By Jordan Bay

Program gives Indigenous coaches valuable Canada Games experience

Feb 21, 2019 | 6:13 PM

This week’s Canada Winter Games has had some special moments in competitions, but just off the fields of play some new coaches are getting a very special chance to experience elite level coaching first-hand.

The Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program (AACP) has provided the chance for each province and territory to send two coaches of Indigenous ancestry to the Canada Games in an apprenticeship role. The 2019 Games see 12 coaches from the program participating in coaching roles, eight of them dring week two.

The AACP was set up just before the 2009 Canada Summer Games in P.E.I. and has been implemented in every event since.

“Basically, the goal is to have indigenous coaches across the country to have the chance to mentor under Canada Games coaches and potentially look at becoming a Canada Games coach in the future,” says Spokesperson Craig MacDougall.

“Depending on the situation, depending on the team, the role of each apprentice coach is a little bit different. We would go from a hockey coach which we have, (they’re) a video coach, right to one that’s on the bench working with the head coach during the games.”

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MacDougall says the program helps create an unforgettable experience at The Games.

“Some places you coach at a community level and that’s where it goes, if you have the chance to come to The Canada Games and experience the competition, but also stay in residence, eat with other teams, be part of the coaching staff, be part of Team Alberta or being part of that whole Canada Games team hopefully will give (users of the program) motivation to continue on.”

Perry Sawyer, an apprentice coach for boxing took a moment to reflect on his experience as an apprentice coach now that his event has concluded.

“I was really, really proud and really, really excited to be a part of this, it’s been a great experience, and I totally believe that anybody that’s been a part of it are feeling the same way,” he remarked. “The program is very important to my people, and for anybody that wants to be a coach and involved in a sport. It’s very informative, keeps you updated, and a good solid support group.”

Sawyer pointed out the only issue he faced during the games was a lack of knowledge about the program itself.

“One thing is some of the coaches weren’t aware of the program, and were unhappy with me being in the corner because I was not a level 3 coach.

“Apprenticeship should speak for itself, but really they didn’t understand it.”