CANADA — On November 11, the CAC was honoured to support the Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) in their presentation of the National Indigenous Coaching Awards, which recognize coaches who strive to foster the development of the whole individual through sport.
In addition to their coaching achievements, recipients of this award have demonstrated a personal commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and fair play while acting as positive role models. Recipients also exemplify a commitment to a holistic lifestyle – one which embraces personal, physical, mental, cultural and spiritual capacities.
Jeff Ross is a national level volleyball coach from North Battleford, SK, where he is the current head coach of the Douglas College Women’s Program and an assistant coach with the UBC Thunderbirds Women’s Program. He is involved at all levels in the sport of volleyball. From grassroots sport and player development to high performance coaching with Volleyball Canada’s National Women’s program from 2019-2021, to his involvement with Indigenous sport through the North American Indigenous Games teams. In addition to mentorship and professional development, Coach Ross is also heavily involved at the grassroots sport development level in the club volleyball system within Volleyball BC which allows him to remain grounded in the foundational aspects of coaching, and community engagement.
“The Aboriginal Sport Circle is honoured to be celebrating the accomplishments and impact Renée and Jeff have made for Indigenous youth. The National Indigenous Coaching Awards not only celebrate a coach’s achievements but the positive influence they create by being committed to the principles of sportsmanship, fair play and being a positive role model. Renée and Jeff are leaders within the Indigenous sport community and are blazing the path for Indigenous youth across the country.” states Matt Tapper, ASC Chief Executive Officer.