Government of Canada's fund supports CAC's efforts to enhance diversity, accessibility, and inclusivity in coach education.
January 24, 2024- OTTAWA (ON) - The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) is proud to announce its selection to receive funding from the Government of Canada’s Community Services Recovery Fund. This one-time $400 million investment from the Government of Canada, will strengthen the internal capacity of Community Service Organizations facing immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will empower organizations like the CAC to invest in the systems and processes essential for enhancing their organizational structures.
The CAC is directing the funding towards increasing accessibility while improving the coaching landscape throughout Canada.
Phase one will encompass an in-depth examination of demographic data within the CAC's 2-million-person database and learning management system (named “the Locker”, to gain valuable insights into the composition of the coaching community in Canada. The collected data will shed light on the demographics, coach education pathways, and experiences of coaching participants. These findings align with the CAC's strategic goal of enhancing the diversity of new coaches, including new citizens to Canada, over 90% of which only use smartphones.
Phase two will also increase accessibility across 12 existing eLearning modules. Through these enhancements, all the CAC’s multi-sport eLearning products will meet the rigorous Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 accessibility standards, ensuring universal access across all platforms, including mobile devices. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to modernize and enhance the infrastructure of the Locker itself, making it compatible with mobile devices and providing an improved coach education experience. This optimization will allow greater access to education and training for coaches nationwide.
The project also aims to expand the CAC’s reach to diverse communities across Canada. Recognizing the profound impact of COVID-19 on volunteerism in the sports sector and athlete participation, this initiative underscores the CAC's commitment to empowering coaches and athletes throughout the nation, creating a more inclusive and accessible coaching environment.
Lorraine Lafrenière, CEO of the Coaching Association of Canada, emphasizes the importance of this project, "The impact of COVID-19 on the sports landscape in Canada was and continues to remain significant. Re-engaging communities across Canada will continue to be important for the CAC. The more coaches we can reach through this project, the greater the impact they can have in their communities now and into the future."
“I am delighted that the Government of Canada is providing funding to support the essential work of community service organizations like the Coaching Association of Canada across our country. These organizations play a critical role in strengthening our communities and supporting those who are most in need. By providing funding to these organizations, we are investing in the well-being and resilience of our communities. We are building a more inclusive and supportive society where everyone has access to the services they need to thrive.”
– Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
The Coaching Association of Canada is grateful for the opportunity to use these funds to drive positive change within the coaching community and beyond. This funding reflects the confidence and support of the Government of Canada and its dedication to fostering resilience and adaptability among community service organizations. Together, we look forward to a brighter future for coaching in Canada.
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.
About the Community Services Recovery Fund
The Community Services Recovery Fund is a one-time $400 million investment from the Government of Canada to support Community Service Organizations as they focus on how to adapt their organizations for COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Now more than ever, Community Service Organizations are playing a key role in addressing persistent and complex social problems faced by all communities. The purpose of the Community Services Recovery Fund is to strengthen the internal capacity of Community Service Organizations facing immediate and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Yolande Usher
Director, Marketing and Communications
Coaching Association of Canada
613-2350-5000
yusher@coach.ca