Lead photo: The Honourable Neil Lumsden – Minister of Sport, Yulissa Agudelo, Jeremy Cross Executive Director – CAO. (Photo credit: CAO). Press release courtesy of the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO).
Toronto, September 16, 2024 – In celebration of the 10th annual National Coaches Week (September 16-22) the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO), the Ministry of Sport, and Hydro One Inc. (Hydro One) are proud to recognize 15 coaches with the Ontario Coaching Excellence Award. From basketball to swimming, the province’s most prestigious coaching award recognizes the power of sport across local communities in Ontario.
Local boxing coach Yulissa Agudelo, received the top coaching honour this past Saturday, for her remarkable contributions to this male-dominated sport, paving the way for young female boxers and coaches. In just 3 years as a coach for Bushido Boxing, she has successfully trained two provincial athletes, with one recently winning a national title. She helps her athletes’ overcome obstacles, and goes the extra mile by organizing skill-enhancing classes, fundraisers, as well as devoting her personal and money time to her athletes.
“Receiving this award, as someone who can represent the dedication of coaches, but as well a woman in this industry is a true blessing. Working in the community and watching the boxers I’ve trained flourish has been an achievement in itself,” said Yulissa Agudelo. “I would like to thank everyone who took time out of their day to nominate me.”
The Coaching Excellence Award recipients were selected from a broad pool of nominations across more than 30 sports and 50 communities. They will receive funding for new equipment to keep their athletes and teams safe and their respective sports affordable and accessible.
“We are excited to honour coach Yulissa for her steadfast commitment and support in developing athletes both on and off the field. The bonds formed through sports play a crucial role in strengthening our communities, and coaches like Yulissa are instrumental in creating those safe, enjoyable, and nurturing environments for youth to thrive,” said Jeremy Cross, Executive Director of CAO.
“Hydro One is proud to support coaches that help build caring connections between athletes, teams and communities,” said Lisa Pearson, Senior Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Hydro One. “With a new season of sport kicking off soon, we are excited to see the positive impact the funding will have on the coaches and their athletes. Congratulations to Micah Bradnam for winning the Hydro One Safe Play award and to all recipients for being recognized.”
The annual awards honour coaches at all levels for their unique commitment to inspiring, innovating, and sharing sports knowledge.
“From little league to the big leagues, coaches are a big part of the success of sport in Ontario and to the development of our athletes, both on and off the field,” said Neil Lumsden, Ontario’s Minister of Sport. “The lessons they teach, and the values they instill are carried by their athletes for life. To everyone being recognized here today, congratulations—and thanks, coach.”
Through the Safe Sport 101 partnership between the CAO and Hydro One each recipient will also receive funding for new equipment to keep their athletes and teams safe and their respective sports affordable and accessible. This continued partnership gives coaches the tools they need to make sports safe, fun, and inclusive for all.
This year marks the 10th annual National Coaches Week, where Canadians say #ThanksCoach for the role coaches play in building safe communities and the positive impact they have on the lives of all participants. In Ontario, one in seven adults is actively involved in coaching, with as many as 75 per cent volunteering their services. For more information about National Coaches Week across Ontario, visit www.coachesontario.ca/events/coachesweek.
About the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO)
The Coaches Association of Ontario is an independent, non-profit organization that supports coaches from community to high performance across all sports in Ontario. For more information, please visit www.coachesontario.ca, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
