News Release

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The provincial government recognizes National Coaches Week, which runs Sept. 23-30.

The week celebrates coaches, who play an integral and largely volunteer part in Canadian sport. National Coaches Week encourages people to say thanks and celebrate the positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities.

“Coaches are dedicated and work hard all year to promote the growth and development of their athletes,” said Tourism, Heritage and Culture Minister John Ames. “Coaches inspire good sportsmanship, co-operation and the pursuit of goals in the athlete’s sport and personal life. I join with everyone celebrating National Coaches Week to salute those coaches who make a positive impact on the lives of our athletes.”

Coaches play a major role in ensuring that all athletes, regardless of skill, learn to enjoy and appreciate physical activity through organized sport. Nurturing this interest in physical activity at an early age is essential to developing lifelong healthy behaviours, which in turn supports the overall wellness of the population.

“Your government believes that a strong sport and recreation system contributes to making New Brunswick the best place to raise a family,” said Ames.

Increasing physical activity and decreasing sedentary behaviour among children and adolescents provides several health benefits and supports the goals of New Brunswick’s Wellness Strategy, the Framework for Recreation in Canada and the Canadian Sport Policy.

In 2016, 382 male and 311 female New Brunswickers completed a course through the National Coaching Certification Program.

More information on National Coaches Week is available online or by calling Coach NB at 506-444-3888.