New virtual qualifying format gives every
Canadian athlete between the ages of 14 and 25 the chance to be
scouted by Team Canada, from home
TORONTO, Oct. 14, 2020 /CNW/ - RBC Training Ground is
back, expanding its search for the next generation of Olympic
talent in Canada with a new
virtual qualifying format.
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.
Starting today, young Canadian athletes from any sports
background will have access to RBC Training Ground talent scouts
online. 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 December 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 RBC Training Ground National Final (scheduled for
spring 2021), with the chance to earn funding and a potential spot
on a Canadian National Team.
Several athletes who were discovered at RBC Training Ground
events and supported as RBC 'Future Olympians' are now emerging as
Tokyo 2020 medal hopefuls. World
record-setting track cyclist and Tokyo 2020 medal hopeful, Kelsey Mitchell, was a university soccer player
when she was discovered at an RBC Training Ground event in 2017.
Lauriane Genest, another RBC Future
Olympian, has also been named to Team Canada for track cycling.
Other RBC Training Ground athletes with a chance to compete in the
Tokyo Olympic Games next summer include Avalon Wasteneys (rowing), Gabrielle Smith (rowing), and Pierce LePage (decathlon).
"We look forward to supporting RBC Training Ground in its sixth
year which has had a tremendous impact on the sport system in
Canada," said David Shoemaker, CEO and Secretary General,
Canadian Olympic Committee. "The virtual qualifying format not only
prioritizes the health and safety of everyone involved but is one
more way for National Sport Organizations to find talent and help
those athletes determine if their abilities could make them a
valuable addition to Team Canada's talent pipeline."
Developed in partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee,
Canadian Olympic Foundation and with support from the Canadian
Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network, RBC Training Ground
is a nation-wide talent identification and athlete-funding program
dedicated to finding and funding Canada's future Olympians. In the past five
years more than $1.7M has been
provided to 117 RBC Future Olympians to help support their Olympic
dreams.
Current National Sport Organization partners of the RBC Training
Ground program include Boxing Canada, Canoe Kayak Canada, Cycling
Canada, Freestyle Canada, Rowing Canada, Rugby Canada, Speed
Skating Canada, Ski Jumping Canada, and Nordic Combined Ski
Canada.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with
a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading
performance. Our success comes from the 86,000+ employees who bring
our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients
thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest
in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified
business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional
experiences to our 17 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn
more at rbc.com.
We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives
through donations, community investments and employee volunteer
activities. See how at rbc.com/community-social-impact.
SOURCE RBC