Athletics Canada announces new Head Coach

Thursday, September 15, 2005

As part of the new structure of Athletics Canada, recently appointed CEO Joanne Mortimore, has announced Les Gramantik as Interim Head Coach for the National Team Program.

Effective immediately, Les Gramantik of Calgary, AB will take on this new role leading up to the 2006 Commonwealth Games.

With a BA in Physical Education and a Masters degree in Coaching Science from the University of Bucharest in Romania, Les has been Athletics Canada Director of Speed and Power and Coaching Director at the Southern Alberta Track and Field Centre since 1987. He has coached Canada on an international level since 1984, including Olympic and Commonwealth Games, World Championships and Pan American Games.  For the last fifteen years, Gramantik has coached Canadian champions in jump, throws and combined events.

Gramantik will also be the chair of Athletics Canada’s National Team Committee.  He will continue to be based in Calgary and will lead the technical operations of the organization along with the senior directors of the Association. Les will also oversee the duties specifically related to the Chief Technical Officer through a cooperative model including other key directors in the Association.

“With Les’ international and national sporting background as both a coach and leader, he brings a wealth of experience to this portfolio” says Athletics Canada recently appointed CEO Joanne Mortimore.   “As Athletics moves forward towards achieving its strategic plan goals, Les will be instrumental in guiding our organization to podium performances in Beijing 2008.”

“This is a huge opportunity for me to continue with the ongoing growth and progress of Canadian Athletics, both at the national and international level”, says Gramantik. “I’m aware of the challenges of our sport and am ready to guide and assist coaches and athletes towards international success in this new leadership role”.

It is anticipated that the permanent position of Head Coach / Chief Technical Officer will be advertised in the early New Year with the intent of filling the position by April 2006. 

Athletics Canada is the national sport governing body for the sport of track and field including cross-country running and road running. Its purpose is to support high performance athletics excellence at the world level and to provide leadership in developmental athletics.  Athletics Canada is a not for profit, charitable organization operating under a board of directors elected by provincial / territorial members.

For more information, please contact:

Ivonne Shoucair
Marketing and Communications
Athletics Canada
(613) 260-5580 ext 3311

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