September 25, 2017 - National Coaches Week is underway across Canada to celebrate the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities. National Coaches Week runs from September 23 to 30 and is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play. Athletes and their parents are encouraged to say thank you to their coaches during the week by simply saying #ThanksCoach and #ThanksCoachTBay in social media channels. E-cards can also be sent to coaches by visiting coach.ca/nationalcoachesweek. 

"Thunder Bay has a proud sports history," said Acting Mayor Joe Virdiramo who delivered a proclamation at a media event today at the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame. "This is due in no small part to the efforts of volunteers who have dedicated themselves to coach our young people. Coaches are a crucial part of building a healthy, active community."

Sarah Potts, the lead on Krista McCarville's rink took the opportunity today to thank the coaches who have helped her become a two-time Northern Ontario women's curling champion and a qualifier for the "Road to the Roar" Olympic Team Pre-Trials set for this November. Former coach Rick Lang and current coach Lorraine Lang are also Sarah's parents.

"I strongly believe that every one of my team's successes and my individual successes has been a direct result of our coach's influence," said Potts. "I think the most important thing they have done for us is believe in our team and instill in us that we absolutely have the ability to achieve our goals." 

"There is no doubt regarding the importance a coach plays in shaping an athlete," said former Canadian National Team wrestler Lou Kok who will be inducted into the Northwestern Ontario Sports Hall of Fame on September 30th. "Coaches are gate keepers that understand the paths that need to be taken and when to take them."

In celebration of National Coaches Week, the Coaches Association of Ontario partnered with five host communities from across the province to deliver National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Community Clinics, with aims to recruit, develop, educate and celebrate community volunteer coaches. Clinics were held in Thunder Bay from September 22 to 24. 

For more information visit thunderbay.ca/nationalcoachesweek.

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Contact: Paul Burke, Special Events Developer, 625-2305