National Coaches Week Sept 15-21, 2025
Coaches put in time and resources to coaching our student-athletes. Thank a coach today.
Coaches put in time and resources to coaching our kids. Thank a coach today.
Check out all the ways to participate in coaches week for coaches, athletes, administrators, schools and clubs.
Future of Sport in Canada Commission has released its Preliminary Report, which sets out 71 preliminary recommendations aimed at enhancing safe sport and improving the sport system in Canada.
The Preliminary Report is structured in two parts:
Part I examines the leadership, alignment, funding and governance of the Canadian sport system. It identifies a leadership void, an overemphasis on high performance sport, a misalignment among sport organizations, widespread funding challenges and inadequate governance across the system. The Commission calls for the creation of a Centralized Sport Entity to provide national leadership in sport and physical activity, a shift toward horizontal and vertical alignment among sport organizations, a fundamental overhaul of funding strategies and stronger governance practices.
Part II addresses safe sport—calling maltreatment in Canadian sport both widespread and on-going. It proposes a national strategy centered on prevention, response, and support. Key recommendations include standardized education and training, mandatory background screenings, improved safe sport complaint mechanisms, and a national public registry of sanctioned individuals.
Feedback on the preliminary recommendations will be gathered during the National Summit on the Future of Sport which will take place on September 8 and 9, 2025 and September 11 and 12, 2025 in Ottawa, Ontario.
An online feedback form is also now available to provide feedback on the findings and recommendations of the Preliminary Report. The form will remain open until September 29, 2025.
This feedback will help inform the findings and recommendations in the Commission’s Final Report, which is set to be published in early 2026.
The Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association is proud to announce a historic rebrand: effective immediately, the organization will be known as School Sport Alberta. This refreshed identity marks a bold step forward for the nearly 70-year-old organization, better aligning with its mission to empower high school student-athletes and celebrate the passion of school sport in Alberta.
“For almost 70 years, we’ve been the heart of high school sport in Alberta,” said Brad Van Raalte,, Executive Director of School Sport Alberta. “Our new identity captures the energy and excitement of what we do every single day. We are focused on celebrating our student-athletes and fostering a love for the game, and this rebrand signals a vibrant new era for school sport across the province.”
UPDATED CLASSIFICATION STRUCTURE
Coinciding with the rebrand is a significant update to School Sport Alberta’s classification structure. Beginning this school year, the long-standing four classification system will evolve into five classifications, designed to better reflect the province’s diverse school sizes:
● 1A: <75 students
● 2A: 75-249 students
● 3A: 250-699 students
● 4A: 700-1399 students
● 5A: 1400+ students
For more information about School Sport Alberta, including championship events, programs, and resources, visit schoolsportalberta.ca and connect with us on social media.
Follow School Sport Alberta:
● Instagram: @SchoolSportAlberta
● YouTube: @SchoolSportAlberta
● Facebook: /SchoolSportAlberta
● LinkedIn: /company/SchoolSportAlberta
In accordance with its mandate, the Future of Sport in Canada Commission has launched its online public survey.
This survey seeks input from the Canadian public about their experiences in, and perspectives regarding the Canadian sport system. The survey will remain open until the publication of the Preliminary Report in late August 2025.
The survey contains 2 sets of questions: the first set is about improving safe sport in Canada and the second set is about improving the Canadian sport system. You can answer questions about one theme or both. The survey will take approximately 5 to 25 minutes to complete, depending on your responses. You will have the option to save your progress and return to complete the survey at a later time.
The survey contains only multiple-choice questions and includes definitions to help your answers be more precise.
Participation in the survey is voluntary. By taking part in the Commission’s survey, you have an opportunity to share your views on improving safe sport in Canada and the Canadian sport system as a whole. The results from the survey will be aggregated and together will contribute to a larger national effort to build a safer, more inclusive, and more accountable sport environment for all Canadians. Thank you!
The Brian Maxwell Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year to six student-athletes who will be continuing their post-secondary education at a Canadian College or University. Three males and three females are awarded a scholarship of $5,000. Preference is given to a student whose character is reflective of qualities that Brian Maxwell demonstrated in his life: honesty, integrity, compassion and an unwavering quest to accomplish the best they can, academically and athletically, while supporting fellow team members.
An awards reception will be held August 15th in Stouffville for the six students, their families and special teacher-coaches from their respective schools.
