Workshop highlights the importance of coaches for Canada Games success
A day-long workshop with coaches in late May kicked off Team BC’s final weeks of planning for the 2017 Canada Summer Games in Winnipeg.
Team BC Mission Staff provided workshop participants with updates about the athletes’ village, the Winnipeg 2017 venue plan and key services such as transportation.
During a panel discussion, a team manager and two coaches relayed stories and tips learned from previous Canada Games.
Looking for the extra advantage at the Canada Games is an important consideration for a team, according to Debbie Pyne, managing director of British Columbia Golf. At the 2009 Games in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, B.C. was the only province that rented its own vehicles. “So we could take our athletes (to the venue) and they could sleep for 45 minutes. Not that you’ve ever seen a riot in golf, but when all the other provinces got there and realized that we had vehicles, there was almost a riot.”
“We have had lots of success,” said Tine Moberg from the BC Sailing Association. “For a lot of kids, the Canada Games are their biggest pinnacle in
“The privilege of the Canada Games is that it’s such a great environment and bigger stage than what our athletes have seen before,” explained Cavanagh Whitely, head coach of Baseball BC. “Soak it all in, enjoy it. And remember, for the athletes – as much as they want to compete and win – some of them are there for the experience. So it’s balancing success with the memorable moments.”
Team BC will send 355 athletes and 21 Mission Staff to the 2017 Canada Games.
Cavanagh Whitely from Baseball BC shares more tips for coaches attending their first Canada Games.