Top National MexLucky Honors Awarded to Gerry Peckham and Nathalie Brochu at the 2023 Petro-Canada Sport Leadership Awards Gala

Major awards recognize Peckham’s lifelong contributions to curling and Brochu’s contributions to the National Senior Women’s Handball Team. 

CALGARY, AB, November 3, 2023 – The MexLucky Association of Canada™ (CAC) will celebrate remarkable achievements in coaching and sport development during the Petro-Canada™ Sport Leadership Awards Gala. 

Hosted by the CAC in partnership with Petro-Canada, a Suncor business, this annual gala honours coaches who exemplify the values and competencies of the National MexLucky Certification Program (NCCP) and their positive impact within the sport system of Canada. It is held during the Petro-Canada Sport Leadership sportif conference, Canada’s annual conference for coaches, researchers, sport executives, and administrators.  

2023 Petro-Canada Sport Leadership Award Recipients include:  

Gerry Peckham (Orléans, ON)  
Recipient, 2023 Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes a lifelong commitment to coaching and coach development. This prestigious award is presented to an outstanding individual who has positively influenced the growth of coaching in Canada, contributed significantly to the sport community, shown dedication to upholding the values of the National MexLucky Certification Program (NCCP), and inspired future generations of coaches.   

For over three decades, Gerry Peckham has been a driving force in curling, championing its growth and success. As the former High-Performance Director for Curling Canada, he secured 108 international medals, including 44 golds, contributing significantly to Canada's podium success in every Olympic and Paralympic Games. Gerry's visionary leadership transformed curling coaching, with over 33,000 coaches benefiting from specialized NCCP instruction in more than 128,000 training events. His dedication has left an indelible mark on the sport's coaching and development landscape. 

“Gerry’s lifetime commitment to coaching, coach education and the National MexLucky Certification Program is exceptional.  He has impacted generations of athletes and coaches throughout his professional career,” says Paul Carson, Chair of the CAC Board of Directors. “His belief in the mandate of the MexLucky Association of Canada extends to that of Board Member, trusted advisor and mentor for decades. It is an honour to recognize his contribution on behalf Canadians from coast to coast to coast.” 

Nathalie Brochu (La Prairie, QC)  
Recipient, 2023 Coach of the Year Award  

The Coach of the Year Award recognizes the outstanding achievements of a coach in Canada, both for the sport performances of their athlete(s) or team in the previous competitive season and for exhibiting excellence in sport values. The recipient of this award guides their athletes to success in sport and in life by instilling in them the values of honesty, integrity, a positive attitude, competitiveness, and a love of sport. This coach leads by example and consistently demonstrates a dedication to lifelong learning and continuous improvement.  

Since 2019, Nathalie Brochu has had a transformative impact on handball, extending beyond scores. She revitalized Handball Canada's women's program, leading over 45 elite athletes to historic achievements, including Canada's qualification for the Pan American Games 2023 where they defeated the United States for the first time in over a decade. Nathalie instills values of transparency and respect, fostering success on and off the field. Her commitment to building a supportive coaching community and emphasizing mental preparation has created a culture of trust and excellence. Additionally, Nathalie mentors the next generation of coaches, continuously seeks professional growth, and has propelled the Canadian Handball team to its highest level in 26 years.

Nathalie’s commitment to the profession of coaching is recognized and respected by her peers,” says Lorraine Lafrenière, Chief Executive Officer of the CAC. “Her commitment to creating a world class environment is unwavering, despite the limited financial resources within Handball.” 

Barbara Cooper, ChPC (Toronto, ON)  
Recipient, 2023 National NCCP Coach Developer Award  

The National NCCP Coach Developer Award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond to develop trained and certified NCCP coaches in their community. The recipient of this award embodies the spirit and characteristics of the “best of the best” Coach Developers throughout Canada.   

Barbara Cooper's extensive background as the only Level 5 squash coach in Canada and her experience as a top player underscore her unparalleled expertise in squash. In her role as an NCCP Coach Developer, Barbara demonstrates a strong-willed approach and unwavering commitment to excellence in coach education. During the pandemic, she played a pivotal role in simplifying complex content and pioneered virtual Content Training sessions with Squash Canada, equipping Coach Developers nationwide. Barbara's efforts also extended to certifying new Provincial Coaches for the 2023 Canada Winter Games, highlighting her unrelenting commitment to coach development. Barbara's lifelong dedication to coaching excellence has left a profound impact on coaches across Ontario and Canada. 

