Congratulations to Neilson on being named the 2025 Indigenous Sport Circle NWT Coaching Award winner.
This award is presented to an individual who has demonstrated dedication, leadership, and impact in the development of athletes and sport programs at any level in the Northwest Territories. Neilson embodies everything this award represents.
More than a decade ago, Neilson discovered Table Tennis simply as a joy. As a 17-year-old, he was featured on the front page during the early days of Aerobic Table Tennis in Fort Providence, sharing movement, energy, and fun with his community. Eight years later, he now stands recognized for the coach and leader he has become.
But this award is not about just how far he’s come. It is about how much he has given back along the way.
Giving Back Where It Matters Most
Neilson’s coaching journey has been driven by one thing above all else, creating opportunities for young people. In 2023, he helped launch the Table Tennis High Performance Program at Deh Gah School, planting the seeds for structured training and consistent development. Soon after, he founded the Fort Providence Table Tennis Club, ensuring local youth had a space to be active, safe, and belong through sport.
And he didn’t stop there.
Neilson has hosted numerous tournaments in Fort Providence, giving young athletes the chance to compete, grow, and have fun. He has taken youth across the territory to compete in Hay River, Yellowknife, and Behchokǫ̀, and guided teams to School Championships where his players not only competed, but thrived.
In 2025, Fort Providence athletes earned multiple medals across singles and doubles categories, showcasing their growth and confidence on the table.
Competing Beyond the Territory
Neilson’s vision has never been limited by geography. He has brought youth to two Canadian Championships, making sure they were supported every step of the way. His teams earned their first ever boys’ division win over a provincial opponent, defeating Manitoba in a historic moment for Fort Providence athletes.
For many of these players, simply attending a national event was life changing. Winning matches was only part of the story, belonging, believing, and seeing possibility was the real victory.
More Than Medals, Building a Standard
Perhaps Neilson’s greatest achievement is not any single win. It is the standard he has built. From uniforms to training structure, from schedules to safety, from expectations to culture, he has helped create an environment where youth are treated like real athletes and valued as people. His club reflects care, consistency, and pride. His players show confidence. His community shows belief.
A Coach Who Leads with Heart
Neilson does not coach for recognition. He coaches because he loves the sport. He coaches because he believes in kids. He coaches because he knows what it feels like when someone believes in you first. And now the entire territory gets to believe in him.
Neilson, this recognition is deeply deserved. Your community, your athletes, and your sport are better because of you. Congratulations on your 2025 Indigenous Sport Circle NWT Coaching Award.