Monthly Archives:December 2021

By Thorsten Gohl

Earlier this year, I completed the Advanced Coaching Diploma (ACD), Canada’s highest level of coach education. What I thought would be a structured academic experience turned out to be something far more impactful: a human journey of reflection, purpose, and growth.

Delivered through the Coaching Association of Canada and partners like the Canadian Sport Institute, the ACD focuses on developing high-performance coaches not just in technical skill, but in leadership, planning, and personal integrity. The program is built around five core competencies:

•Coaching Leadership
•Coaching Effectiveness
•Performance Planning
•Performance Analysis
•Program Management

At first, these seemed like deliverables. Tasks. But over time, I saw them as interconnected threads, ways to anchor coaching in something more meaningful.

Coaching in the North, Coaching in Community

I didn’t enter the ACD with a crisp coaching philosophy or fancy binders. I came in with experience, walking beside youth, supporting communities, and creating space for learning. The ACD helped me put language to what I was already doing, and offered structure to keep doing it better.

Tools like the GAPS analysis, Yearly Training Plan (YTP), and Individual Performance Plan (IPP) weren’t just assignments to be submitted. I treated them as living documents, shared, updated, and centered around athlete needs. These tools became springboards for conversations, both with athletes and fellow coaches.

A Ripple of Support

This journey wasn’t mine alone. I was supported by Sport North, through the “They Can Coach” grant, which made this learning possible. And I was surrounded by mentors and peers who challenged and encouraged me along the way. One reflection that stuck with me: “Your legacy goes far beyond coaching, it’s about how you empower others and create sustainable change.” — Adam, ACD Mentor That’s what it’s really about. Not output. Not results. But the ripple effect, the space we create for others to grow.

The Final Presentation: A Mirror

It wasn’t until the final presentation that the journey truly landed for me. That space became a mirror. A chance to reflect not just on what I’d learned, but on who I had become. And in that space, the feedback I received wasn’t about performance, it was about presence. It was a reminder that the work we do quietly, consistently, and with care, matters.

Looking Ahead

The ACD gave me tools, language, and structure. But more importantly, it gave me confirmation, that coaching is a living system. One that evolves through relationships, conversations, and a shared vision for what’s possible.

If you’re a coach interested in growing your practice, or just want to talk about what this journey could look like, I’d be happy to share more.

This isn’t the end of a plan. It’s the beginning of a ripple.

It all comes down to this. The Territorial Table Tennis Championships are set to take place on Saturday, June 21st, 2025 at the Territorial Training Centre in Fort Providence, and it’s time to crown the best in the North!

Athletes from across the Northwest Territories will gather to compete for the ultimate title in a day filled with passion, precision, and pride. Whether you’re a youth player chasing your first medal or a returning competitor ready for a rematch, this is your moment.

Venue: Territorial Training Centre, Fort Providence

Championship Schedule – June 21

10:00 AM – Youth Singles (U19)
1:00 PM – Open Singles – Pool A
3:00 PM – Open Singles – Pool B + Finals

This championship event marks the final stop in our tournament series and celebrates the talent and growth of our NWT table tennis community.

Want to Play?

You will need to be a Member of Table Tennis North: https://tabletennisnorth.ca/membership
Here is the link to sign up for the event: https://forms.gle/yPJihTDwHWxbmeHx5

Let’s bring the energy, the effort, and the spirit of competition to Fort Providence and finish the season in style and crown the 2025 Territorial Champion!!!

Get ready, Yellowknife, the Yellowknife Open Table Tennis Tournament is coming your way with two days of high-energy play, learning, and connection!

Hosted by the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club, this event combines a training camp with tournament action, making it perfect for both new players and seasoned competitors. Whether you’re sharpening your skills or aiming for the podium, this is your chance to join the table tennis excitement in the capital.

