Hayter receives accolades for his athlete-centered approach to injury recovery, inclusion and mental well-being
This National Coaches Week (Sept. 14-20), the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO), the Ontario Ministry of Sport and Hydro One Inc., (Hydro One) are recognizing 15 outstanding coaches with the 2026 Ontario Coaching Excellence Award. The awards, Ontario’s highest honour for coaching excellence, celebrate coaches who are making a lasting impact both on and off the field of play.
This year’s recipients represent the very best in coaching across the province, from developing high-performance athletes to creating welcoming, inclusive and safe sport environments.
Among this year’s honorees are a multi-sport school coach who has spent more than 20 years building one of the province’s most dynamic girls’ sport programs and creating opportunities for hundreds of student-athletes; a high-performance leader in speed skating whose innovative, athlete-centered approach has helped strengthen Ontario’s provincial-to-national development pathway; and a legendary track and field coach with more than 25 years of national and Paralympic success in Canadian athletics.
“Congratulations to all of our 2026 award recipients. It is our privilege to recognize these 15 exceptional coaches for the passion, dedication and care they bring to their athletes and communities every day,” said Jeremy Cross, Executive Director, CAO. “The impact that coaches have goes far beyond the field, they help young people build confidence, resilience and life skills that last a lifetime. These awards celebrate the important role they play in shaping our next generation of leaders, and the future of sport in Ontario. We’re also incredibly grateful to the Government of Ontario and Hydro One for their continued support of National Coaches Week and the Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards.”
Craig Hayter
“Ontario is investing in sport and recreation to ensure people of all ages and abilities have opportunities to participate, compete and succeed,” said Natalie Pierre, Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Sport. “Coaches are a vital part of that work, creating positive, inclusive and safe environments where athletes can grow and reach their full potential. These awards recognize the outstanding coaches who strengthen sport and make a lasting difference in communities across the province. Congratulations to all 15 recipients on this well-deserved honour.”
London volleyball coach Craig Hayter will also be recognized with the Hydro One Safe Play Award for supporting injured athletes throughout their recovery, well-being and continued connection to their team and sport.
“Receiving the Hydro One Safe Play Award means so much to me because creating a safe environment for athletes has always been at the heart of how I coach,” said Hayter. “Before an athlete can truly learn, compete and grow, they need to know they are safe, supported and cared for. To know that I’ve helped create an environment where young athletes feel confident to be themselves means so much. I’m grateful to the London Volleyball Club, my athletes and their families for allowing me to be part of their journey, and I’m proud to be recognized alongside so many coaches who are making a difference in sport across Ontario.”
The 2026 Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards will be presented on Saturday, Sept. 19, at BMO Field in Toronto during a CFL game between the Toronto Argonauts and the Edmonton Elks. In addition to being recognized for their achievements, recipients will receive funding to purchase new equipment, helping keep sport safe, accessible and affordable for the athletes and communities they serve.
Selected from an exceptional group of nominees from more than 32 sports and 46 communities, this year’s recipients embody the impact coaches have across Ontario. Nearly two million people coach sport in the province, and an estimated 75 per cent volunteer their time, representing the largest group of volunteers in Ontario. National Coaches Week and the Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards are an opportunity to say #ThanksCoach and celebrate those who create positive sport experiences, build stronger communities, and help athletes grow.
The 2026 Ontario Coaching Excellence Award winners are:
Amanda Leang, Kemptville Infinity Gymnastics, Kemptville
Bijeesh M Vilasiniamma, Orleans Sports Club, Ottawa
Brett Lumley, University of Windsor & Windsor Essex Athletics Club, Windsor
Colin Johnson, Golden Horseshoe Cycling Hub, Hamilton
Craig Hayter, London Volleyball Club, London
Dave Narwal, Independent Wrestling Club, Brampton
Dylan Gerongco, Lay Up Basketball, Toronto
Jedda Tomlin, Notre Dame High School, Scarborough
Jenny Pellegrino, Smash Raiders Volleyball Club & Team Ontario, Hamilton
John Beduhn, U10 House Leagues Hockey, Sault Ste. Marie
Julie Byers, Speed Skating Ontario, Kitchener
Mike Smith, Dundas Valley Secondary School, Hamilton
Robyn Elliott, Cloverdale Judo Club, Kingston
Virginia Samuel, Brock Public School, Toronto
Wayne Howard, Alpine Ski Club, Stayner
For more information about National Coaches Week across Ontario, visit www.coachesontario.ca/events/coachesweek.
