OTTAWA – CanoeKayak Canada has partnered with the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario and CanoeKayak Ontario to roll out a NextGen Training Group in Ontario. This initiative is geared toward supporting the next generation of podium potential athletes with focused coaching and sport science resources.

“Ontario is a consistent producer of world class paddlers, including numerous Olympic medalists over the years,” stated Scott Logan, CanoeKayak Canada’s High Performance Director. “Launching this initiative with our Ontario partners is the next step in creating a truly national system. NextGen Ontario will ensure our top up-and-coming Ontario athletes have what they need to develop into International level podium performers.”

This is the third NextGen initiative CanoeKayak Canada has announced. The first NextGen Institute program was launched in Quebec last fall. A similar NextGen Atlantic Training Group was created soon after and the same model will be implemented in Ontario. CanoeKayak Canada and its partners are excited about the Government of Canada’s plans, announced in last week’s federal budget, to dedicate up to $20 million over four years to NextGen programs by matching private sector funding beginning in 2016-17.

NextGen is closely intertwined with the club system and will support the identified athletes in their daily training environment, as well during specific camps throughout the year. Rob Stott is the National Team coaching lead for NextGen Ontario. He will work closely with Ontario’s Technical Director, Ryan Blair and club coaches to manage training programs for NextGen identified athletes.

In addition to the core group of athletes, other Ontario-based athletes may be identified and invited to join the group in the future based on their demonstrated potential. The core group is comprised of athletes who are primarily situated in Ontario but the composition of the group may change periodically where athletes from other parts of Canada relocate or attend training camps.

NextGen Ontario Identified Athletes

Men’s Kayak

Women’s Kayak

Men’s Canoe

Women’s Canoe

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.

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For more information:

Ian Miller
Communications and Marketing Officer, CanoeKayak Canada
613.314.1352
imiller@canoekayak.ca