INS and CanoeKayak Quebec to support program launch in Quebec
OTTAWA – CanoeKayak Canada, Own the Podium, Institut National du Sport du québec and CanoeKayak Québec are pleased to unveil a new program focused on preparing the next generation of high performance athletes for Olympic success. The NextGen Program will be initiated in Quebec with strong partner support. A similar program to target a NextGen Training Group will be rolled out in Atlantic Canada in partnership with the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic and the support of the Atlantic Division CanoeKayak Canada.
The NextGen Program is delivered through the Canadian Sport Institutes and targets athletes with the potential to reach international podiums in six to eight years. Research has demonstrated that building a plan for this long-range timeframe is necessary to develop young aspiring talent into senior-level medalists.
“This is a big first step in positioning our next generation of athletes to be ready for success in 2020 and 2024,” said Scott Logan, CanoeKayak Canada’s High Performance Director. “Starting with Quebec then Atlantic, our plan is to build a development system that will sustain the world class performances CanoeKayak has been accustomed to since 1936.”
NextGen athletes will have access to dedicated coaching, integrated support services and specific training opportunities. The opportunity is intertwined with the club system working with club coaches to gradually transition athletes to the national team environment. Training camps will expose the NextGen identified athletes to training opportunities with the National Team and lead to immersion at a National Training Centre in the long term.
Kenna Robins has been named the NextGen Coach in Quebec which will tie into her National Team Coach duties as lead of the Junior and Under 23 athletes. A coach will be hired in Atlantic Canada later this fall to work with the NextGen Training Group in Nova Scotia.
CanoeKayak Canada is the national governing body for competitive paddling in Canada. The organization’s vision is to be a Canadian sport for families, communities and champions. From supporting clubs to developing a competitive National Team, CanoeKayak Canada works to grow a sport which is a rich part of Canada’s heritage.
The Institut National du Sport du québec and the Canadian Sport Centre Atlantic provide high performance athletes and coaches in their respective provinces with world-class support and integrated services. CanoeKayak Quebec and the Atlantic Division CanoeKayak Canada are regional paddling organizations which support the development of the sport and athletes.
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For more information:
Ian Miller
Communications and Marketing Officer, CanoeKayak Canada
613.314.1352