Congratulations to the 2025 scholarship recipients:
Four deserving student-athletes from Ontario High Schools have been awarded $500.00 scholarships by the OFSAA Alumni Association. More than 65 applications were received from the following eligible associations: EOSSAA, LOSSA, ROPSSAA, SOSSA, TDSSAA and WOSSAA. This year’s winners are: Annika Squires from Thousand Islands SS (EOSSAA), Giuliana Marra from Medway HS (WOSSAA), Justin Davidson from Ancaster High SS (SOSSA) and Liam Frias from TL Kennedy SS (ROPSSAA).
OFSAA would like to congratulate Justin, Giuliana, Liam and Annika and wish them well in all of their future endeavours.
For more information on the criteria for selection and application requirements, please go to: https://www.ofsaa.on.ca/recognition/scholarships/ofsaa-alumni/
Justin Davidson is a grade 12 student at Ancaster HS in Hamilton. Justin was involved in five different senior sports teams at the school including volleyball, water polo, cross country, track and field and baseball while at the same time maintaining an average of over 97% during his final year of high school. Justin was also an executive member of the school’s athletic council in each of his four years and was also an outstanding musician in both the concert and jazz bands at the school. He has also acted as an orientation leader for incoming students at the school and has been a tutor in Math and Science for his fellow students. His community outreach is highlighted by his involvement as a volunteer team leader in the community BRIGHT RUN fundraiser and as an active participant in community food drives, baseball and softball. Justin believes that his involvement in school sport has allowed him to develop confidence, leadership skills and a true sense of belonging in his school community. One of Justin’s teachers had this to say about him: “Justin is a versatile athlete who has contributed in a myriad of ways to Ancaster High School Athletics and has demonstrated commitment, passion, and leadership in his four years as a Royal.” In the fall, Justin will be attending McMaster University to study Integrated Biomedical Engineering and Health Sciences.
Liam Frias is a grade 12 student at TL Kennedy SS in Mississauga. During his time in high school, Liam participated in basketball, ultimate, volleyball and track and field. In addition, Liam was involved as a Student and Spirit Lead in the Student Athletic Association, was a photographer in the Yearbook Club and was part of the school’s Rock Band. In spite of his busy schedule, Liam was able to maintain a 90% average during his final year of high school. His community involvement included volunteering as an organizer in the local Terry Fox Runs, organizing and running elementary volleyball and basketball tournaments and he is an active member in his Church choir as a leader of the children’s group. In his application, Liam said this about the role of high school sports in his overall development: “Based on my experiences, I believe that learning about sports is just as much about learning about oneself. The impact that high school sports has had on me extends past the court and into my everyday life.” One of his teachers had this to say about Liam: “Liam is a vital member of our T.L. Kennedy school community and has taken on many leadership roles during his high school years. Liam takes great pride in his ability to be able to be the voice of his peers and his school community as a whole.” In September, Liam is going to study Nursing at McMaster University.
Giuliana Marra is a grade 12 student at Medway HS in Arva (London). Another outstanding student-athlete with an average of 96%, Giuliana participated in five different sports during her high school career. Being involved in wrestling, cross country, swimming, track and field and soccer clearly illustrate how organized and dedicated Giuliana was towards both her studies and athletics. In addition, Giuliana was a member of many different school organizations, including the Student Athletic Association, Student Council, Best Buddies Club and the Concert Band. Her community involvement was extensive and included volunteering as a coach for the London Special Olympics and the London Youth Soccer Organization along with being an active advocate for foster placements for feral kittens. In her letter to the committee, Giuliana emphasized that “sport quickly became a catalyst and pathway for my growth. I challenged myself by pursuing sports I had never tried before—cross country, wrestling, swimming, and track and field—and embraced the discomfort of being a beginner. ” In his letter of recommendation to the committee, one of Giuliana’s teachers said this about her: “Giuliana is an elite athlete who excels in multiple sports, including soccer, track, and cross country, yet she is always willing to step out of her comfort zone and embrace new challenges, as demonstrated when she joined the wrestling team in grade 9. Giuliana’s relentless determination and love for learning truly sets her apart from her peers.” In the fall, Giuliana will be studying either Health Sciences or Kinesiology at McMaster University.