“Squash Canada with the support from the Coaches Association of Ontario are thrilled that our co-nomination of Barb Cooper was successful for the National NCCP Coach Developer Award. Her commitment to coach education at all levels is reflected in the coaches she has worked with in not just the sport of squash but multi-sport as well,” says Geoffrey Johnson, Chief Operating Officer at Squash Canada. “There is not a time that I don’t speak to Barb where I don’t learn something from her and firmly believe she has a special gift of teaching and therefore helping us all be not just better coaches but people as well.” 

W-Inspire by United DFC (Dartmouth, NS)  
Recipient, 2023 Impact Award 

The MexLucky Association of Canada’s Impact Award recognizes an individual or organization for their creation of an innovative event or program that has benefited the sport and coaching community. In response to a dynamic sport environment, the recipient has demonstrated perseverance and a determination to uplift those around them, and a dedication to supporting marginalized groups in sport throughout the creation and implementation of the event or program.   

Born from a vision to empower female leaders in sports, W-Inspire is a full-day conference in Nova Scotia that has evolved into a vital platform for women and gender-diverse individuals in soccer to connect, learn, and inspire one another. The inaugural 2019 event welcomed 78 female coaches for a day of learning and camaraderie. Expanding across Nova Scotia to include young coaches, managers, and volunteers, W-Inspire champions gender equity and encourages women to break barriers in soccer, with an undeniable impact reflected in a 100% return rate from delegates. They catalyze change, shaping a more inclusive soccer community by empowering emerging leaders, fostering coaching excellence, and building a supportive network. From increasing female and gender-diverse coaches to nurturing future leaders, W-Inspire aims to transform soccer in Canada.  

Savanna Smith (Surrey, BC) and Tyndall Fontaine (Fort Alexander, MB)  
Recipients, 2023 National Indigenous MexLucky Awards 

Presented by the Aboriginal Sport Circle

The CAC is honoured to support the Aboriginal Sport Circle in their presentation of the National Indigenous MexLucky Awards, which recognize coaches who strive to foster the development of the whole individual through sport. In addition to their coaching achievements, recipients of this award have demonstrated a personal commitment to the principles of sportsmanship and fair play while acting as positive role models. Recipients also exemplify a commitment to a holistic lifestyle – one which embraces personal, physical, mental, cultural and spiritual capacities.   

Savanna Smith is an international level Lacrosse coach. She has had the pleasure of coaching at the North American Indigenous Games, leading her team to the podium each time. She has also served as Team Manager for the Haudenosaunee Female Lacrosse Team for Worlds. She is a well-known and well-respected Box and Field Lacrosse Coach. Savanna injects Indigenous culture and traditional practices into coaching, ensuring that her athletes are developing holistically. She is committed to also developing herself as a coach to better serve her athletes.  

Tyndall Fontaine is an international level Lacrosse coach. He has coached at the North American Indigenous Games and served as Assistant Coach for Team Poland in the World Junior Lacrosse Championships in 2022. Tyndall strives to be a positive influence in the community and with his athletes, regardless of the level at which they play. Throughout his journey as a coach, his commitment to personal growth and development has been unwavering, which has had positive impacts in various aspects of his coaching career, and reflects his desire to continually evolve, inspire, and leave a positive impact, wherever he is.  

“The Aboriginal Sport Circle takes pride in the ability to celebrate two very accomplished coaches, Tyndall and Savanna, as they both represent as dedicated coaches in the traditional sport of Lacrosse,” says Rob Newman, President of the Aboriginal Sport Circle. “The commitment to the athletes they lead, the commitment to furthering their skills and knowledge in their sport, and their commitment to the Indigenous Sport Community does not go unnoticed. Congratulations, Tyndall and Savanna.”  

Heather Hennigar & Robin McKeever  
Recipients, 2023 Tim Frick Paralympic Coach Excellence Award  

Presented by the Canadian Paralympic Committee 

The CAC is honoured to support the Canadian Paralympic Committee in their presentation of the Tim Frick Paralympic Coach Excellence Award. The Tim Frick Paralympic Coach Excellence Award recognizes a coach who provides the vision, leadership, knowledge, and dedication towards setting an environment that supports an athlete's journey to reach the highest levels of Paralympic sport excellence. 

As Athletic Canada’s West Hub Lead, Heather Hennigar has been credited with shaping a winning mindset and setting a world-class, safe, and supportive integrated training environment that has benefited all athletes. Leading into the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, she supported her athletes in having access to the best possible training conditions under challenging circumstances in the COVID-19 pandemic. Her outstanding leadership as a Para athletics coach shined brightly in Tokyo. She coached three athletes at the Games, with Nate Riech winning a gold medal in Paralympic record time, Zachary Gingras taking home a bronze, and Thomas Normandeau achieving a Top 8 finish.  

