TORONTO (December 1, 2014) – The Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) is delighted to announce that Richmond Hill, Ontario and the Sheraton Parkway North Hotel have been selected as the host city and venue for the Ontario Coaches Conference to be held on February 20-22, 2015.

The Conference has become a signature event on the provincial sport event calendar since 2007, involving community volunteers to full-time professional coaches from as many as 67 sporting disciplines, including those who will be working with Pan Am and Parapan Am Games athletes. This year the CAO is happy to announce a partnership with the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario to offer a stream specific to the High Performance coaches.

"Whether as a volunteer coach of a community soccer team or a professional coach of high performance athletes, coaches are critical to the success of athletes and para-athletes by training and inspiring them to achieve their very best," said Hon. Michael Coteau, Ontario's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. "The value and expertise of our coaches is evident across Ontario. Our government is very pleased to support the participation and professional development of Ontario coaches at the Ontario Coaches Conference in Richmond Hill next February."

“We recognize the tremendous value in bringing coaches from different sports and different communities together annually. It provides an opportunity to connect and realize how valued the coaches are in this province and we appreciate the Government of Ontario’s support”, says Sheilagh Croxon, Chair Coaches Association of Ontario.

Richmond Hill is an ideal setting for the 2015 Ontario Coaches Conference. With Toronto hosting 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, Richmond Hill offers proximity to the new Markham Pan Am Centre. Conference highlights include inspirational keynote speakers, National Coaching Certification Program workshops, and networking opportunities.

The Ontario Coaches Conference is hosted by the Coaches Association of Ontario with the generous support of the Ontario government. Thanks to funding received through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport’s Quest for Gold program, Ontario coaches are able to participate in this professional development opportunity at a subsidized cost.