Empowering Leaders Through the Coaches BC Legacy Grant

National Coaches Week, running September 15–21, 2025, celebrates the incredible impact coaches have on athletes and communities across British Columbia. We’re joining the celebration by highlighting our Coaches BC Legacy grant recipients and showcasing the positive difference this grant has made for both coaches and their communities. #ThanksCoach

Coaches and officials play a vital role in the health and well-being of athletes, while also serving as key connectors in their communities. At viaSport, we recognize their selflessness and are committed to supporting them in their efforts. One way we do this is through the Coaches BC Legacy Grant—a program designed to offset costs for projects and initiatives that uplift coaches from equity-deserving backgrounds.

This year, three organizations received the grant and used it to create meaningful opportunities for coaches while advancing the development of youth high-performance athletes.

Horse Council BC, one of our accredited Designated Organizations, supported a coach living in Masset, Haida Gwaii. Living in a remote community made it difficult for her to complete equestrian coaching certification requirements, but the grant allowed her to access certified coaches for lessons and testing. This support not only helped her overcome geographic and physical barriers, it also empowered her to become a role model for equestrians with disabilities—proving it is possible to thrive in sport despite obstacles.

Curl BC used the grant to support three female coaches, who developed practical skills while working with youth high-performance athletes. For many of these athletes, having relatable female role models was the most impactful part of the program. The grant also helped bridge geographic gaps by enabling in-person coaching and expanded post-secondary curling opportunities. A female coach was placed with the UBC women’s team, contributing to strong results at the Canada West Championship and inspiring graduating athletes to return as coaches themselves.

Freestyle BC directed their grant toward a coach who had never before received high-performance training. Equipped with new skills, the coach brought fresh insights back to their community and worked to create a more inclusive environment for athletes who identify as 2SLGBTQI+. This effort has fostered a safer and more welcoming space for the entire team to train and compete.

Initiatives like the Coaches BC Legacy Grant open doors for coaches to grow, lead, and continue to #MakeSportBetter.