The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) is pleased to announce that Benoît Huot, one of Canada’s most decorated Paralympic athletes, and Taylor Pyefinch, a gymnastics coach and youth program coordinator, will join the 2018 Petro-Canada Sport Leadership sportif conference (#SLS18) as conference emcees.

The Petro-Canada Sport Leadership sportif conference is Canada’s conference for coaches, researchers, sport executives, and administrators. The event gathers more than 500 delegates for three days of learning, professional development, and networking with the top minds and leaders within the Canadian sport, business, and education communities.

Pyefinch, a former competitive gymnast, now coaches children ages two to 12 years old across numerous levels of gymnastics. She is also currently a gymnastics program coordinator for the City of Ottawa and is finishing her last year of schooling in Sport Business Management at Algonquin College. Her goal is to continue making a difference in the coaching system, so she’s excited to meet the like-minded coaches who will be honoured at this year’s conference.

“I’m proud to be an emcee at this year’s Petro-Canada Sport Leadership sportif conference, especially since the conference correlates so perfectly with my passions,” says Pyefinch. “Through the gala, we have the opportunity to recognize the excellence of some wonderful coaches. That’s something I’m looking forward to witnessing. Having the opportunity to meet so many inspirational people is truly humbling.”

For his part, this will be Huot’s third time participating at the conference, having also co-emceed in 2014 and 2017. A five-time Paralympian - and winning 20 medals in the process - Benoît has created his own foundation, the Benoît Huot Foundation, which aims to help young athletes to one day participate in the Paralympic Games themselves. He says he’s always excited to be a part of the conference, especially since he gets the opportunity to learn from others.

“The Petro-Canada Sport Leadership sportif conference is one of my favourite weekends of the year, and I’m happy to be back celebrating coaches with all the different sports attending,” says Huot. “It’s a privilege to learn from so many positive leaders about the power of influence.”

#SLS18 takes place in Ottawa and runs from November 8-10, 2018 at the Westin Ottawa. Registration for the CAC’s annual conference closes Oct. 25.

For the latest updates on #SLS18 or to register, please visit www.coach.ca/sportleadership.