2025 Canada Games Profile

Leading up to the Canada Games, Swim Ontario is highlighting some of the members of our fantastic team!

Like so many others, Cody Bradt also has a collection of memories that will stick with him for the rest of his life.

There’s the time he studied sports leadership and development while overseas at the University of South Wales – an educational institution that claims to change lives, and our world, for the better.

Also, the flashback and reflection of the past renews the subject of baseball. At 6-foot-7, there were times when Bradt bubbled with the enthusiasm and imagination of maybe one day pitching in the major leagues.

Bradt also remembers the time, at age 10, when he was a member of the Burlington Aquatic Devilrays and had a taste of swim competition at the provincial championships. When he turned 16 years old, he packed in swimming for personal achievements - and transitioned to the world of coaching. Bradt determined that’s where he could have a bigger impact.

For the past 12 years, Bradt can be found at poolside as a coach with the Golden Horseshoe Aquatic Club (GHAC) and he’s also the club’s Chief Operating Officer. Among his slew of duties, he works with swimmers who have various physical, visual and intellectual impairments.

There have been occasions when Bradt also reflected on the time he spent as a national program facilitator with the Jays Care Foundation, the charitable arm of Canada’s only major league professional baseball team.

It’s known as an organization that uses the power of sport and performance to co-create reliable programming for young people with disabilities as well as others who have been incarcerated or facing poverty.

His wealth of experience didn’t go unnoticed. Next up for the native of Burlington, Ont., is a defined and significant juncture in his career. It’s one that fits his ongoing desire to help others strive for excellence.

Bradt was chosen as the lead coach for Ontario para swimmers competing at the 2025 Canada Summer Games set for August 8 to 25 in St. John’s, Nfld. His time will be focused for seven days, starting August 10, at The Aquarena complex where swim events will be held.

“I always love to support kids and give back to a sport that gave me a lot,” said Bradt. “Over the years, I had great mentors - and I believe good coaching can have a profound impact. I have always had a passion for working with a vulnerable population and continue to do what I can to support athletes who are often overlooked.”

Bradt may be moving from pool to pool with the growing GHAC membership of 500 swimmers using a variety of locations in the region. However, the likelihood is he’s with the 13 members of the club’s para program that functions out of the McMaster University complex in Hamilton.

“It’s about moving the needle forward and improving the next generation of swimmers,” he said. “Swimming in water can be scary for young kids with disabilities. While we have the largest para program for swimmers in the region, nothing leaves me more fulfilled than what I am doing with them.”

Bradt said he saw a website posting for the Team Ontario coaching job. It perked his interest and what followed was an application. Then came an interview with a panel of officials followed by a series of discussions. Up next was a meeting with Dean Boles, Chief Executive Officer of Swim Ontario, who would later inform him of his selection.

“I was really excited for the opportunity - and this is a first for me,” said Bradt, who has previously coached at the Para Swimming World Series in Indianapolis and the Paralympic Trials in Toronto.

“The complexity of para swimming is what drew me in. For me, it’s not just a willingness to learn, but an opportunity to use my coaching experience to help others excel and perform at their best.”

Bradt will be part of a Team Ontario coaching contingent that has Olivier Renaud as Head coach of the provincial delegation. Ottawa’s Michele Brenning will be responsible for coaching the Special Olympics swimmers.

David Grossman is a veteran multi award-winning Journalist and Broadcaster with some of Canada’s major media, including the Toronto Star and SPORTSNET 590 THE FAN, and a Public Relations professional for 50+ years in Canadian sports and Government relations.