“We are proud to support and develop the 2019 Canada Games apprentice coaches through continued National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) education,” says Lorraine Lafrenière, CEO of the Coaching Association of Canada. “This is an important program, which targets increased participation for Indigenous and women coaches.”

The AACP is a partnership between the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC), the Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies (PTASBs), the Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives (PTCRs), the Canada Games Council (CGC), and the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC). The program provides the opportunity for each Province and Territory to send 2 coaches of aboriginal ancestry to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles.

“The Aboriginal Sport Circle is very proud of the inclusive partnership that was developed, in order to provide support and professional development opportunities to the Aboriginal Apprentice Coaches that will attend the 2019 Canada Games. Thank you to the CGC, CAC and PTCRs for their ongoing support of the AACP. “ Heather Kaulbach, Executive Director, Aboriginal Sport Circle.

Below is the list of apprentice coaches taking part in the AACP:

• NL | Trent Pennell | Badminton
• QC | Paul Vollant | Men's Hockey
• MB | Ocean Albert | Badminton
• MB | Scott Antaya | Hockey
• AB | Perry Sawyer | Boxing
• AB | Anne-Marie Behnke | Figure Skating
• BC | Jennifer Gilligan | Women's Hockey
• BC | Curtis Smecher | Archery
• NU | Murteza Dareshshopipour | Badminton
• SK | Vernon J Linklater | Boxing
• PE | Logen Lewis | Archery
• NT | Lori Rutherford | Biathlon
• NT | Neco Towtongie | Hockey
• YK | Michael Tuton | Hockey
• YK | Sarah Walz | Archery

The Women in Coaching Apprenticeship Program (WiCAP) is a partnership between the PTCRs, the CGC, and the CAC. This program provides the opportunity for each province and territory to send two female coaches to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles.

“We have heard from apprentice coaches who have been involved with these programs in the past that it's an incredibly valuable experience,” says Tom Quinn, Canada Games Council Chairman. “These apprentice coaches will be mentored under top level coaches in their respective sport disciplines and will have direct involvement in preparation and competition.”

Below is the list of apprentice coaches taking part in the Women in Coaching Program.

• AB| Katya Dittrich | Biathlon
• AB | Alanna Butler | Cross Country Skiing
• BC | Jennifer Gibson | Long Track Speed Skating
• BC | Andrea Stapff | Cross Country Skiing
• MB | Mary Prendergast | Speed Skating
• MB | Amanda Pierson | Gymnastics
• NB |Sandrine Caron | Cross Country Skiing
• NB | Cathleen Trafton | Alpine Ski
• NL | Nancy Oliver | Badminton
• NL | Julie Blanchette | Gymnastics
• NS| Kirsti Mason| Ringette
• NS | Shauna Neary | Hockey
• NU | Lisa Kresky | Gymnastics
• ON | Ally Dandy | Alpine
• ON | Angele Caporicci | Biathlon
• PE | Sami Senter | Women’s Hockey
• PE | Caitlin Campbell | Biathlon
• QC| Élaine Allard | Wheelchair Basketball
• QC | Marie-Pierre Parent | Biathlon
• SK | Mel Brockman | Ringette
• SK | Tasje Sharron | Figure Skating
• NWT | Whitney Weaver | Judo
• NWT | Tehnille Gard | Hockey

For more information about the AACP click here

For more information about the Women in Coaching Program click here.