CAC Legacy Awars

Geoff Gowan Award

The Geoff Gowan "Lifetime Achievement" Award recognized a lifetime commitment to coaching and coaching development and was presented to an individual who fostered a positive public image of coaching, enhanced the role of the coach within the Canadian public, and was a role model for future generations of coaches.

The Geoff Gowan Award was created in 1996 to honour former Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) president Geoffrey Gowan, CM, PhD. The Geoff Gowan Award trophy is housed at Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in Calgary, AB. 

Award Recipients
  • 2020: Denis Beaudoin, ChPC
  • 2019: Phyllis Sadoway, ChPC
  • 2018: Manon Perron, ChPC
  • 2017: Dany Boulanger
  • 2016: Glenn Hoag
  • 2015: Dr. John Hogg
  • 2014: Robert (Bob) Kierstead
  • 2013: Dennis Marineau
  • 2012*: Victor Zilberman, David Hart
    *Honourable mentions: Manon Perron, Hiroshi Nakamura, and Dennis Marineau.
  • 2011: Allison McNeill
  • 2010: Dr. Dru Marshall
  • 2009: Tim Frick, Keith Russel
  • 2008: Douglas Leigh
  • 2007: Andy Higgins
  • 2006: Clare Drake
  • 2005: Charles Cardinal
  • 2004: Donald Dion
  • 2003: Marilyn Savage
  • 2002: Al Morrow
  • 2001: Doug Clement
  • 1999: Jack Donohue
  • 1996: Geoff Gowan

Jack Donohue Award

The Jack Donohue “Coach of the Year” Award recognized the outstanding contributions of a coach in Canada who exemplified the great qualities of the legendary Jack Donohue. These qualities included: honesty, integrity, a positive attitude, competitiveness, and a love of sport.  

As a founder of the Canadian Association of National Coaches, Jack Donohue was dedicated to the profession of coaching and demonstrated care and concern for his colleagues. Jack taught his athletes to value life, its experiences, and the passion of playing for your country. 

Award Recipients
  • 2019: Sylvain Bruneau, ChPC
  • 2018: Rob Kober, ChPC
  • 2017: John Herdman, ChPC
  • 2016: Mark Smith, ChPC
  • 2015: Lisa Thomaidis, ChPC
  • 2014: Gerry Dragomir, ChPC
  • 2013: Joan McDonald, ChPC
  • 2012: David Ross, ChPC
  • 2011: Marcel Lacroix, ChPC
  • 2010: Melody Davidson, ChPC
  • 2009: Steve Bush, ChPC
  • 2008: Tim Frick, ChPC
  • 2007: Paul Kristofic, ChPC
  • 2006: Kiuli Wang, ChPC
  • 2005: Patrick Oaten, ChPC
  • 2004: Kelly Maniak, ChPC
  • 2003: Michel Larouche, ChPC

Sheila Robertson Award

The Sheila Robertson Award was presented annually to a National Sport Organization (NSO) or Multisport Service Organization (MSO) that consistently demonstrated a value of coaching through its organizational mandate and communications activities. This award encouraged and celebrated organizational support for coach education and professional development, and it greatly contributed to shaping how sport organizations intentionally recognize and include coaches.

Sheila Robertson’s work as a journalist, author, and advocate for women in coaching continues to inspire the sport community in Canada.

Award Recipients
  • 2020: Rowing Canada Aviron
  • 2019: Canadian Lacrosse Association
  • 2018: Tennis Canada
  • 2017: Baseball Canada
  • 2016: viaSport British Columbia
  • 2015: Canada Basketball
  • 2014: Hockey Canada
  • 2013: Rowing Canada Aviron
  • 2012: Speed Skating Canada
  • 2011: Taekwondo Canada
  • 2010: Swimming Canada
  • 2009: Athletics Canada 
  • 2008: Skate Canada
  • 2007: Skate Canada
  • 2006: Diving Canada
  • 2005: Diving Canada