Annika Squires is a grade 12 student at Thousand Islands SS in Brockville and she plans to study Education at Nipissing University in the fall. During her time at Thousand Islands, Annika took part in the following sports: cross country, track and field, basketball, volleyball, swimming and soccer while maintaining a 92% average in her academic courses. She was also a student-trustee with the Upper Canada DSB, the Co-President of the school’s Student Council, and Vice-Chair of the Student Equity Committee. Annika was also heavily involved in community organizations including Girls Inc. Upper Canada, Prescott Figure Skating Club and the Brockville Privateers Rugby Club. Most recently, she was awarded the “Big Impact” Award by the Big Sister, Big Brother Organization. In her personal statement, Annika stated that sports “taught me to work under pressure, stay disciplined, support my teammates, and lead through both wins and setbacks.” One of Annika’s teacher-coaches said this about her importance to the athletic program at Thousand Islands: “Annika is an encouraging and motivating force for her teammates, always encouraging them to do their best. She is always her team’s biggest cheerleader.”
To view the latest edition of the SHSAA monthly eNewsletter, please click here.
By SHSAA Office, 04/29/25, 10:00AM
To view the latest edition of the SHSAA monthly eNewsletter, please click here.
By SHS
To view the latest edition of the SHSAA monthly eNewsletter, please click here.
To view the latest edition of the SHSAA monthly eNewsletter, please click here.
Our winter championships and festivals in February and March once again brought out the best in student-athletes across Ontario.
Read about the team accomplishments and the individual achievements in hockey, swimming, wrestling, curling, volleyball and basketball in the Spring Issue of the Bulletin Magazine. We also give props to the four worthy recipients of the 2024-25 Character Athlete Award.
Best of luck to all coaches and student-athletes who have punched their ticket to our OFSAA events coming up soon in late May and early June.
Click here to read about this winter season student-athletes and their successes.
To view the latest edition of BC School Sport newsletter click on month
Click here to view the latest edition of the SSNS newsletter and year end summary
Congratulations to Kate MacDonald: June’s ASAA Alberta Milk Athlete of the Month!
The ASAA is proud to name Kate MacDonald from Bawlf School as our Female June Alberta Milk Athlete of the Month! Kate is an exceptional student-athlete who truly embodies the athletic spirit.
Her impressive year includes:
Cross Country: Gold at Zones, 10th at Provincials, and bringing home Bawlf’s first-ever 1A Team Provincial Championship.
Volleyball: Cheered on her team as the Bawlf Wildcat mascot at 1A Provincials, showing incredible sportsmanship and team unity.
Basketball: Led her team to numerous tournament wins, a first-place league finish, a second at Zones, and a 4th place finish at 1A Provincials, earning a Player of the Game nomination.
Badminton: Gold at City’s/Counties and Areas, silver at Zones, and an impressive third in the province at Provincials.
Track & Field: A club athlete with remarkable success! At Zones, Kate achieved 2nd in the 1500m, 1st in the 400m, and 1st in the 800m, earning her the Aggregate Award Winner. At Provincials, she continued to impress with 4th in the 400m, 4th in the 1500m, and 6th in the 800m.
Kate is a hardworking, dedicated, and humorous inspiration to her teammates, classmates, friends, and family. The Bawlf community is incredibly proud of her accomplishments.
Congratulations, Kate!
#AlbertaMilkAthleteoftheMonth#June2025#ProvincialChampion#FemaleAthleteoftheMonth
#asaaprovs#setthebar#AllStatAthlete#Sportsmanship#AlbertasFinest @AlbertaMilk @onthebawlf
Congratulations to James from Eagle Butte High School being awarded the June 2025 ASAA Alberta Milk Male Athlete of the Month!
James is a dedicated and impactful student-athlete who consistently leads his teams to success. His achievements include:
Volleyball: Key member of the Senior Boys team, advancing to 3A ASAA Volleyball Provincials for three years.
Cross Country: Qualified for ASAA Cross Country Running Provincials all three years.
Track & Field:
Consistently medaled in discus at Provincial meets for three years, recently breaking a 6-year-old city record by 2.5 meters.
Qualified for ASAA Provincial Track & Field Championships in three different events, now heading to Zones in four.
His leadership contributed to zone championships and bronze finishes at ASAA Track & Field Provincials for Eagle Butte.
Beyond his athletic prowess, James is a self-driven athlete and a fantastic role model, mentoring other track and field athletes.
The ASAA is proud to celebrate James’s accomplishments and positive influence!
