Meet our Team!​​

​

Tanya Ponnan

Tanya Ponnan has over 20 years of experience in HR, international development, and post-secondary education.  She partners with organizations and communities to strengthen diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging within workplaces and broader society.  Tanya holds a BComm and an MA in Global Leadership from Royal Roads University.  Her expertise in leadership, governance, and inclusive culture strengthens BCWA’s efforts to foster safe, respectful, and equitable participation across the province.

​

​

Dane Waldal

Dane Waldal is an educator, coach, and lifelong athlete with experience in basketball, volleyball, boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and MMA.  He has guided athletes to National and World podiums and serves as a nationally ranked wrestling official and former professional combat sports official.  With more than 20 years of coaching and 15 years of teaching, Dane brings deep experience in athlete development, education, and community building that strengthens BCWA’s commitment to growth and engagement in wrestling.

​

​

Garfield Gairy

Garfield Gairy brings more than 20 years of experience as a wrestling coach, along with a professional background in business development, sales, and marketing.  His community work, including initiatives in youth justice, reflects a deep commitment to mentorship and social impact.  Garfield’s blend of coaching expertise and community engagement enhances BCWA’s mission to build strong, inclusive, and sustainable athlete pathways.​​​

​​

​

Mitch Dodd

Mitch Dodd is a veteran wrestling coach with more than 25 years of experience guiding athletes from grassroots to international levels.  He has produced multiple Canadian champions and world-level medalists and helped build Coast Wrestling Academy into one of the country’s most successful programs.  Professionally, Mitch brings leadership experience from his role with Kintec Footwear + Orthotics, where he has advanced team development and community partnerships.  His combined expertise in athlete mentorship and organizational leadership supports BCWA’s vision for sustainable sport growth.

​

​

Nick Ugoalah

Nick Ugoalah is a Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist, Hall of Fame wrestler, and executive coach with over 20 years of leadership experience in sport, business, and community development.  He holds an MBA in Management Consulting and is the founder of UGO High Performance and UGOFIT Academy, which help athletes, executives, and youth achieve excellence.  Nick’s background in high-performance sport and organizational coaching contributes valuable insight into BCWA’s athlete development and leadership initiatives.​​​​

​​​​

​

Chanpreet Kooner

Chanpreet Kooner is a lawyer, public servant, and senior municipal executive currently serving as Chief Administrative Officer for the Township of Langley. A former high school and club-level wrestler in British Columbia, Chanpreet brings a lifelong connection to the sport together with more than a decade of professional experience in governance, legal services, and public administration. He holds a Bachelor of Laws and has advised elected officials, boards, and community organizations on strategic planning, policy development, and organizational leadership. Chanpreet's combined expertise in governance and public service strengthens BCWA's commitment to accountability, strong leadership, and the continued growth of wrestling across British Columbia.