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Canada’s most deserving and influential coaches and sports managers will be honored tonight at the 2019 Petro-Canada Sports Leadership Awards Gala. Among the laureates is Sylvain Bruneau, who will receive one of the most prestigious awards of the night, the Jack Donohue Coach of the Year Award.
Presented by the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC) in partnership with Petro-Canada at the Sheraton hotel in Richmond, the gala honors those who embody the values and competencies of the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) and positively influence the Canadian sport community.
During this gala, Sylvain Bruneau will receive the Jack Donohue Coach of the Year Award, which recognizes the outstanding contributions of a Canadian Coach who exemplifies the qualities of the legendary Jack Donohue. These values include honesty, integrity, positive attitude, competitiveness and a love of sport.
“Sylvain’s personal integrity, competitiveness, and commitment to his athletes are all legendary,” says Lafrenière. “His effectiveness as a coach was evident in September as Bianca Andreescu became Canada’s first athlete to win a Grand Slam tennis tournament. Bruneau helped to develop in Andreescu the resilience and fearlessness she needed to face down the best woman to ever play the game – and win.”
“I am honored to receive this award,” stated Sylvain Bruneau following the announcement. “I think that it is part of a coach’s job to get their athletes to channel their drive and their emotions to achieve higher performance levels. I consider myself privileged to have been able to help them push their limits and eventually reach levels they perhaps thought unreachable. Although tennis is an individual sport, it takes a team to form a champion. I would especially like to thank my fellow coaches and Tennis Canada for their continued support. ”
“I am so proud of him,” said Bianca Andreescu. “I must admit that I am not at all surprised that he has won this award and it is certainly the first of many. I am very grateful to be able to count on him and have him as part of my team. ”
Bruneau began his coaching career at the age of 18 while he was still a student. Five years later, he made his first overseas trip with Tennis Canada, which would be the beginning of a great adventure. Since then, he has made his way up to the position of National Head Coach for the women’s program. During his 35-year career, he coached and supported Canada’s top junior and professional players with one only goal in mind: help them to reach their full potential. Throughout his career, Bruneau has showed his sporting and human values while demonstrating his tactical skills and ability to analyze the game. These skills have helped establish him as a renowned and respected coach, both in Canada and on the international circuit.
Photo en vedette: Sara-Jade Champagne