#AlbertaMilkAthleteOfTheMonth#StudentAthlete#EagleButteHighSchool
#SettheBar#AlbertasFinest#ProvincialChampion#asaaprovs#June 2025 #MaleAthleteoftheMonth @AlbertaMilk
Congratulations to our June 2025 Athlete of the Month Presented by @BCMilk, Tyler Hvidston from Penticton Secondary! #BCSSAthleteOfTheMonth
Congratulations to our June 2025 Athlete of the Month Presented by @BCMilk, Kaelyn Chong from Grandview Heights Secondary! #BCSSAthleteOfTheMonth
Congratulations to this year’s Annual Award winners!
These amazing individuals have gone above and beyond in their schools and communities — leading, supporting, and shining in their respective ways.
Special shoutout to everyone who took the time to submit a nomination. Your support helps us recognize the wonderful people who make SSNL programs so special.
#SSNLAnnualAwards#SSNLAwards#SchoolSportsNL#SSNLVarsity
The “School Sport Administrator’s Award” is an Annual Award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. This Administrator’s award is presented to an active member of the P.E.I.S.A.A. to recognize the outstanding contribution of the nominee to school sport within the PEISAA mandate.
2025 recipient is Karen Aucoin Smith
Karen Aucoin-Smith, a tireless advocate for school sport and a dedicated leader at Souris Regional School. Karen first stepped into the role of Athletic Director in 2003 as a temporary fill-in — but by 2008, she had officially taken on the position full-time, and she hasn’t looked back since.
Karen oversees both Intermediate and Senior athletics, consistently championing opportunities for student-athletes, especially in smaller schools. Her dedication ensures that every student, regardless of school size, gets the chance to compete, grow, and succeed through sport.
In addition to her role as Athletic Director, Karen wears many hats: she coaches basketball and badminton, helps run and judge track and field events, and is a constant presence at school competitions — making sure things run smoothly for athletes, coaches, and officials alike.
Her commitment extends beyond the walls of the gymnasium or the sidelines of the field. Karen works hard not just for her students, but for the entire Souris community, bringing heart, leadership, and excellence to everything she does.
The Merit Award is an award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. The Merit Award is presented to one active member of the P.E.I.S.A.A. per year to recognize a career of outstanding contribution to P.E.I. school athletics. The Garth Turtle Merit Award is presented annually to a dedicated member of the PEISAA who has demonstrated outstanding contributions to school athletics in Prince Edward Island. This year, we are proud to recognize Kellie Steele as the deserving recipient.
Kellie Steele embodies the spirit of the Garth Turtle Merit Award, an honor truly earned through years of service, leadership, and unwavering dedication to school sport in Prince Edward Island.
Kellie has been a passionate and unwavering supporter of school sports for over 30 years. Her journey with the PEISAA began as a student-athlete and evolved into roles as a coach, parent, spectator, and school athletic director. Through each of these roles, Kellie has consistently shown a deep commitment to the growth and development of student-athletes.
Her passion lies in coaching and mentoring, and she has coached nearly every school sport offered, including Provincial Field Hockey teams, always striving to guide her athletes to be their best both on and off the field. She is known for the strong, lasting connections she builds with her athletes, earning their trust and respect through her dedication and support. Her deep connections with students and her ability to motivate and support them have earned her immense respect across the Island.
As an athletic director in the demanding junior high environment, Kellie consistently put sports first. She coordinated schedules and tournaments with fairness and competition in mind, not advantage. Kellie went above and beyond to ensure every athlete had the opportunity to participate, grow, and succeed. She encouraged students to volunteer, host events, and take on leadership roles, helping them gain valuable experience and confidence. She maintained strong relationships with fellow coaches, referees, and administrators, and always handled both victories and defeats with the class and dignity the role demands. Her approach has fostered a strong sense of community and pride in school sport.
The “Builders’ Award” is an Annual Award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. This Builders’ Award is presented to a former member of the P.E.I.S.A.A. to recognize an outstanding contribution towards the promotion and development of School Athletics in Prince Edward Island.
Dedication to students, athletes, and the broader community has spanned decades.
Peter has worn many hats over the years: a passionate educator, a dedicated volleyball coach, and a highly respected basketball referee. Through each of these roles, he’s left an enduring impact—teaching not only skills and strategy, but values like discipline, respect, and perseverance.
In the classroom and gymnasium, Peter was known for creating a space where students felt seen and supported. On the volleyball court, he built strong, unified teams that competed with integrity. And as a basketball referee, he earned admiration for his fairness, calm demeanor, and deep knowledge of the game.
