Monthly Archives:September 2023

Today, Table Tennis North recognizes the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day There is a phrase we use often in Table Tennis: There is a place at the table for everyone.

Today gives those words a deeper meaning.

Orange Shirt Day grew from the experience of residential school Survivor Phyllis Webstad, whose orange shirt was taken from her when she arrived at residential school as a child. Her experience helped inspire a message now recognized across the country: Every Child Matters.

Today, we remember the children who never returned home from residential schools, Survivors, their families, and the generations who continue to experience the impacts of the residential school system. Across the Northwest Territories, Table Tennis can happen almost anywhere. A school gym. A recreation centre. A community hall. A youth centre. A single table in a small community. That accessibility is something we value deeply. But having a table available does not necessarily mean everyone feels they have a place at it. That is something we must continually work toward.

We want sport to be a place where young people discover confidence, friendship, leadership, and belonging. We want coaches who listen. We want programs that reflect and respect the communities they serve. And we want young people to know that their experiences, identities, cultures, and voices matter.

Reconciliation requires more than words. It requires listening and learning. It requires relationships. It requires examining the environments we create and asking how they can become better.

Today, we take time to remember and reflect. Tomorrow, we continue trying to make sure there truly is a place at the table for everyone. 🧡 Every Child Matters.

As Concussion Awareness Week 2026 comes to a close, we want to thank everyone who followed along, shared our posts, and helped spread the message of concussion awareness across the Northwest Territories.

Throughout the week, we explored some of the most important topics in concussion education, including:

• Recognizing the signs and symptoms
• Separating myths from facts
• Preventing concussions through safe sport practices
• Knowing what to do when a concussion is suspected
• Supporting athletes through a safe Return to Sport process

Creating safer sport environments takes all of us. Athletes, coaches, officials, teachers, parents, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and fans each have an important role to play in protecting athlete health.

We also encourage everyone to continue learning by visiting trusted Canadian concussion resources, including:

• Canadian Concussion Network – https://ccn-rcc.ca/en/
• Parachute Canada – https://parachute.ca/
• Coaching Association of Canada – https://coach.ca/sport-safety/concussion-awareness

Concussion awareness doesn’t end when the week is over. Every practice, every game, and every tournament is another opportunity to put what we’ve learned into action.

Thank you for helping us promote safer school sport across the Northwest Territories. Together, we can continue to protect every brain, every game.

When it comes to concussions, acting quickly can make all the difference.

If an athlete takes a hit to the head or body and you suspect a concussion, don’t wait. Remove them from play immediately, monitor for signs and symptoms, and make sure they are assessed by a healthcare professional before returning to sport. You don’t need to see an athlete lose consciousness for a concussion to have occurred. Coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and teammates all play an important role by recognizing when something doesn’t seem right and taking action.

If a concussion is suspected:

• Remove the athlete from play immediately
• Monitor for symptoms and changes in behaviour
• Do not leave the athlete alone during the initial period after the injury
• Seek medical assessment before returning to sport or school activities

Remember, a coach’s role is not to diagnose a concussion, but to recognize when one may have occurred and ensure the athlete is removed from further risk. When in doubt … Sit them out. Protecting an athlete today helps protect their future.

Creating a safer sport environment begins long before the opening whistle. Every practice, game, and tournament provides an opportunity to reduce the risk of concussion through preparation, education, and a culture built on respect.

Concussion prevention isn’t about one single action. It comes from many small choices made by athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, parents, and event organizers every day.

Some of the most important ways to help prevent concussions include:

• Respecting the rules of the game
• Wearing and checking proper equipment
• Teaching and reinforcing safe techniques
• Creating an environment where athletes feel comfortable speaking up if something doesn’t feel right
• Making safety part of every practice and competition

The Coaching Association of Canada also encourages coaches to have clear concussion policies, regularly inspect playing environments, educate participants about concussion symptoms, and support safe Return to Sport strategies after injury.

Safe sport is everyone’s responsibility.

When we make prevention part of our everyday routine, we help protect athletes and ensure they can continue enjoying sport safely. Small actions today can make a big difference tomorrow.

One of the biggest challenges with concussions is that many people still believe myths that can put athletes at risk.

During Concussion Awareness Week 2026, NT School Sports is helping our school sport community separate fact from fiction. Understanding the truth about concussions helps athletes receive the care they need and creates safer environments for everyone.

Two of the most common myths are:
❌ Myth: You have to hit your head to get a concussion.
✅ Fact: A concussion can occur after a significant impact to the head, face, or even the body.
❌ Myth: You have to lose consciousness.
✅ Fact: Most concussions do not involve a loss of consciousness. In fact, this occurs in fewer than 10% of concussions.

