“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
The Ottawa Sport Council is pleased to introduce Paul Villeneuve as the latest Community Sport Hero. Paul is the President of the Ottawa Patriots Baseball Club, and has been involved in the Ottawa baseball community in various roles for over 30 years. Paul has also spent an incredible amount of time organizing clinics and fall ball programs for kids of all ages.
One of Paul’s most notable achievements in sport was his organization of indoor baseball opportunities at the Royal Canadian Legion branch in Greely, which was struggling to cover expenses to stay open. Paul’s work provided an affordable indoor space for baseball teams to train during the winter and when recreation facilities were closed during COVID-19 restrictions, while also generating revenue for the Legion.
“There’s a lot of domes in Ottawa where baseball teams can practice, but they can be expensive, so this facility does the job for the baseball community. They keep telling me that it saved the Legion too, so it satisfies both sides.”
Paul says he feels that through baseball he is not only teaching skills in sport, but in life as well.
“I think I have something to offer, so that’s why I chose to get involved. It’s not just about the sport, it’s also about guidance. Any sport can mimic life. I try to teach kids, through sport, what to expect in life.”
He says one of the most important parts of his role in baseball is to provide his players with good memories playing the game.
“I couldn’t care less if we win, but its good for the kids. If I was able to give them some good memories, I’m happy for them.”
Paul’s decades of dedication to the Ottawa baseball community have provided lasting memories for so many athletes from the organizations he has been involved in. The Ottawa Sport Council is grateful for Paul’s commitment to providing positive experiences in sport.