Kayleigh Bates named recipient of Skate Ontario’s Club/Skating School Coach Award

Tim Brody - Editor

Kayleigh Bates of the Sioux Lookout Skating Club has been named the recipient of Skate Ontario’s Club/Skating School Coach Award.
Bates was one of 12 award winners named by Skate Ontario as a Skate Ontario Awards & Recognition Winners for 2024-2025.
Bates, CanSkate and Star Senior Lead and Director of Skating Programs for the Sioux Lookout Skating Club said she was surprised to receive the recognition. 
“I’m super honoured to even be nominated for it, so to win is even more surprising,” she shared.
This past skating season was the Sioux Lookout Skating Club’s second year under Skate Ontario’s Club Modernization Pilot Program.
The program provides the Sioux Lookout Skating Club with mentorship and support. Bates and some other senior skaters with the club have received coaching training and support under the program.
“Definitely would not be able to be the coach that I am without the support from Skate Ontario, support from the (skating club’s) board, and support from the coaching team,” Bates said. “I’m pretty new in my coaching career. They really set up the ideal launching pad for all of us as coaches. I feel super grateful to have their support.”
Bates had previously had her CanSkate coaching certification, so she was able to teach the club’s learn to skate program but because of the pilot project, “I was able to get training for STARSkate, which is more of the figure skating end of things, so I’ve been working on that for the last two years with them.”
Bates, a long-time skater in the club before taking on coaching duties, talked about that transition, “I think it’s definitely different. I came back and got more into coaching after the pandemic and after being away at school. But it’s been really special to work alongside skaters who I skated with… working with the club is super special. I think our club is special in a way that everybody feels like family… I think what we have here is really unique and so getting to build upon that as a coach now instead of a skater is really special to me.”
Sioux Lookout Skating Club President Kim Savoie shared, “We are super excited for her to be the recipient of such a prestigious award!”
Savoie outlined Bates’ unwavering commitment to excellence, her vision for the future of the club and building its legacy, creating a positive club culture, her resilience and adaptability, the impact she has had on skaters beyond the ice, and being an inspiration for others to follow.
“These qualities, combined with her dedication, passion, and leadership, make Kayleigh a truly outstanding coach and a deserving recipient for this award. Her impact on the club, the skaters, and the broader skating community is immeasurable, and she continues to make a difference every day,” Savoie stated.
“Kayleigh is a truly deserving recipient for this award due to her unwavering dedication and commitment to the club. She is deeply invested in the mission and values of the Sioux Lookout Skating Club, consistently putting them at the forefront of everything she does. Kayleigh cares deeply about each skater as an individual, building strong rapport with all stakeholders (skaters, families, coaches, program assistants and board members). Her actions and words reflect her nurturing approach, treating the club as a family and fostering a positive and supportive environment,” Savoie shared.
She added, “Coaching skating is not just a job to Kayleigh; it is a vocation. Her passion and dedication to the sport and to the skaters she coaches are evident in every aspect of her work. Kayleigh’s commitment goes far beyond teaching techniques—she invests herself fully in the growth and well-being of each skater, treating them as individuals and ensuring that they feel valued and supported. This personal investment in her athletes highlights that for Kayleigh, coaching is not merely a position, but a calling that drives her to continually learn, grow, and give her best. Her work, both on and off the ice, is a testament to her deep love for the sport and her dedication to helping others succeed, making her an invaluable asset to the club and a true leader in every sense of the word.”