What makes Peter truly exceptional is not just his experience, but his character. He never looked for recognition—he simply showed up, gave his best, and made those around him better. His influence can be seen in the lives of countless students, athletes, and colleagues who carry his lessons forward every day.
The “Coach Award ” is an Annual Award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. This award is presented to one active member of the P.E.I.S.A.A. per year in recognition of a significant contribution coaching contribution made to team or teams in the PEISAA. It is the position of the Awards Committee that this Award emphasize the “humanitarian aspect” and not necessarily focus solely on “competitive success”.
A coach whose name has become synonymous with discipline and tradition in high school basketball in PEI. But aside from basketball, he has also been deeply involved in developing athletes in a plethora of sports including volleyball, cross country, badminton, and track and field—often coaching from September to June and across 2 different schools during the same year, his presence is felt in plenty of PEISAA venues.
After 17 seasons at the helm of TOSH AAA men’s basketball, he is stepping down. This coach didn’t just lead a team—he ran a regimented program. A strict system. A demanding culture. You didn’t show up late. You didn’t slack off and you worked.
He was a firm, authoritative leader. Practices were precise, expectations were high, and excuses were few. But behind that hard edge was a relentless drive to make players better—on and off the court. He didn’t coddle. He challenged. And year after year, his teams reflected that toughness: disciplined, focused, and ready for battle on the court.
He leaves the game with multiple provincial championships and tournament victories—but more than that, he leaves with the respect of the hundreds of athletes he has coached over the years. And now, tonight, he receives this provincial Coaches Award—recognizing not just success in coaching, but the character, conviction, and clarity that it took to build it.
His voice may fall silent, but his influence will echo in every gym his players walk into.
This award is very special to us here at the PEISAA. Given to a student in Grade 12 and meeting requirements to graduate in the current year.
This is not an academic award, however it is a “Student Athlete” award and therefore the student must have an average over 70% during their Grade 12 year.
The student must have participated in at least 2 (two) PEISAA sanctioned sports during their Grade 12 year, individual or team sports.
Students must have at least a 70% average in grade 12. Participation in PEISAA sanctioned activities during their grade 12 year. Outstanding display of “Being a Good Sport” when participating in PEISAA events. Involvement in other activities within their school. Involvement in the community, volunteer work, etc.
Ashley is a very high achieving student with marks that reflect that and was on the student council. She played numerous PEISAA sports and excelled at each including golf, cross country, soccer (Captain), basketball (Captain), power lifting, badminton, rugby, high school hockey, and Track and Field. She also excelled outside of school in her community by volunteering at the Western Hospital, coach youth basketball and flag football and referee soccer as well as serve on STOMP a group to eliminate youth vaping as well as participate in the choir.
The “Officials Award” is an annual award presented by the Prince Edward Island School Athletic Association. This Officials Award is presented to one active member of a PEI Officials Association per year in recognition of a significant contribution to the officiating of PEISAA sanctioned events Officials and recognize an individual who goes above and beyond in their commitment to school sport through officiating. This year, we are proud to recognize Jeff Thompson — a dedicated official whose passion, integrity, and work ethic have made a meaningful impact on school soccer.
Jeff came into officiating later in life, bringing with him a wealth of experience from years of playing competitive soccer and supporting his children from the sidelines. Despite starting at a stage when many might shy away from learning a new role, Jeff embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and a desire to continually improve his skills.
Over the past few years, he has taken on a significant number of assignments in soccer — a sport where it is increasingly difficult to find officials, especially in the fall. Games often start early in the afternoon as daylight fades, making it particularly challenging for those balancing full-time jobs. Jeff, however, has consistently made the effort to be available, even when it meant rearranging his own schedule.
What truly sets Jeff apart is his willingness to go the extra mile — quite literally. Not only has he taken numerous games in and around Charlottetown, but he has also stepped up to officiate in areas with fewer officials, helping ensure schools across the Island have access to qualified referees.
It’s gestures like these that show Jeff’s integrity, professionalism, and genuine love for the game. He doesn’t just officiate — he helps make school sport better for students, coaches, and communities alike.
The Merit Award is the highest honour bestowed by the SHSAA. It is to honour people who have given outstanding leadership and service to the SHSAA and to the promotion of high school athletics in the Province of Saskatchewan.
This award honours people who have provided outstanding leadership, service, and the promotion of high school athletics in the district.
