Community Hero

The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to introduce Andrew DiMillo as our latest Community Sport Hero! As Program Director/Founder of Ottawa Next Level-X and President/Founder of the National Capital Hoops Circuit, DiMillo has expanded and brought basketball opportunities to Ottawa while making high-level basketball more accessible. “The way that Andrew has not just progressed the […]

The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to introduce Greg Rampley as our latest Community Sport Hero! Greg and his family moved to Ottawa in January 2011 and he rapidly immersed himself in a range of volunteer roles in local lacrosse and basketball, including coach, director, scheduler and president of the Gloucester Lacrosse Association and Ontario Zone 5. [...}

The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to introduce Dave Mainwood as our latest Community Sport Hero! Set to start his 49th season coaching local ringette, Dave has just about seen it all in his storied career, but this year will nonetheless offer something new when the Eastern Ontario Capitals debut in the National Ringette League. […]

The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to introduce Chris and Kerry MacLean as our latest Community Sport Heroes! Chris and Kerry founded the Maverick Volleyball Club 40 years ago and are set to retire from their leadership roles after building a cornerstone of the community. “You walk into any random gym where people are playing […]

The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to introduce Kian Nejad as our latest Community Sport Hero! Kian leads the BGC Ottawa Thunderbolts program, which has become a force and an inspiration on the Canadian prep basketball circuit. The BGC Ottawa Thunderbolts program provides youths with life-changing opportunities in sport, education and leadership at no cost. […]

"The positive relationships Emma has built with her players is evident and undeniable. Everyday when she arrives at the rink, she is greeted with hugs and 15 girls yelling her name. Her energy is contagious, and I've never seen her show up to the rink without a big smile and positive attitude."

“Through his work with the Ottawa Sports Pages, Dan is an unwavering supporter of community sport across Ottawa. The Ottawa Sports Pages provides community sport organizations in Ottawa with the opportunity to tell their stories from high school, university, community club and elite amateur sport. Dan showcases the best of sport in our community – […]

“Rob’s unwavering dedication to the youth sports community exemplifies the spirit of a local sports hero. He has not only preserved the rich history and tradition of NCAFA but has also set a course for sustainable growth and development, ensuring that future generations of young athletes have access to a well-organized and supportive sports environment.” – Jesse Card, Executive Director, Youth Ottawa

“Paul Villeneuve coached my son at baseball with the South Ottawa Blues and the Ottawa Patriots. As a coach, Paul is very knowledgeable and is able to easily share his expertise with kids of all ages.  More than that though, he is enthusiastic, passionate, sportsmanlike and really makes the game fun for the players. Paul is a true role model and mentor for all the players that were lucky enough to be on his team.” – Andrew Matsukubo

"Emily and her team at Abilities Ottawa have been instrumental in bringing about awareness of adaptive sport and recreation in the Ottawa area. We had the privilege of working with Emily as we worked to establish an Adaptive Sport and Recreation program for students with disabilities at Carleton University. Emily helped spearhead the initiative on the ground by identifying local community sport leaders, equipment and other logistics which ultimately led to the program's success. Emily and her team are also the driving force behind the 3rd annual Ottawa Inclusive & Para Sports Expo which enables attendees to learn about Para and Inclusive sports in the community." – Jonathan Wood, Chief Engagement Officer, Toronto Accessible Sports Council