Prince George athletes looking to solidify a career sport, or even a chance to represent Canada at the Olympics, will still be able to make their case to national-team coaches.
However, that’ll look a bit different this year as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions on gatherings to ensure public safety.
The 2020 RBC Training Ground will be virtual, which means prospective local and regional athletes need to qualify through a series of online tests and submitted videos for scouts to assess and critique.
Since its inception in 2016, RBC Training Ground has enabled National Sport Organization (NSO) partners to test the speed, power, strength and endurance of over 8,500 athletes at more than 100 free local events across Canada, identifying 1,000 athletes as high potential.
Athletes are encouraged to visit RBCTrainingGround.ca for instructions on how to complete program testing virtually, and how to upload results through video and an online portal.
To participate, athletes will perform simple speed, power and endurance tests at home and submit their results online for assessment by Olympic talent scouts. Testing can be completed either indoors or outdoors, wherever adequate space permits. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 1, 2020.
“Adapting RBC Training Ground to include a new virtual qualifying format means it’s never been easier to take the first step towards making an Olympic dream come true – even from home,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “We’re proud that the opportunities RBC Training Ground present will now be more accessible than ever. Our goal is to open the door for any young athlete interested in pursuing Olympic sport, and then to help bridge the gap between next-generation talent and Olympic medallists.”
RBC Training Ground participants deemed to have high performance potential will be invited to complete sport-specific testing with National Sport Organization partners.
From there, 100 athletes will be invited to the National Final, currently scheduled for spring 2021, with the chance to earn funding and a potential spot on a Canadian National Team.
Last year, Vanderhoof’s Alison Desmarais qualified for the final in Calgary and was ultimately one of 30 participants who received Future Olympian funding.
- with files from Delta Optimist
