WSC ANNOUNCES COACHING TEAM FOR 2023 IWWF WORLD WATER SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
From left to right: Cole Grant, Jaret Llewellyn, Matt Rini, and Drew Ross. Professional Team Canada Headshots: Johnny Hayward Photography.
In celebration of National Coaches Week, Water Ski Canada is thrilled to spotlight its elite coaching team for the 2023 International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Water Ski Championships. The competition will run from October 7 to October 15, 2023, and will be held at the picturesque Sunset Lakes in Groveland, Florida.
National Coaches Week serves as a fitting moment to honour the dedication, passion, and expertise of our coaches. This year’s team of coaches, all accomplished individuals in their own right, will guide and mentor Team Canada as they aim for victory. The esteemed coaching line-up includes:
- Cole Grant (MB): A dynamic force in the water ski world, Grant brings years of competitive experience and a keen strategic insight, making him an invaluable addition to the team.
- Jaret Llewellyn (AB): A legend in the sport, Llewellyn’s unmatched expertise and insight have garnered him global acclaim. His experience as an Overall Champion and Coach is instrumental for Team Canada.
- Matt Rini (ON): With a background as both a world-class competitor and coach, Rini’s unique blend of tactical knowledge and motivational skill ensures the athletes remain at the top of their game.
- Drew Ross (ON): With a storied career both on and off the water, Ross’s passion and dedication to the sport resonate with every athlete he mentors. His analytical approach to coaching is second to none.
“Each coach on our team brings a distinct set of skills and a wealth of experience. As we celebrate them during National Coaches Week, we are reminded of their unwavering commitment to our athletes and the sport. Their collective expertise positions Team Canada strongly for the World Championships,” said a spokesperson for Water Ski Canada.
The IWWF World Water Ski Championships is a pinnacle event in the water ski calendar, attracting top-tier athletes from around the globe. With the combined guidance of our revered coaching staff, Water Ski Canada is confident in Team Canada’s readiness to showcase their skills on the world stage.
About Water Ski Canada
Water Ski Canada is the national governing body for water skiing in Canada. Our mission is to promote, foster, and develop the sport of water skiing in all its forms throughout the country. We support athletes at all levels, from grassroots to high performance, and work to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
2022 WSWC COACH OF THE YEAR – DAVID WASSILL
Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Congratulations to David Wassill on being named the 2022 WSWC Coach of the Year!
David Wassill is a dedicated and passionate adaptive water ski coach in Canada. He selflessly supports new and accomplished skiers from across the country and caters to each of their needs. From beginner to high performance athletes, Dave takes the time to coach everyone. If there is a question that is asked, he is there to answer or to find the answer. If there is an issue with equipment he finds what is necessary to help the athlete reach their goals.
In recognition of all the great work Dave has done within Canadian adaptive water skiing, Dave was inducted into the Saskatoon Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.
Dave has put an incredible amount of time into growing the adaptive water ski program in Canada and has had amazing success in developing competitive athletes. He is second to none in moving an athlete through the Long Term Athlete Development Model and producing world class competitive athletes. The Adaptive Program in Saskatchewan and other programs across the country have reaped the rewards of this ability. He seeks out potential athletes, plants the seed and helps each athlete grow to their full potential. With his passion, energy and unending commitment to adaptive water skiing, Dave is a great ambassador and builder of the sport.
STEVE BUSH TAKES TOP NATIONAL COACHING AWARD AT THE 2022 PETRO-CANADA SPORT LEADERSHIP AWARDS GALA!
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE COACHING ASSOCIATION OF CANADA
Major awards recognize Bush’s lifelong contributions to Canada’s Water Ski Team and Picard’s contributions to Canada’s national Para snowboard team.
OTTAWA, ON, November 11, 2022 – The Coaching Association of CanadaTM (CAC) will celebrate remarkable achievements in coaching and sport development during the Petro- CanadaTM 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 Coaching 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.
2022 Petro-Canada Sport Leadership Award Recipients Steve Bush (North Vancouver, BC)
Recipient, 2022 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 Coaching Certification Program (NCCP), and inspired future generations of coaches.
Steve Bush has been the Water Ski National Team Head Coach since 1978. In his time as the National Team Head Coach, Team Canada has won over 180 World Championships medals. Internationally recognized, Steve has made an indelible mark on the sport and has put Canada on the map as one of the strongest and most respected water ski nations in the world. He can always be found in conversation with young skiers, giving them tips to improve their skills. Under Steve’s leadership, there has been an increase in the number of athletes competing at world championships events and an increase in the number of junior skiers in Canada.
“Steve has contributed enormously to Canada’s Water Ski National Team and to the sport community in Canada.” says Paul Carson, Chair of the CAC Board of Directors. “Steve truly deserves to be celebrated for his lifelong commitment to coaching, and we are honoured to present him with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of all he has achieved over the past four decades.”
For the full press release CLICK HERE
JOB POSTING: Water Ski & Wakeboard Saskatchewan
NATIONAL COACHES WEEK IS ALMOST HERE & WE’RE SAYING, “Thanks, Coach!”
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2017 WATER SKI & WAKEBOARD CANADA AWARDS – NOMINATE TODAY
