The Province is proclaiming the week of Sept. 17-24, 2011 as "B.C. Coaches Week" to encourage British Columbians to celebrate the valuable contribution these mentors make to their communities.

Coaches are key players in supporting the development of B.C.'s athletes at all levels of participation and in high-performance athletics. Note, for example, Team BC's capturing the Western Canada Summer Games trophy for the tenth time earlier this summer in Kamloops. This win is an affirmation of the strength of British Columbia's sport system.

To support the development of coaches in the Province and mark "B.C. Coaches Week", the Coaches Association of B.C. is offering free National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) courses in: Armstrong, Courtenay, Creston, Ladysmith, Merritt, Osoyoos, Salmon Arm, Terrace and Vanderhoof.

Quotes:

Gord Hopper, president, Coaches Association of B.C. -

"We know that by enhancing coach quality, we can help to motivate new leaders and strengthen our communities. Every child deserves a certified coach!"

Quick Facts:

• In 2011-12, the Province is dedicating more than $2 million to support the development of coaches in B.C.
• The National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) is a coach-training and certification program for different sports across Canada. The Coaches Association of B.C. offers several of the multi-sport components of the competition coach stream to coaches throughout the province.

Learn More:

About the Coaches Association of B.C.: http://www.coachesbc.ca/

About becoming a member of the Coaches Association of B.C.:

http://www.coachesbc.ca/membership-benefits

To access the free NCCP courses being offered by the Coaches Association of B.C.: http://www.coachesbc.ca/coaches-week/schedule/free-nccp

Contact:

Jeff Rud
Communications Director
Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development
250 208-4028