Photo from left: John Cowan, Coaches Association Ontario Coach Developer; Josh Plant, Huntsville High School, Math Faculty, Coach (Nordic Ski); Greg Pilling, Town of Huntsville, Manager of Facility Operations, Sales and Customer Service; Scott Doughty, Town of Huntsville Maintenance Manager; Brianna Dyer, Customer Service Representative; Councillor Helena Renwick; Jacqueline Surette, Town of Huntsville, Manager of Recreation, Culture and Heritage and Kayla Warden, Town of Huntsville Program Coordinator.
Huntsville marked Coaches Week with a flag-raising ceremony at the Canada Summit Centre today. The Town clock will also be lit for National Coaches Week, running from September 15–22.
“On behalf of Coaches Association of Canada and Coaches Association Ontario, I want to thank the coaches of Huntsville, Lake of Bays, East Parry Sound and schools for their vital contributions to building healthy, active communities,” said John Cowan, Coaches Association Ontario Coach Developer.
He said coaches’ actual impact goes far beyond the scoreboard. “They foster physical, social, cognitive and emotional growth—helping individuals develop resilience, confidence and a sense of belonging.”
Cowan noted that coaches in Canada receive special training and certification. “The long-term development model, pioneered by Dr. Istvan Balyi, guides age-appropriate growth, from early movement skills in childhood to the complex transition of adolescence. The Lean to Train stage, around age 12, is particularly critical as athletes face puberty-related challenges.”
Coaches play a key role in keeping youth engaged, preventing dropout, and ensuring that sports remain a lifelong activity.
Cowan also noted that being active is a commitment to being able to move in a variety of activities, not just a particular sport. It fuels physical and mental health, enables independent living while maintaining a social network over the course of a lifetime.
“Coaching is often overlooked, yet it is essential. Coaches dedicate countless volunteer hours, pursue ongoing professional development, and share best practices to strengthen their communities,” he explained.
“On behalf of the Coaches Association Ontario, I am pleased to offer our incredible coaches free coaching courses being offered virtually for only the week of September 15. Each days is a different course, you can find more details on the Coaches Association Ontario website.”
Cowan recognized the efforts of the Huntsville Sport Hall of Fame who will be holding their annual coach, athlete and team recognition evening at the Algonquin Theatre on September 20.
“As we celebrate National Coaches Week, I encourage athletes and families to thank a coach on Instagram or Facebook using #ThanksCoach, #NationalCoachesWeek. Let’s recognize and celebrate the people who make active, thriving communities possible,” said Cowan.
Huntsville Councillor Helena Renwick thanked Cowan for everything he does for the community on behalf of council.
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