Press Release

Ottawa, ON, September 16, 2024 - The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) and its National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) partners invite sports enthusiasts and communities across the country to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions of coaches. Spanning from September 16 to 22, National Coaches Week stands as a testament to the valuable contributions that coaches make in shaping athletes’ lives and nurturing a culture of excellence within sports.

 

This year, the sport community celebrates the 10th anniversary of the campaign. The milestone event holds particular significance as it underscores the profound influence coaches wield across all demographics. From the youngest aspiring athletes to seasoned competitors, coaches serve as mentors, motivators, and guides, shaping not just athletic prowess but also character, discipline, and resilience. Moreover, the impact of coaches transcends boundaries of ethnicity, age, and background, resonating deeply within every community.

 

“National Coaches Week is a key opportunity to shine a light on coaches who have had a significant impact on their athletes and participants, their teams, and their communities,” says Lorraine Lafrenière, CEO of the CAC.  “As we celebrate the 10th year of the campaign, we acknowledge the continued dedication of coaches to build resiliency as leaders in sport development throughout the country.” 

 

"During the 10th anniversary of National Coaches Week, I invite all Canadians to join me in saying, ‘Thanks, Coach!’" says Minister Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, “It's important to recognize both the positive impact coaches can have and the responsibility they carry.  Coaches play a pivotal role in creating safe, supportive environments that help athletes grow, both on and off the field of play.”

 

National Coaches Week is a collaborative effort between the CAC, National Sport Organizations (NSOs), Provincial/Territorial Sport Organizations (P/TSOs), and Aboriginal Sport Bodies (ASBs), along with Provincial and Territorial Coaching Representatives (P/TCRs), and numerous clubs, organizations, and millions of athletes across Canada. This event is inclusive, acknowledging coaches working at all levels of sport, from community clubs to national and professional teams, and highlighting their extraordinary contributions.

 

How to Participate in National Coaches Week

Athletes, volunteers, parents, and anyone involved in the sport community is invited to say #ThanksCoach and participate in National Coaches Week in many ways:

 

1.   Explore the Participation Guide:

We’ve made it easy to get involved! The guide contains:

  • A large library of digital promotional content for social media, emails, letters
  • Guidance on how to make the most of the tools to make National Coaches Week a success for your coach, team, and organization!

2.    Enjoy FREE NCCP Education:

From September 16 to the 19, coaches can diversify their coaching knowledge with free NCCP education. The CAC is saying #ThanksCoach by providing 4 FREE eLearning modules during the week. 

You can connect with your local P/TCR or NSO to learn more about their National Coaches Week events and log in to the Locker to access the free eLearning modules from September 16-19, 2024.

3.    Join us to Amplify the Message on Social Media:

Follow National Coaches Week on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram using #CoachesWeek and #ThanksCoach. And don't forget to watch and share the National Coaches Week official video.  

Visit www.coach.ca/NationalCoachesWeek for updates and more information.

About National Coaches Week
National Coaches Week (NCW) is a national annual event to celebrate and recognize coaches for the invaluable role they play in shaping athletes’ lives and fostering a positive sports culture. The Coaching Association of Canada provides resources to promote participation in this event, including encouraging sport organizations and athletes to share their own messages to say #ThanksCoach.

About the Coaching Association of Canada
The Coaching Association of Canada unites stakeholders and partners in its commitment to raising the skills and stature of coaches, and ultimately expanding their reach and influence. Through its programs, the CAC empowers coaches with knowledge and skills, promotes ethics, fosters positive attitudes, builds competence, and increases the credibility and recognition of coaches.

 

Media Contact:
Sarah Min
Manager, Marketing & Communications
Coaching Association of Canada
smin@coach.ca