WHISTLER - The CSCA is honoured to unveil the creation of the Doug Perks Swim Coaches Development Bursary.
At the 2022 Team Aquatic Supplies CSCA National Swim Coaches Conference it was announced that the CSCA has accepted a sizable donation in the amount of $20,000 from Doug Perks, and the DB Perks Group, to establish a bursary in his name for the further development of Canadian swim coaches.
The CSCA will be matching the $20,000 contribution from Perks and will continue to collaborate with Doug and Team Aquatic Supplies to ensure the fund grows and provides opportunities for Canadian coaching development for years to come.
When reflecting on his contribution, Doug Perks remembered the significant impact coaches had in his own growth, not only as an athlete but as a leader in the community.
“Coaches have been a very big part of my life since my early days in elementary school right through to my current fitness coach,” said Perks, “in high school Bob Burleigh, my basketball and track coach, was instrumental in me getting accepted to Simon Fraser University.”
Growing up on armed forces bases in Ontario, Perks felt at home in the pool or at the gymnasium.
“Without the help of my high school basketball coach I would have never ended up in British Columbia and attending Simon Fraser University where I swam under Coach Paul Savage for a couple semesters.”
While attending SFU part time, Doug worked in Burnaby as a head lifeguard at C.G. Brown Pool and found himself being mentored again by the then Aquatic Supervisor, Fred Smith.
“Swimming has always been a big part of my life and it is my hope that the Doug Perks Swim Coaches Development Bursary will help coaches develop and recognize the value they have in coaching and mentoring swimmers.”
More information to come regarding the bursary and how to apply for development funding.