The RBC Training Ground is coming to the Richmond Olympic Oval Saturday in search of Canada’s next potential Olympians.
Now in its fourth year, the RBC Training Ground program is a nation-wide talent identification and athlete-funding program dedicated to finding and supporting the next generation of Canadian Olympians (ages 14-to-25). To date, the program has tested over 5,500 athletes at 71 free local events in 35 different communities across 10 provinces.
For the first time, a national final will take place in Calgary come September — bringing together the top 100 high-potential athletes from across the country to compete for funding and consideration from Canada’s National Sport Organizations (NSOs).
Based on the National Final results, and sport-specific testing results, up to 30 high-performing athletes will be selected as RBC Future Olympians – receiving funding and resources to pursue their Olympic dreams.
The program was developed in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), Canadian Olympic Foundation, CBC Sports, and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN).
The B.C. swing of the RBC Training Ground began in Prince and Victoria last month. Following the Richmond/Vancouver qualifier on Sunday, two more testing dates are schedule for Kamloops (April 14) and Langley (April 28).
“The RBC Training Ground continues to create incredible opportunities for young Canadian athletes,” said Canadian Olympic Chief Sports Officer Eric Myles. “By partnering with eight National Sport Organizations and the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network, RBC continues to fill a gap within our sport model – finding new talent, expanding the pool of next generation athletes, and financially supporting top performers.”Olympian Zach Bell (Cycling, 2008, 2012) Laura Brown (Cycling, 2012, 2016 Bronze) Jamie Broder (Beach Volleyball, 2016) and Mercedes Nicoll (Snowboard Halfpipe 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018), will be on site to mentor and encourage participants.
The open talent discovery event is free of charge and gets underway at 9 a.m. Walk-ins are welcome but are encouraged to pre-register here