Knowing these facts can make all the difference. Recognizing a possible concussion early and responding appropriately helps protect an athlete’s health and supports a safe recovery.

Throughout the week, we’ll continue sharing trusted concussion education resources to help athletes, coaches, parents, officials, volunteers, and schools make informed decisions.

Together, we can create a safer sport environment for everyone.

Protect Every Brain. Every Game.

Every athlete deserves to play in an environment where their health comes first. Concussion Awareness Week is an opportunity to learn how to recognize the signs of concussion, prevent injuries where possible, and support athletes through a safe recovery. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, coach, official, volunteer, or fan, you play an important role.

Throughout the week we’ll be sharing practical resources from the Coaching Association of Canada, Parachute, and the Concussion in Sport Group to help our community:
• Recognize the signs and symptoms
• Separate myths from facts
• Learn how to respond when a concussion is suspected
• Prevent concussions through safer sport practices
• Support athletes through a gradual Return to Sport

Concussions aren’t always obvious. They don’t always involve losing consciousness, and symptoms may appear immediately or develop over time. When in doubt, sit them out and seek medical assessment.

Together, we can create safer sport environments for everyone.

September 14-20, 2026 – National Coaches Week is an opportunity to recognize and thank the dedicated coaches who make table tennis possible across the Northwest Territories. From introducing someone to the sport for the very first time to preparing athletes for national and international competition, our coaches are the foundation of Table Tennis North.

Our coaching community is made up of volunteers, club coaches, officials, mentors, and high performance coaches who generously give their time, knowledge, and passion to help athletes of all ages and abilities succeed.

Throughout the year, our coaches make an incredible impact by:

• Delivering community outreach clinics in communities across the Northwest Territories.
• Supporting athletes in local clubs and helping create welcoming, positive environments for everyone to enjoy the sport.
• Coaching and mentoring athletes at territorial competitions and development camps.
• Representing the Northwest Territories at major multi sport events, including the Canada Winter Games and the Arctic Winter Games.
• Preparing and supporting athletes at the Canadian Table Tennis Championships and the Western Canadian Table Tennis Championships.
• Developing athletes from grassroots participation through to high performance competition.

Behind every athlete is a coach who has dedicated countless hours to planning practices, travelling to competitions, providing encouragement after tough losses, and celebrating successes along the way. Their commitment extends far beyond the table, helping athletes build confidence, resilience, discipline, and lifelong friendships.

Table Tennis North is proud to celebrate every coach who contributes to the growth of our sport. Whether you coach once a week in your local community or travel across Canada supporting Team NT, your passion and dedication make a lasting difference.

To every Table Tennis North coach, volunteer, and mentor: “Thank you for everything you do. Your commitment continues to inspire the next generation of athletes and helps grow table tennis across the Northwest Territories.”

Happy National Coaches Week!

Celebrating the Coaches Who Make a Difference
September 14-20, 2026

National Coaches Week is an annual celebration that recognizes the incredible coaches who dedicate their time, knowledge, and passion to helping athletes grow, both in sport and in life. Coaches play an essential role in building confidence, teaching life skills, creating safe and inclusive environments, and strengthening communities.

Whether you are an athlete, parent, volunteer, official, or sport organization, National Coaches Week is an opportunity to say #ThanksCoach and recognize the positive impact coaches have every day.

Celebrate Your Coaches – There are many ways to recognize the coaches in your community during National Coaches Week.

Athletes

• Share a thank you message, photo, or video featuring your coach.
• Tell your coach what they have meant to you.
• Write a thank you card or create a small gift.
• Share your favourite lesson or quote using #ThanksCoach.

Parents

• Share a personal story about your child’s coach.
• Encourage your child to write a thank you note.
• Organize a team appreciation card or small gift.
• Attend or help organize a coach recognition event.

Sport Organizations

• Highlight a different coach each day on social media.
• Share athlete testimonials and coach spotlights.
• Recognize coaches at practices, games, or events.
• Promote coach education opportunities available during the week.
• Encourage your members to nominate a coach for recognition.

Every thank you, no matter how big or small, helps celebrate the coaches who make sport possible.

Free NCCP eLearning During National Coaches Week Coaches can take advantage of free National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) eLearning modules throughout the week.

