Victoria, BC – The search for Canada’s next Olympic star continues on Sunday, February 19, as the final RBC Training Ground local qualifier in British Columbia takes place at the Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA) at the University of Victoria.
RBC Training Ground is a program designed to help sport officials uncover athletes with Olympic podium potential, in sports they may not have considered. Athletes between the ages of 14 and 25 will execute a series of workouts measuring speed, power, strength, and endurance in front of coaches and officials from National Sport Organizations (NSOs). The participants’ results will be measured against performance benchmarks to determine an athlete’s capacity for sport at its highest level.
The Canadian Sport Institute Pacific (CSI Pacific), part of the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute (COPSI) Network, has served as the official delivery partner for RBC Training Ground in BC. It is the first time the program has visited Victoria. The local qualifier is the fifth and final event in BC after previous stops in Langley, Prince George, Burnaby, and Kamloops.
The 100 best performers from across the province will be invited to the RBC Training Ground regional final at the CSI Pacific campus at the Richmond Olympic Oval on March 4. The best of the best may receive financial support towards their training and competition programs for up to three years. The standout performer at the BC regional final will be awarded a trip to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
RBC Training Ground began in 2016 with 400 athletes participating in four athletic combines across the country. Ninety-four athletes met the testing benchmarks set by NSOs, including 25 athletes who were selected to receive funding and support through RBC and the Canadian Olympic Foundation.
Athletes can register for RBC Training Ground local qualifiers across the country at www.rbctrainingground.com.
What: RBC Training Ground Local Qualifier
When: Sunday, February 19, 2017, 7:30 am – 1:00 pm
Where: Centre for Athletics, Recreation and Special Abilities (CARSA)