Statement by the Honourable Bal Gosal, Minister of State (Sport), on the Death of Geoffrey Gowan

OTTAWA, May 17, 2013 /CNW/ - It was with sadness that I learned of the passing of a great sportsman and leader in the field of coaching in Canada, Geoffrey Gowan.

Recognized as a cornerstone of the Canadian Sport System, Geoffrey Gowan changed the face of athletics in Canada and through his 25 years of work with the Coaching Association of Canada, he played a key role in the development of Canadian coaching education programs.

In 1996, the Geoff Gowan Award was created in recognition of a lifetime contribution to coaching development.  It is a fitting tribute to Geoffrey's own life and his dedication to sport that he was awarded both the Order of Canada in 1992 and entered into Canada's Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.

Geoffrey was many things and he touched the lives of many Canadians.  He was all at once the ultimate sportsman and role model as an athlete, builder, coach and leader, and he was known best to many Canadians as a sports commentator who brought the excitement of sport home for us all.

On behalf of the Government of Canada, I would like to offer my condolences to the family and friends of Geoffrey Gowan and to Canada's coaching and sport community for the loss of a great Canadian.

SOURCE: Canadian Heritage