Venue: William MacDonald School, Yellowknife

Saturday, June 7, 2025

2:00–4:00 PM – Training Camp
4:00 PM – Tournament Registration Opens
5:00 PM – Open Doubles Begin
7:00 PM – Open Singles Begin

Sunday, June 8, 2025

9:00–11:00 AM – Training Camp
11:00 AM–2:00 PM – Tournament Continues

Want to Play?

If you’d like to sign up, click here: https://forms.gle/71LkaEVHQeggtL9m7

Join us for a weekend of learning, laughter, and lightning-fast rallies. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the sidelines, the Yellowknife Open is an event not to miss!

Mark your calendars, the Dehcho Open is back and ready to serve up another exciting day of Table Tennis in the heart of the Dehcho region!

On Saturday, May 24th, 2025, players from across the region will gather at Deh Gah School in Fort Providence to compete for the title in one of the most prestigious regional tournaments of the year. Whether you’re a returning champion or trying your first tournament, the Dehcho Open promises a day full of fast rallies, friendly faces, and great community spirit.

Event Schedule – Saturday, May 24

Venue: Deh Gah School, Fort Providence
10:00 AM – Youth Singles (U19)
1:00 PM – Open Doubles
3:00 PM – Open Singles

This tournament is proudly hosted by the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club, and we’re looking forward to welcoming players of all ages and levels.

To register, please send an email to Neilson at (deadline May 22nd):
📧 neilsonv25@gmail.com

Come for the fun, stay for the fierce rallies, and maybe leave as a 2025 Dehcho Open Champion!

May 5 – Red Dress Day

On May 5, Table Tennis North joins communities across Canada in recognizing National MMIWG2S Awareness Day — also known as Red Dress Day.

This important day honours the thousands of missing and murdered Indigenous women, girls, two-spirit, and gender-diverse people. It is a day to reflect, to learn, and to build greater awareness of the systemic violence that continues to impact Indigenous communities across the country.

We are reminded of Call to Action 41 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, which called for a national inquiry into the cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls — a call that continues to resonate.

Today, we wear red.
We pause.
We listen.
We commit to action, healing, and respect.

Table Tennis North stands in solidarity with Indigenous communities and honours the voices, the families, and the memories of those we have lost.

Let us each be part of creating a safer, more just future.

#MMIWG2S #RedDressDay #TableTennisNorth #TruthAndReconciliation

Table Tennis in the North continues to reach new heights!

We are thrilled to announce that Shari Olsen, from Fort Smith, has achieved another major milestone, becoming the first Territorial Referee in the Northwest Territories. Already serving as a Territorial Umpire, Shari’s new certification adds another layer of leadership and expertise to the growth of Table Tennis in the North.

In Table Tennis, the referee plays a vital role. As the authority on rule interpretation and tournament management, referees ensure that competitions are run fairly and in accordance with regulations. They oversee umpires, manage draws, supervise eligibility, and make important decisions throughout tournaments. Having someone from the North step into this role shows the incredible momentum and development happening in our Territory.

Reflecting on the accomplishment, Shari shared,

“It is so exciting! lol. It’s another exciting opportunity for Table Tennis to expand in the North, with Northerners forging the path forward.”

We couldn’t agree more. Shari’s achievement not only opens new doors for herself but also paves the way for more Northern representation at major events, including the upcoming 2026 Arctic Winter Games.

Congratulations, Shari! We are proud of you and can’t wait to watch your journey as a Territorial Referee across Canada.

In the North, we understand the true power of community, resilience, and belonging. These aren’t just words, they are the heart of who we are. And they’re also the heart of what the Canada Games have been about for nearly 60 years.

Today, more than ever, Canada needs the Canada Games.

The Canada Games aren’t just a sporting event. They are about unity, bringing Provinces and Territories together from coast to coast to coast. They are about connection, building friendships that span across regions and cultures. They are about resilience, offering athletes a place to rise, to face challenges, and to grow stronger through sport.

Here in the Northwest Territories, we know that every opportunity matters. Whether it’s a young athlete taking their first step onto a national stage, a coach gaining invaluable experience, or a community coming together to cheer, the Canada Games help us dream bigger, work harder, and believe stronger.

