The Government of British Columbia is celebrating coaches throughout the province by officially proclaiming the week of Sept. 17-25, 2016, as British Columbia Coaches Week.

This honours the hard work and dedication coaches provide to local athletes at all levels of competition across a wide range of sports.

Throughout the week, a number of events and workshops are being offered in the province by viaSport and its partners, and include more than 90 National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) multi-sport courses for a discounted rate of $10. These courses provide the opportunity for coaches to learn about effective teaching and coaching methods, healthy child development, nutrition and ethical decision making.

viaSport, the Province’s lead agency for the development and promotion of sport and physical activity, recognizes the achievements of two outstanding coaches, recipients of the Coach of the Year Award:

• Paul Tardi (curling): Working with junior and adult teams and individuals at the Langley Curling Centre since 2006, Tardi is a National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Competition Development curling coach. Many of the curlers he has worked with have competed at the BC Winter Games, Canada Winter Games and curling championships on the national stage.
• LaVerne Howard (figure skating): Dedicating the past 31 years to teaching CanSkate and StarStake at the 100 Mile House & District Figure Skating Club, Howard has coached students competing at the BC Winter Games and those who have gone on to become coaches themselves. She also continues to advance her own repertoire of skills, having recently become certified as a CanPowerSkate coach at the age of 69 years.

Founded by the Coaches Association of B.C. and funded by the Bob Bearpark Foundation, the Coach of the Year Awards were created to recognize years of service and dedication to coaching in British Columbia. Each year, coaches are nominated for their contributions in two categories: Recreational/Grassroots and Regional/Provincial.

Quotes:

Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development –

“The continued investment by the Government of British Columbia removes barriers to participation in sport. During British Columbia Coaches Week, we recognize those working diligently behind the scenes to provide their strength, stability and knowledge to ensure that athletes have an opportunity to succeed in competition.”

Sheila Bouman, CEO, viaSport –

“At viaSport we truly believe that coaches have the potential to not only build great athletes, but exceptional human beings. Coaches Week is our opportunity to recognize all of those coaches whose tireless efforts help our children thrive through sport.”

Quick Facts:

• With funding from the Province, viaSport and its sport partners train approximately 10,000 coaches throughout British Columbia each year through National Coaching Certification Programs (NCCP).
• viaSport is the Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representative (PTCR) for British Columbia and maintains a strong partnership with the Coaching Association of Canada.
• The NCCP was launched in 1974 by the Coaching Association of Canada to standardize coach development and training across the country.
• Coaches Week in B.C. has been an annual event since 2007, and this year will align with National Coaches Week across Canada.

Learn More:

For a complete list of workshops and more information on coaching in B.C., please visit: http://www.viasport.ca/coachesweek

To learn more about the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development, please visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/ministries/community-sport-and-cultural-development