OTTAWA, ON (August 28, 2024) – The Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) is thrilled to support the 39 coaches travelling to Paris to proudly represent Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8, 2024.

Among the 39 coaches, 22 coaches hold the Chartered Professional Coach® (ChPC) designation, while 17 hold the status of Registered Coach. These dedicated individuals, across various sports, embody a commitment to coaching excellence and its profound influence on enriching the athlete's journey.

“The CAC is proud of the Team Canada coaches who have steadfastly supported Canada’s Para athletes competing at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games,” says Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer of the CAC. “Witnessing their resilience and dedication to excellence leading up to the games has been truly inspiring, and we are looking forward to celebrating their performances alongside all Canadians.”

One of the coaches representing Team Canada in Paris is Para Judo Head Coach Andrzej Sadej, ChPC. Sadej is no stranger to the Olympics, having coached Canadian Olympians in Barcelona and Atlanta. In later years, he got involved with the Paralympic judo movement and represented Team Canada as a coach during the Rio and Tokyo Paralympic Games. Sadej is now heading to Paris to coach his last games on the Paralympic stage. “The first Olympic Games that captured my imagination took place in Mexico City in 1968. By 1972, I was already practicing judo and watched my sport on TV,” said Andrzej. “For my last games, I’m looking forward to assisting the great Priscilla Gagné, who is the first blind Canadian female judoka, who stood on the podiums of the Paralympic Games in 2021 (Tokyo) and World Championships. I am convinced that in Paris, we will experience her greatest success yet!”

Along with its coaches, Team Canada is sending 126 athletes to compete in 18 sports, including wheelchair basketball, swimming and boccia. From now until September 8, 2024, Canadians interested in showing their support for the Canadian Paralympic team may do so by participating in the IGNITE the Light campaign, organized by the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and the Paralympic Foundation of Canada. The initiative allows Canadians to purchase virtual seats for $25 per seat to fill a virtual stadium with national pride and encouragement. With the goal of raising $1 million, funds raised will contribute to providing Canadian Para athletes with the necessary resources and specialized training programs to ensure they have the support needed to excel at the highest levels. Virtual seats may be purchased on the IGNITE the Light campaign page of the CPC website. 

For more information on the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, please visit the Canadian Paralympic Committee’s website. 

Follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram as we invite you to share your support for the Team Canada coaches throughout the Games. 

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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 Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC) designation

The ChPC® is the professional designation for sport coaches in Canada. The CAC grants the official designation of the ChPC and the status of Registered Coach to professionals in the field of coaching in Canada.

The designation signals to parents, sport organizations, and to other coaches a commitment to embody and uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct in coaching.

For Media Inquiries:

Sarah Min

Manager, Marketing & Communications

Coaching Association of Canada

smin@coach.ca

Tel: 613.235.5000 x 2341