September 16, 2024 (WINNIPEG, MB) – Every year, Sport Manitoba Coaching coordinates free professional development courses and training sessions during National Coaches Week that help coaches maintain their certifications, remain in good standing with their sports, and help prepare them for the upcoming season.
In addition to providing these opportunities again this year, we’re pleased to announce the recipients of the Sport Manitoba Coaching Awards presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries.
Coaches play a crucial role as mentors and role models, shaping our province’s athletes and fostering the core values of sport. They are devoted to helping athletes develop their character, refine their skills, and achieve their fullest potential. National Coaches Week is one of the many ways we honour their dedication, celebrating the profound and lasting influence they have on athletes and our communities.
The award winners are:
Vince Leah Memorial Award – Fundamentals
Bryan Bjornson | Softball | Winnipeg
The Vince Leah Memorial Award – Fundamentals celebrates coaches who engage grassroots-level athletes through a non-competitive, fun-focused approach. Bryan Bjornson, a dedicated softball coach with the Northeast Softball Association, embodies this spirit through his work with U9 and U11 teams.
Bryan’s coaching is centered on inclusivity and enjoyment, ensuring every player has the chance to try different positions and develop their skills. His commitment to creating a positive team environment is evident in the confidence and camaraderie he fosters among the girls. Bryan’s approach includes planning engaging practices, warm-ups, and team-building events like water balloon fights and parent-child games.
His dedication extends to recognizing and supporting players’ emotions, offering encouragement and skill-building opportunities. Bryan’s emphasis on sportsmanship, respect for the game, and enjoyable learning have significantly enhanced his players’ confidence and team cohesion, making each practice and game a rewarding experience.
Konica Minolta Dr. Jack Hunt Memorial Award – Learn to Train
Tristan Caswell | Equestrian | Stonewall
The Konica Minolta Dr. Jack Hunt Memorial Award – Learn to Train recognizes coaches who excel in developing athletes’ competitive skills and preparing them for regional and provincial competitions. Tristan Caswell, a distinguished equestrian coach, exemplifies this dedication. With over 20 years of experience, Tristan is an Equestrian Canada NCCP Certified Competition Coach Specialist, Coach Developer, and Evaluator. She manages Stonehurst Stable, named Stable of the Year in 2023, and heads Urban Stable, helping at-risk youth through horse interactions.
Tristan’s coaching philosophy emphasizes positivity and learning, transforming each ride into a growth opportunity. Known for her calm demeanor and ‘horse first’ mentality, she ensures both horse and rider well-being. Twice voted Equestrian Coach of the Year and praised for her well-organized Winterfest competitions, Tristan’s commitment extends to training coaches and advancing excellence through the Learn to Ride program.
Janet Arnott Memorial Award – Train to Train
Kate Nosworthy | Taekwondo | Winnipeg
The Janet Arnott Memorial Award – Train to Train honours coaches who work with athletes competing at the Canada Games and National Championships. Kate Nosworthy, a taekwondo coach since 2008, embodies this recognition through her exceptional contributions to the sport.
Kate has served on the boards of Taekwondo Manitoba and Taekwondo Canada and has written policies to advance the sport globally. She organizes coaching seminars, hosts national training camps, and mentors coaches with an open-door policy. Known for her professionalism and respect, Kate ensures athletes compete fairly and with integrity. Her focus on personal improvement over outcomes and realistic goal-setting empower athletes. Kate’s coaching has led her athletes to significant achievements, including multiple Team Canada selections. Her dedication extends to careful planning, individualized support, and a commitment to both the emotional and physical well-being of her athletes.
Peter Dick Award – School Systems
John Kiesman | Football | Winnipeg
The Peter Dick Award – School Systems recognizes coaches who excel in extracurricular sports across all grade levels. John Kiesman, a football coach with nine years of experience, exemplifies this dedication through his transformative work at Elmwood.
In 2018-2020, John launched the Provincial Team Prospects Program to offer opportunities to players unable to join the Football Manitoba Provincial team, fostering a sense of provincial pride. Under his leadership, Elmwood’s football program, once ranked near the bottom, now competes at the top level, including AAAA playoffs. John’s commitment extends beyond the field, with a focus on leadership, goal setting, and personal development. He has also made the program financially accessible through community fundraising.
John’s inclusive approach includes a female flag football program and support for at-risk youth, integrating First Nations teachings into his coaching philosophy. Recognized as the 2021 WHSFL Coach of the Year, his impact is evident in both the athletic and personal growth of his students.
Active for Life Award
Michelle Geortzen | Special Olympics (Multi-Sport) | Rosebrook
The Active for Life Award recognizes coaches who inspire athletes to achieve health and fitness for life. Michelle, a dedicated Special Olympics coach since 2013, is a shining example of this commitment. Volunteering in track and field, snowshoeing, bowling, bocce, and softball, she provides athletes with invaluable opportunities and teaches essential skills for each sport.
Michelle’s leadership is evident in the trust she earns from athletes and caregivers, her open communication, and her support for volunteers. She integrates new technology to streamline registration and scheduling, and she ensures athletes, regardless of their Long-Term Development stage, improve their skills and compete confidently. Her enthusiasm and focus on effort over victories fosters a positive environment. Michelle’s dedication includes travelling extensively for events and pursuing leadership training, further enhancing her impactful coaching.
Quotes
“One of Sport Manitoba’s key functions is the training, development, and continued support of our province’s coaches. We want to say #ThanksCoach to coaches who have a positive impact on our youth, shaping athletes as exceptional role models and citizens. A special congratulations to John Kiesman, Kate Nosworthy, Tristan Caswell, Michelle Geortzen, and Bryan Bjornson on being this year’s winners of the Sport Manitoba Coaching Awards presented by Manitoba Liquor & Lotteries! It’s coaches like you who help create a strong foundation for amateur sport to thrive in Manitoba,” shared Janet McMahon, President & CEO, Sport Manitoba.
#ThanksCoach
National Coaches Week runs from September 16-22, 2024, and we’re encouraging Manitobans to post thank you messages to recognize their coaches on social media. Use the hashtag #ThanksCoach, and tag @SportManitoba on Twitter (X) and Instagram, or @SportMB on Facebook.
For more information, please contact:
Sam Cortes
Communications Manager
Sport Manitoba
204-290-7630
sam.cortes@sportmanitoba.ca