The first ever National Coaches Week is September 19-27. An initiative of the Coaches Association of Canada and the Provincial and Territorial coaching organizations, this week celebrates the tremendous positive impact coaches have on athletes and communities across Canada. This week is an opportunity to recognize coaches for the integral role they play by simply saying #ThanksCoach.
The BC Games and Team BC are part of BC’s athlete development pathway, but also provide an important opportunity for coaching development. Organizations like Cross Country BC have seen the progression and success of their coaches through these programs.
In honour of National Coaches Week, the BC Games and Team BC are profiling five of our outstanding coaches and saying #ThanksCoach with a gift card and Team BC recognition item.
Tony Chin, Vancouver
Cross Country and Para Cross Country Skiing
1. Why did you choose to get into coaching?
Coaching was never on the radar. I just wanted to be a better skier and took the NCCP program in my quest for better technical proficiency. The rest, as they say, is history!
2. What is your coaching certification level?
Level 4 in training
3. What is your favorite thing about coaching?
Traveling and meeting people. I’ve been to more places in Canada than I would have gone if I wasn’t a coach.
4. Do you have a particular coaching style?
My athletes always know why they are doing something.
5. Which multi-sport Games have you attended?
2004, 2006, 2010, 2012 and 2014 BC Winter Games
2011 and 2015 Canada Winter Games
2010 Winter Olympics (Official)
6. How is coaching at a multi-sport Games different from a single sport event?
There is greater pressure to do well when you put on that coveted Team BC jacket!
7. What was your favorite memory from coaching at the BC Games or Canada Games?
Seeing the athletes from different parts of the province or Canada develop lifelong friendships.
8. Do you have a coach mentor and what have you learned from him/her?
I do not have a mentor but I never miss an opportunity to pick another coach’s brain!
9. What has been your best success in coaching?
My greatest joy is seeing the high number of my former athletes give back to the sport by becoming ski instructors or ski coaches.
10. What are your next goals as a coach?
Share my experience and knowledge with those eager to become coaches.
ViaSport is the lead for National Coaches Week in British Columbia. Read more about how you can recognize coaches and all the activities taking place around B.C.
PHOTO: Tony Chin out skiing in his 2011 Canada Winter Games Team BC jacket.