By Sarah Tone, Communications Coordinator

The Canada Games Apprenticeship Programs provide coaches with a practical and integrated major national multi-sport games experience. Selected coaches have direct involvement in preparation and competition and receive support from an identified mentor coach throughout the duration of the program. 

Four Manitoba coaches have been selected to participate in the 2023 Canada Games with Team Manitoba in apprenticeship roles. Congratulations!

 

Aboriginal Apprentice Coach Program

This program is a partnership between the Aboriginal Sport Circle, Canada’s Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies, Provincial/Territorial Coaching Representatives, the Canada Games Council, and the Coaching Association of Canada. It provides the opportunity for each province and territory to send two coaches of Aboriginal ancestry to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles.

 

Brad Stevenson – Badminton
Brad has been involved in badminton for the past 30 years. He’s participated as an athlete and has been coaching at different levels for over 20 years. Through this program, he hopes to continue to grow his knowledge, expand his teaching techniques, and continue to have a major impact on helping youth learn more about the sport. 

Kyler Murray – Badminton
Kyler has assisted in coaching at his local high school and trained during the 2019-2020 badminton tournament season. He is an advocate in the sport and is excited to assist in shaping the development of Team Manitoba athletes.

 

Women in Coaching Canada Games Apprenticeship Program 

This program is a partnership between the Sport Manitoba Coaching, Manitoba’s Provincial Sport Organizations, the Canada Games Council, and the Coaching Association of Canada, that provides the opportunity for each province and territory to send two women coaches to the Canada Games in apprenticeship roles. 

 

Cassandra Groen – Hockey
Cassandra strives to create a safe and positive environment for other females in coaching by mentoring and breaking down barriers.  

Katie Schoenborn – Ringette
Katie has been coaching for over 12 years and has attended events such as the 2018 Manitoba Winter Games, 2017 Western Canadian Ringette Championships, and multiple provincial championships. She is known to bring a positive energy and excitement to the bench and has an immense passion for continuing the development of ringette in Manitoba.