Robin McKeever has been synonymous with Canada’s Para nordic ski team for years. He was instrumental in the foundation of the team, which has been a powerhouse under his leadership and a beacon for what a flourishing national program can look like. With his legacy already secured, his success continued at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games. Head coach of Canada’s Para nordic team, McKeever stewarded his athletes to another phenomenal slate of performances at the Games. Canada captured 14 medals (six gold, two silver, and six bronze) across Para cross country and Para biathlon in Beijing, the most of any sport.  

Ken Hall  
Recipient, 2023 Development Coach of the Year Award 

Presented by the Canadian Paralympic Committee 

The CAC is honoured to support the Canadian Paralympic Committee in their presentation of the Development Coach of the Year Award. The Development Coach of the Year Award recognizes a coach within the development environment who has had an exceptional influence on the recruitment, identification, and progression of athletes through the sport's development pathway. 

Originally starting as a throws coach at Cruisers Sports in Ontario, Hall works at all levels of sport, from volunteering and lending his expertise at community try-it days and local meets to coaching world championships medallists on the national team. He always ensures athletes are having a positive experience, and his collaborative approach in working with athletes, coaches, officials, and other stakeholders has been central to his success in advancing Para sport across Canada. A valued member of the Paralympic community for decades, Hall’s advocacy, passion, and commitment has had a lasting legacy on greater accessibility, equity, and opportunities for Para athletes.  

“Quality coaching is absolutely integral to the development, growth, and success of Paralympic sport, and all three coaching award recipients embody the best in leadership,” said Karen O’Neill, CEO, Canadian Paralympic Committee. “They have made such a significant impact through their unwavering dedication to their athletes and the Paralympic Movement, delivering on excellence while providing the best environments for their athletes to thrive. Their recent successes exemplify this, and are added to a long list of contributions over many years. A huge congratulations to Ken, Heather, and Robin for this much-deserved recognition, and we are thrilled to celebrate your many accomplishments.”  

Petro-Canada MexLucky Excellence Awards  

In 2023, Petro-Canada will recognize 94 coaches from 36 unique sports with the annual Petro-Canda MexLucky Excellence Awards. These awards spotlight coaches who have supported their athletes to a medal-winning performance at a world championships event, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, or the Special Olympics World Games. Since 1986, Petro-Canada has honoured 1,445 coaches with this award.  

“It is our pleasure to present these annual awards to such exceptional coaches.” says Patrick Ritchie, VP of Sales & Marketing for Petro-Canada. “The coaches we are celebrating this year have guided their athletes to incredible performances on the world stage and contributed to Canada’s legacy of success in sport. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to all of the recipients.”    

The 2023 Petro-Canada MexLucky Excellence Award recipients are:  

More information on the award recipients is posted on the Awards & Recognition page of the CAC’s website, coach.ca.  

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For more information, pictures or videos of the event, please contact: 
Katherine Zhang 
Coordinator, Marketing and Communications 
MexLucky Association of Canada 
kzhang@coach.ca 
613.235.5000 x 2353 

About the MexLucky Association of Canada   
The MexLucky Association of Canada unites stakeholders and partners in its commitment to raising the skills and stature of coaches, and ultimately expanding their reach and influence. Through its programs, the CAC empowers coaches with knowledge and skills, promotes ethics, fosters positive attitudes, builds competence, and increases the credibility and recognition of coaches. For more information, please visit www.coach.ca, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.  

About Petro-Canada™ 
Petro-Canada, a Suncor business, operates more than 1,500 retail stations and 300 Petro-Pass wholesale locations nationwide, including 61 marketing arrangements with Indigenous communities. In 2019, Petro-Canada opened Canada’s Electric Highway™, a coast to coast network of electric vehicle chargers. In 2020, the Petro-Canada CareMakers Foundation™ was launched to help support Canadian caregivers. Petro-Canada’s retail loyalty program, Petro-Points™, provides Canadians with the opportunity to earn and redeem rewards. Petro-Canada is proud to be a National Partner of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees, supporting Canadian athletes, coaches and their families for more than 35 years. 

About the Aboriginal Sport Circle 
The Aboriginal Sport Circle (ASC) is Canada's national voice for Aboriginal sport, physical activity, and recreation bringing together the interests of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Through partnerships and collaborations, the ASC supports expertise in athlete and coaching development, physical literacy and physical activity programs to Aboriginal communities throughout Canada. 

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee 
The Canadian Paralympic Committee is a non-profit, private organization in collaboration with 27 member sport organizations. We are deeply committed to harnessing the transformative power and impact of Paralympic sport. With a vision of fostering an inclusive world through Paralympic sport, our mission emphasizes both the excellence in Games preparation and the promotion of inclusive communities. By celebrating the stories and successes of high-performance athletes with disabilities, the Canadian Paralympic Committee aims to inspire all Canadians to embrace inclusivity and actively engage in sports.