#ThanksCoach VIP Box Returns to Mississauga, Celebrating Coaches and Supporting Local Businesses
MISSISSAUGA, ON, Sept. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- The Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO), in partnership with Visit Mississauga, is bringing back the #ThanksCoach VIP Box for a second year. The limited-edition gift box is once again available free of charge to Mississauga coaches and residents. The boxes were pre-ordered by athletes, parents and sport organizations, and delivered as a surprise to coaches at the beginning of National Coaches Week.
Following the sellout response to the inaugural 2025 box, this year's features products from a variety of independent Mississauga businesses, many of which are owned or operated by coaches themselves. The initiative shines a light on two integral parts of the Mississauga community - coaches and local businesses - and the important role both play in bringing people together, creating opportunities and building stronger, more connected communities.
"The response to the first #ThanksCoach VIP Box was fantastic," said Victoria Clarke, CEO, Visit Mississauga. "Bringing it back for a second year gives us another opportunity to recognize our coaches and our independent businesses. Both give so much back to Mississauga - coaches through the time and energy they dedicate to helping others, and local businesses through the jobs, experiences and connections they create in our community. We hope this campaign inspires residents to say #ThanksCoach and discover some of the incredible independent businesses Mississauga has to offer."
"Coaches give so much of themselves to help athletes grow, not just as athletes, but as people," said Jeremy Cross, Executive Director, Coaches Association of Ontario. "The #ThanksCoach VIP Box is a great way to turn that appreciation into action and give people an opportunity to recognize the coaches who have made a difference in their lives. After seeing the boxes sell out last year, we're thrilled to be partnering with Visit Mississauga again to put local coaches and community businesses in the spotlight during National Coaches Week."
Coaches Makes the Difference
With 1 in 7 Ontarians actively coaching, coaches represent the largest group of volunteers in the province. In Mississauga, over 68,000 coaches play a vital role in creating opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate in sport, build confidence and develop lifelong skills.
"As a former player who transitioned into coaching, I've learned a lot about the many layers this role holds," said Mississauga Dolphins Coach and Technical Director Giovanni MacDonald, "It's easy to think a coach's job is simply to get the team performing at a high level on the pitch, but over time I've come to embrace the intangible aspects just as much; things like helping players build character, develop self-belief, and push through mental obstacles. The #ThanksCoach campaign does a great job highlighting these often-overlooked contributions. It's great to see Visit Mississauga champion coaches through this campaign and help broaden how we recognize these important figures."
According to the 2025 Ontario Coaching Report, 1 in 2 athletes say that, outside of their parents or guardians, their coach is the adult they trust most in their life. Coaches also play a significant role in shaping how athletes experience sport, with 6 in 10 athletes saying playing their sport is the highlight of their day. That impact is even greater when a parent or guardian is their coach, rising to 8 in 10 athletes. These findings highlight the profound influence coaches have, not only in developing athletes, but in building trust and helping make sport a meaningful part of young people's lives.
"Having my dad as my coach has been such a special part of my golf career," said Mississauga native and LPGA Golfer Savannah Grewal, "He's been a part of every stage of my journey, from when I first started playing all the way to competing professionally. I still love going to practice with him, not only because he helps me, but because I also get to spend quality time with my dad. Some of my favourite memories in life are simply all those hours we spent together at the course. The #ThanksCoach campaign felt like the perfect opportunity to recognize him and thank him for everything he's done for me, both as my coach and, more importantly, as my dad."
National Coaches Week runs from September 14-20, 2026. For more information visit www.coachesontario.ca/events/coachesweek.
About the Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO)
The Coaches Association of Ontario is an independent, non-profit organization that supports coaches from community to high performance across all sports in Ontario. For more information, please visit www.coachesontario.ca, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
About Visit Mississauga
Visit Mississauga is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) for the City of Mississauga. The organization is industry-led and responsible for developing a tourism strategy and leading tourism marketing and development efforts for the destination. With a mandate of implementing the City of Mississauga's Tourism Master Plan, Visit Mississauga is committed to promoting local businesses, attractions, and events within the city. Learn more at visitmississauga.ca.
SOURCE Coaches Association of Ontario
Media contact: Sarah Kelly - [email protected]
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