Kingston baseball Coach Sandra Sinclair has been recognized with the Ontario Coaching Excellence Award as part of the 11th annual National Coaches Week.
National Coaches Week runs from September 15 to 21, during which the Coaches Association of Ontario, the Ministry of Sport, and Hydro One Inc. recognize 15 coaches with the Ontario Coaching Excellence Award, according to a release from the Coaches Association of Ontario. From basketball to curling, the province’s most prestigious coaching award recognizes the power of sport across local communities in Ontario, the association stated.
Among the 15 coaches honoured was Sandra Sinclair, recognized for her visionary leadership and dedication to girls’ baseball. As Vice President of the Kingston Baseball Association’s female baseball division, Sinclair has grown the region’s first all-girls program from 12 players to over 300 athletes across Rookie to Senior divisions, the Coaches Association detailed. The association said Sinclair is known for her inclusive approach, deep knowledge, and hands-on mentorship, which ensures every player can develop, compete, and feel valued. She has built not just a program, but a movement that is inspiring young female athletes across the Kingston region, the provincial coaching organization attested.
“Congratulations to all of the 2025 award winners. We are honoured to celebrate these 15 coaches for their unwavering dedication and commitment to creating a safe and positive environment for their athletes. Their daily efforts go beyond the field, helping to shape not just skilled competitors but also the next generation of resilient and well-rounded individuals,” said Jeremy Cross, Executive Director of the Coaches Association of Ontario.
“This award is a testament to the incredible impact they have on our communities and the future of sport in Ontario. We’re also very grateful to the Government of Ontario and Hydro One for their support of National Coaches Week and Ontario Coaching Excellence Awards.”
The awards ceremony took place at BMO Field in Toronto on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, during the Toronto Argonauts versus Edmonton Elks game. According to the release, recipients will also receive funding for new equipment, ensuring that their athletes and teams remain safe while making their respective sports affordable and accessible.
“Coaches play a vital role in shaping sport in Ontario – their dedication, leadership and ability to inspire athletes of all ages leaves a lasting impact both on and off the field,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Sport, in a statement.
“Congratulations to these 15 outstanding individuals who embody what it means to lead with purpose and passion. To everyone being recognized here today – and to coaches across our province who give their time and energy to develop athletes, and create opportunities for youth to participate in sport – thank you.”
The Coaches Association said that recipients of the Coaching Excellence Award have been chosen from a wide range of nominations, representing more than 30 sports and 49 communities in 2025. These annual awards celebrate coaches at every level for their exceptional dedication, their ability to inspire others and the positive impact they have on the lives of all their participants, according to the release.
Every September, National Coaches Week celebrates the one in seven Ontarians who are actively involved in coaching, with as many as 75 per cent volunteering their time. In the release, the association said #ThanksCoach to them for the role they play in building safe communities and inspiring participants to reach their potential.