It’s about sparking greatness, not just on the podium, but in our schools, our rinks, our recreation centres, and our communities. It’s about investing in the future of sport and leadership. It’s about creating spaces where Northern youth can shine, where they can proudly say: “I belong here.”

From inspiring more than 140,000 volunteers across Canada, to fueling local pride and economic growth with each edition, the Canada Games are a legacy of hope, determination, and unity.

At Table Tennis North, we are proud to support this message. Proud to see our athletes, coaches, and officials take part. Proud to be part of something that brings all of us, no matter where we live, a little closer together.

Because it’s not just about the medals. It’s about the memories, the growth, and the ripple effect of believing in something bigger than ourselves. More than ever, Canada needs the Canada Games. And the North will always be ready to answer that call.

Table Tennis North is proud to celebrate National Volunteer Week, recognizing the invaluable contributions of our dedicated volunteers. We are incredibly fortunate to have so many passionate individuals within our organization, from Board Members and committee members to coaches, officials, and everyone who helps make our events and training camps a success.

This week, we want to shine a spotlight on each of you. Your commitment and hard work are what keep our organization thriving. As we celebrate, we are reminded of the words of Marny Twigge, Vice President Table Tennis North: “Each individual volunteer contribution, big or small, creates momentum and has the power to influence and inspire. Together, we are building a wave of positive change that enhances the well-being and resilience of our communities.”

Thank you, volunteers, for all that you do! Your efforts make a significant difference in the lives of many, and we are grateful for your unwavering support. Let’s continue to work together to promote the love of Table Tennis and foster a vibrant community!

Fort Providence, NT — Table Tennis North is thrilled to announce the official opening of its new Territorial Training Centre, now located at the former curling rink, just behind the Youth Centre.

This new space offers an ideal setting for expanding Table Tennis in the community and across the Territory. With increased room, improved accessibility, and central location, the facility is perfectly positioned to welcome more participants, from beginners to competitive athletes.

The Centre will serve as the home base for the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club and host a variety of training sessions, tournaments, and community events throughout the year.

“This is more than just a training space, it’s a place to grow the sport, build confidence, and bring people together through movement and fun,” said Thorsten Gohl, Executive Director of Table Tennis North.

Table Tennis North extends its heartfelt thanks to the Sport North Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) for their support in making this vision a reality.

Stay tuned for upcoming programming announcements and tournament dates, and don’t forget to drop by for a game!

April 23 marks World Table Tennis Day, and here in the North, we’re not just celebrating — we’re rallying.

Across the Northwest Territories, table tennis isn’t just a sport. It’s a meeting place. It’s a reason to come together. It’s a spark in the middle of winter and a laugh shared across a table, even when it’s minus 40 outside.

This year’s global theme — “Diversity and Inclusion” — feels especially fitting for us in the North. From the smallest communities to growing clubs in regional hubs, Table Tennis North is proud to support programs that make sport accessible, joyful, and deeply rooted in community values. Whether it’s youth trying their first backhand, Elders sharing stories between rallies, or coaches traveling hundreds of kilometers to teach the game — we see what connection really looks like.

This year, we’ve seen table tennis:

• Played on gym floors, school stages, and outdoor slabs in every season
• Used as a tool for mental wellness, youth leadership, and cultural exchange
• Bring together athletes from Fort Good Hope to Fort Smith, building friendships and futures

And today, on World Table Tennis Day, we say thank you. To the players. The volunteers. The community leaders. The parents who drive. The youth who show up early. The Elders who encourage. The teachers who say “yes” to trying something new. You are the heartbeat of this sport in the North.

We may be small in number, but we are mighty in passion.

So wherever you are reading this — in a school, at home, or out on the land — we invite you to grab a paddle, find a table (or make one), and celebrate the power of play.

Happy World Table Tennis Day from all of us at Table Tennis North.
Together, we’re building something beautiful, one rally at a time.