Image of coach instructing her swim class.

Our partner in
building safe communities

We’re committed to giving back to our communities and teaching others how to stay safe. Through our partnership, we’re supporting training and promoting safe play across the province.

Learn more about Community Investment

Why is CAO a great partner?

Canadians rank sport as the second most positive influence for youth. Coaches Association of Ontario (CAO) supports coaches by ensuring all sport participants are physically, emotionally and mentally safe by providing free resources.

CAO and Hydro One have partnered to build a culture of safety for coaches and teams of all ages.

Learn more about CAO
 
  • 1 in 7 Canadians will coach in their lifetime, representing the single largest group of volunteers in Canada.
  • In Ontario, more than 2.2 million youth are impacted each year by over 150,000 coaches who help them to develop and reach their potential on and off the field.
Image of Myma Okuda-Rayfuse

“I’m humbled to be chosen as a recipient of this prestigious award, especially as a rowing coach, a sport that doesn’t get as much attention in the mainstream. The athletes I have been privileged to coach over the years are some of the most dedicated and hard-working young women and men I know, the recognition and support from these funds will make a big difference to grow the rowing community in Hamilton.”

— Myma Okuda-Rayfuse, Rowing Coach, 2023 Hydro One Safe Play Award Winner

Together, we’ve created programs to help teams continue to play safe

Coaching Excellence Awards

As a part of CAO’s Ontario Coaching Excellence awards, winners are awarded $500 reimbursements for team purchases.

Learn More

Safe Sport Playbook

Let the games begin! The Safe Sport 101 Playbook is an 8-part self-guided eLearning series available to coaches. It focuses on how to create safe and fun sporting experiences at any age.

View Playbook

Community Coaching Grant​

See how we’re ensuring teams can continue to enjoy their favourite sports while keeping safety top of mind with grants up to $1,000.​

Learn More

"I coach to motivate and inspire our youth; I hope to mentor and create opportunities for youth to reach there full potential on and off the ice. Being involved in sport is such a great way to learn important life lesson and create lasting friendships. Hydro One has giving me to ability to travel and upgrade my equipment to facilitate opportunities on the ice."

— Adam Bernard, Hockey Coach, Recipient of the 2023 Little NHL Indigenous Hockey Grant
Learn More

Community Investment

See how we’re building safe communities across Ontario and energizing life where we live, work and play!

Learn More

​​​​​​​​​​