Jamie Macari
Jamie Macari knows what it means to build a sport program with limited resources. As Head Wrestling Coach of the men’s and women’s varsity teams at Queen’s University since 2008, the 26-year-old has been committed to developing a system to increase participation and success in the sport he loves. “It’s given me a lot of good experience as a sport administrator,” he says. “I had to build the infrastructure without much to go on.”
Macari is one of six Canadian interns chosen to go to Africa as part of Commonwealth Games Canada’s groundbreaking Capacity Support Program (CSP). The CSP is co-funded by the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Canada. It is designed to support Commonwealth Games Associations in developing countries and help them maximize their organizational performance as they prepare for the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi this October and for future Games. The CSP interns will assist countries with sport administration activities ranging from programming, fundraising and communications to the implementation of the games management software program; Zeus.
Macari, who holds both a Bachelor of Education degree from Lakehead University and a Bachelor of Kinesiology degree from Brock University, has been wrestling since he was in Grade Nine. In 2004, 2005 and 2007 he was Canadian Senior Champion in the 55kg weight class and from 2007-2009 served as National Athlete Representative with the Canadian Amateur Wrestling Association. He has also done extensive volunteer work in the sport, both as a coach and in helping to run camps and clinics. Macari loves the individual nature of wrestling, and the fact that on the mat, the only person you have to count on is yourself. “My experience with sport has really shaped my character,” Macari says. “It challenges you and asks you whether you’re really doing everything you can.”
Macari’s skills as both a coach and an administrator will be particularly useful to the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) over the next 12 months. The UOC wanted an intern who could assist with talent identification, the development of coaching and training camps, as well as Games preparation. “We are hoping Jamie’s presence will help foster a positive attitude in our organization and hence broaden the appeal of sports events in Uganda,” says Peninnah Kabenge, the UOC’s Secretary General. “We look forward to him mentoring our staff and volunteers on the benefits of good practices and charismatic leadership.”
“Commonwealth Games Canada’s International Development through Sport unit is pleased to offer unique and professional international work opportunities for young graduates,” says Carla Thachuk, Commonwealth Games Canada’s Manager of International Programs. “Particularly in difficult economic times, these internships will help the participants apply their educational experiences to a challenging work environment as they set out to develop their own careers.”
Macari, who says his personal motto is to “walk humbly, love radically and live sincerely,” believes sport can be a positive force for change. “When people become involved in sport, it gives them an opportunity to see their own potential,” Macari says. “It shapes their character, and because of that the world will change around them wherever they go.”
