OTTAWA (March 23, 2010) – Queen's wrestling coach, Jamie Macari (Thorold, Ont.) is one of six people who have been selected to participate in Commonwealth Games Canada's Capacity Support Program (CSP).

Macari, along with the five others, will live abroad in Africa next year helping a developing country 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.

With the announcement, Macari, a five-time CIS national wrestling champion, will not return to his role as Head Coach of the Queen's wrestling program next season.

“This is an exciting opportunity for Jamie and he is among a select few who receive this opportunity each year,” said Janean Sergeant, Manager of Interuniversity Sport for Queen's Athletics & Recreation. “He brought a lot of passion to our wrestling program and we wish him well in his future endeavours.”

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 run camps and clinics.

Additionally, he has been with Gaels since the 2008-09 season and has successfully qualified two of his wrestlers to the CIS championship over the course of his two seasons.

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. 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.”

Also selected to be a part of the CSP included:

Candace Christie, 23, Terra Cotta, Ont.—University of Guelph
Botswana National Olympic Committee

Jenny Dea, 22, Toronto, Ont.—Acadia University
National Olympic Committee of Zambia

Duane Louis, 25, Victoria, B.C.—Camosun College
Swaziland Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association

Jamie Macari, 26, St. Catharines, Ont.—Lakehead University; Brock University
Uganda Olympic Committee

Paddye Magill, 23, Ottawa, Ont.—Brock University
Seychelles Olympic and Commonwealth Games Association

Ella Mawdsley, 25, Fort Smith, N.W.T.—University of Lethbridge
Lesotho National Olympic Committee