Nine Outstanding Coaches Honoured with

Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards

 

As Hollywood handed out Oscars, nine exceptional coaches were honoured on the evening of Saturday, February 26, 2011 for their contribution to sport and leadership at the 2011 Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards.

 

The awards ceremony was held during the 2011 Ontario Coaches Conference at the London Convention Centre.  As their stories unfolded on the big screen, it was clear as to why these coaches are “stars” in their athletes’ eyes. Visit the CAO You Tube channel for video trailers of each coach: www.youtube.com/coachesontario.

 

“To be supported by your peers is an amazing feeling,” states Kirsten Femson, female award recipient in the Development Category.  “To know that people in my community value what I do inspires me to continue to be the best coach that I can be for my athletes.”

 

In attendance was the Honourable Margarett Best of the Ministry of Health Promotion and Sport who gave a heart felt speech that warmed up the crowd of coaches from all across the province.      

 

This year, nine awards were presented to deserving male and female coaches who one after the other, in true coaching style, accepted their award with words of wisdom, humility and inspiration. 

 

Congratulations to the following award recipients:

 

  • Recreation / Grassroots Category Male: Brian Gallant (Golf) – London, Ont.
  • Recreation / Grassroots Category Female: Savoy Howe (Boxing – Toronto Newsgirls Boxing Club) – Toronto, Ont.

 

  • Development Category Male: Master Edward Fong (Taekwondo) – Richmond Hill, Ont.
  • Development Category Female: Kirsten Femson (Synchronized Swimming) Pickering, Ont.  

 

  • High Performance Category Male: Ken Hall (Para-Athletics) Oakville, Ont.
  • High Performance Category Female: Dasa Lelli (Rhythmic Gymnastics), Kanata Ontario

 

  • School Sports (OFSAA) Male: Marc Sauve – Alexandria, Ont.
  • School Sports (OFSAA) Female: Jackie Trudeau – London, Ont.

 

  • Investor’s Group Volunteer Sport Administrator Award: Todd Sargeant (Sledge Hockey) London, Ont.

 

The Coaches Association of Ontario is a non-profit coach-led organization that strengthens development opportunities and provides educational resources for coaches. The CAO promotes coaching ethics and ensures the wider community recognizes the vital role of the coach in the development of sport at all levels. Visit www.coachesontario.ca for more information.