Board of Directors
Vice-President: Otiohkwano:ron Montour
In his youth, Otiohkwano:ron played lacrosse, Kenpo Karate, and eventually wrestling in high school. He has always been passionate for being physically active. In 2003 Otiohkwano:ron started wrestling at Kahnawake Survival School (KSS). During his time at KSS, he became a GMAA wrestling champion, a 3-time Provincial Wrestling Champion, and was a national place finisher in 2008. After graduating from KSS, he continued to wrestle while attending Vanier CEGEP/College.
While studying at Vanier CEGEP/College, Otiohkwano:ron would travel back to KSS and wrestle with the younger athletes. He would explain what they could do to improve, becoming a role model and a mentor to these athletes. This is where his coaching journey started. Otiohkwano:ron received his level 1 coaching certification in February of 2020. He would go on to help KSS win several men’s and women’s GMAA wrestling championships, develop a new high school wrestling team at Howard S. Billings, helped to develop several Eastern Door and the North Wrestling Teams for the North American Indigenous Games, as well as coach at the 2022 Canada games.
Otiohkwano:ron is currently working within Kahnawà:ke Shakotiia’takehnhas Community Services, he continues to improve on his coaching certification and is attempting to acquire the level 2 coaching certification.
Secretary: David Zilberman
David has been Involved in the sport of freestyle wrestling since 1997. David started as a competitor and was a national team member from 2001-2009 and represented Canada at the numerous world championships and the 2008 Olympics. After retiring from competition, he naturally transitioned into coaching. David has coached at the 2020 and 2024 Olympic Games and produced several athletes who competed on the Canadian national team. In addition to coaching, David is a full-time physical education teacher at Vanier College since 2009. Lastly, he holds a Masters degree in educational studies from Concordia University and is presently pursuing his Doctorate in Educational Leadership at the University of Western Ontario.
Treasurer: Aly Barghout
Aly Barghout holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a Major in Accounting and has extensive professional experience in international tax. In addition to his professional career, Aly has a strong background in competitive wrestling. His athletic achievements include placing 1st at the Canadian National University Championship (2020), 2nd at the Senior Pan American Wrestling Championship (2021), and multiple top finishes at the national and international levels, including 2nd place at the Junior World Wrestling Championship and 8th at the U23 World Wrestling Championship.
Since 2022, Aly has also served as the Head Wrestling Coach at Loyola High School, where he channels his experience as an elite athlete into mentoring and developing young wrestlers.
Coaches Representative: Mark Anthony Roache
Mark-Anthony Roache is a dedicated coach and educator with a passion for the development of Wrestling. With over 25 years of experience in coaching, Mark-Anthony has made significant contributions to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of high performance. In his role as Director of Coaches, Mark-Anthony is responsible for overseeing and managing coaching programs within FLOQ, with the aim of optimizing athlete performance. He ensures that coaches are equipped with the latest strategies and techniques, to drive athlete success. Mark-Anthony’s hands-on approach and experience have helped to build programs, leading to athletes performing at their fullest potential.
Mark-Anthony’s journey in Wrestling began as a former athlete before transitioning to coaching. His comprehensive experience has given him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities coaches face, enabling him to understand the needs and supports for coaching success. He is recognized for his ability to create a positive and inclusive coaching environment for athletes to thrive. As a life-long learner, Mark-Anthony regularly seeks learning opportunities and stays updated on the latest trends in sports science and coaching methodologies. His forward-thinking approach ensures that programs in which he is involved remain at the leading edge of sports innovation.
Mark-Anthony holds a degree in Education from the University of Ottawa and a degree in Anthropology from Concordia University, as well as NCCP Level Three Certification. Outside of Wrestling, he teaches at-risk high school students Math, Science and Physical Education, providing a learning environment where students are able to find success.
Officials Representative: Ghenadie Balaur
Born on December 4, 1974, in Ialoveni, Moldova, with over 10 years of experience in teaching and coaching, Balur holds a degree in physical education and sport. Balur coached and taught at the “Olimpia” Sports School in Chisinau, Moldova, from 1993 to 1997, and participated in training at the “Olympia Lutte Shiltigheim” center in France in 2004. A multiple national champion in Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling, Balaur immigrated to Canada in 2006 and became a three-time Canadian Olympic wrestling champion (2008, 2012, 2015). Balaur is also a national and international wrestling referee and have participated in World and Pan American Championships. Balur earned a paramedic certification from Collège Ahuntsic in Montreal in 2010 and have worked as an ambulance technician since 2012. Balaur also taught physical education (2011-2015) and is currently an Olympic wrestling coach at Riverdale Wrestling Club.
Athletes Representative: Amanda Savard
At 27 years old, Amanda is a dedicated and accomplished athlete at the Montreal National Training Centre, boasting multiple national medals. They have proudly represented Team Canada on the world stage at the U23 World Championships, the Francophone Games, as well as at the Senior Pan-American Championships where they won a bronze medal. In addition to their athletic achievements, Amanda is a passionate coach focused on developing women’s wrestling, empowering female athletes, and creating opportunities for growth within the sport.
In their role as Athlete Representative for the Quebec Wrestling Federation, Amanda advocates for the needs and interests of all athletes, fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. With the hope of expanding wrestling in Quebec, Amanda inspires the next generation of wrestlers while continuing to pursue excellence both on and off the mat.