internationale de gymnastique Scientific Commission.
“Keith embodies a lifetime commitment to coaching education and a passion for gymnastics,” says De Koninck. “It is impossible to find a coach in Canada who has not been influenced or mentored in some way by him.”
About the Geoff Gowan Award
Dr. Geoff Gowan is a former track and field, soccer, and rugby coach who now resides in Halifax. He was president of CAC for 16 years and for 25 years was a popular and respected colour commentator for CBC's television coverage of track and field.
The Geoff Gowan Award was created in 1996 and recognizes lifetime contribution to coaching development. It is awarded to a coach who has presented a positive public image of coaching and enhanced the role of the coach with the Canadian public.
Previous winners of the Geoff Gowan Award are:
2008 Douglas Leigh, Figure Skating
2007 Andy Higgins, Athletics
2006 Clare Drake, Ice Hockey
2005 Charles Cardinal, Volleyball
2004 Donald Dion, Diving
2003 Marilyn Savage, Artistic Gymnastics
2002 Al Morrow, Rowing
2000 Doug Clement, Athletics
1999 Jack Donohue, Basketball
1996 Geoff Gowan, Athletics
The Geoff Gowan Award will be presented during Petro-Canada Sport Leadership sportif, scheduled to take place in Vancouver, November 12-15, 2009. The Sport Leadership Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 13, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Grand Ballroom