September 14 – NCCP Coach Initiation in Sport
https://coach.ca/module/nccp-coach-initiation-sport

September 15 – NCCP Creating a Positive Sport Environment
https://coach.ca/module/nccp-creating-positive-sport-environment

September 16 – NCCP Sport Nutrition
https://coach.ca/module/nccp-sport-nutrition

September 17 – NCCP Coaching Athletes with a Disability
https://coach.ca/module/nccp-coaching-athletes-disability

These professional development opportunities help coaches continue building their knowledge while creating positive sport experiences for athletes.

Recognize a Coach

Help celebrate outstanding coaches in your community by submitting a coach profile or recognition through your Provincial/Territorial Sport Organization, club, or community organization.

Share your appreciation all week long using: #ThanksCoach #CoachesWeek

Organizations are encouraged to showcase coach stories, athlete testimonials, photos, and videos throughout the week to recognize the dedicated volunteers and professionals who make sport possible.

Participation Guide

The Coaching Association of Canada has created a comprehensive National Coaches Week Participation Guide filled with ideas, promotional resources, social media graphics, and celebration activities for athletes, parents, schools, clubs, and sport organizations.

Visit the Participation Guide to learn more and download free resources: https://coach.ca/programs-and-initiatives/events-and-awards/national-coaches-week/participation-guide

Thank you to every coach across Canada who gives their time, energy, and passion to helping athletes succeed. Your commitment helps create stronger athletes, stronger communities, and a stronger sport system. Happy National Coaches Week! #ThanksCoach | #CoachesWeek

The #WeAreAllTeamNT Store is back, but only for a limited time! From everyday #WeAreAllTeamNT shirts and hoodies to a new selection of lululemon apparel and accessories, there are more ways than ever to wear your Northern pride and be part of the team. The store is open now and will close on: September 22, 2026

This fall’s collection includes the familiar #WeAreAllTeamNT T-shirt, sweatshirt and hoodie, an Every Child Matters T-shirt, along with an expanded collection of lululemon apparel for women and men. The lululemon collection includes shirts, hoodies, half-zips, joggers, tights and leggings, along with an Everywhere Belt Bag, all featuring the NT mark.

So whether you are looking for something to wear at the rink, gym, school, on the sidelines, while travelling with Team NT, or simply around your community, there is something for you.

WeAreAllTeamNT has never simply been about the jersey. It celebrates the people behind every Team NT athlete. Parents, coaches, teachers, officials, volunteers, recreation leaders, maintenance staff, sponsors, administrators, teammates and communities all contribute to creating opportunities for Northern athletes. They may not be the ones wearing the Team NT jersey, but their support helps make wearing that jersey possible.

“Those who don’t wear a jersey, but whose support makes the jersey possible.” That is what #WeAreAllTeamNT represents.

When you wear #WeAreAllTeamNT, you are celebrating something bigger than one sport, one community, one team or one Games. You are celebrating the idea that we all have a role in helping Northern athletes participate, develop, belong and succeed. The store is available for this limited 14-day ordering window.

Deadline to order: September 22, 2026

All products are made to order. Orders will be processed after the store closes and should be delivered approximately 3 to 4 weeks following the deadline. All sales are final, with no refunds or exchanges. The #WeAreAllTeamNT Store is expected to open again in early January 2027. Organizations, teams and groups interested in special bulk orders can contact info@tabletennisnorth.ca.

One Territory. Many communities. Many sports. Thousands of people making it possible. We Are All Team NT.

Congratulations to Akiko Iwase on becoming a certified Introduction to Competition Table Tennis coach! For Akiko, this is another important step in her coaching journey and in her preparation to lead Team NT at the 2027 Canada Winter Games in Québec City.

Achieving certification has involved much more than completing a single course. Akiko has worked through the required multisport training, completed the Table Tennis Introduction to Competition training, and successfully completed evaluations including Make Ethical Decisions and Safe Sport requirements.

And, like so many things in Northern sport, she did not do it alone.

Members of the Yellowknife Table Tennis community came together to support Akiko’s evaluation by providing the athletes and training environment she needed to demonstrate her coaching competencies. It is a great example of a community helping one of its coaches take the next step.

But the journey is not finished. Next up is Competition Development, the certification level required for Akiko’s role at the Canada Games. She has only a few multisport courses remaining, followed by the Competition Development Table Tennis course in October and the evaluation process. The goal is to complete everything before the November 29, 2026 Canada Games certification deadline.

One course, one evaluation and one experience at a time, Akiko continues to grow as a coach while preparing for her first Canada Games. Congratulations, Akiko, and thank you to everyone who has helped along the way!

Next stop: Competition Development, and then the Canada Games!