Smith is the director of coaching with Sport Nova Scotia and the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic. He has 27 years of experience in developing and leading high performing teams committed to achieving organizational goals in and outside of sport.
Committee chair Kevin Cameron says, “We’re very pleased the minister has accepted our recommendation. We couldn’t be happier with this selection. As Nova Scotians we want to put our best foot forward on the national stage. Having a Chef de Mission with Mark’s pedigree speaks volumes to the caliber of this province’s program.”
As head coach of Canada’s men’s and women’s softball programs since 2000, Smith’s primary role is to deliver international success annually while implementing a development system (budgets, strategies and programs) that ensures consistency in the advancement of athletes from junior through to World Championship medalists.
“Nova Scotia’s athletes work hard and make many sacrifices on their road to the Canada Games, supported the entire way by their coaches, families, friends, and the mission staff we appoint,” says Glavine. “I have the greatest confidence that Mark will lead our mission staff and all members of Team Nova Scotia to success in Prince George, with high caliber competition and the experience of a lifetime for our athletes.”
As an athlete in the sport of softball, Smith is a three-time world champion and was selected to the all-world team a record five times. He won five Pan American gold medals as a player and another as a coach. He capped his playing career in 1998 capturing the Senior Men’s Canadian championship gold medal. Mark has been inducted into the Nova Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Softball Hall of Fame and the American Softball Hall of Fame (ISC).
“My exposure to Canada Games in the past confirmed the value, uniqueness, and positive experience that the Canada Games offers to aspiring Nova Scotia athletes. I look forward to a great year of preparation culminating with a thrilling event for our team in Prince George,” says Smith.
The Chef de Mission is the head of delegation for Team Nova Scotia’s contingent of athletes, coaches, and managers who represent the province at the Canada Games. In this role, Smith will lead a team of Mission Staff who manage logistics, disseminate information, organize events, handle administrative tasks, troubleshoot, and liaise with the host society to support and promote Team Nova Scotia.
Members of the Canada Games management committee are:
- Kevin Cameron (Chair), Sport Nova Scotia board director
- Jamie Ferguson, Sport Nova Scotia
- Aaron Nutting, Department of Health & Wellness
- Ken Bagnell, Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic
- Amy Scott , PSO professional staff
- Susan Beazley, Mission staff representative
- Ray Fisher, coach representative
- Darren Bogle, athlete representative
- Troy Myers, member at large
- Ben Zisserson, member at large
- Lorraine Burch, member at large
- Doug Clarke, member at large
- Amy Walsh, director, Sport Nova Scotia (ex-officio)
