RBC provides financial boost to support Ski Jumping Canada’s future Olympians during pandemic

TORONTO, June 24, 2020 – Today, RBC announced an investment of $230,000 CAD to support the Next Generation programming needs of the nine National Sport Organizations involved in its nation-wide talent identification and athlete funding program, RBC Training Ground. The investment, arriving at an especially critical time for sports dealing with the effects of the pandemic, will be distributed in grants which range from $10,000 to $30,000 CAD.

Ski Jumping Canada will use its grant to support Junior coaching development and provide new skis, boots and bindings for five Next Generation athletes.

“The majority of the Athlete’s equipment is paid for by athletes and their families, so this is a great boost for our developing athletes,” said Todd Stretch, Chairman, Ski Jumping Canada board of directors. “At FIS  sanctioned events permeability of material is measured and suit measurements are conducted prior to each jump. New jump suit regulations this season mean all of our Next Generation athletes will require new suits.”

Other NSOs receiving grants include Rugby Canada, Canoe Kayak Canada, Rowing Canada, Cycling Canada, Freestyle Ski Canada, Speed Skating Canada, Nordic Combined Ski Canada and Boxing Canada. Like Ski Jumping Canada, these sport organizations participate in RBC Training Ground, testing and identifying athletes with Olympic potential, and ultimately nominating them for funding and the opportunity to join their National Team programs.

 “Due to the global pandemic, we’ve had to pause on identifying new athletes with Olympic potential through RBC Training Ground events, but what’s not on pause is our investment in Canada’s Olympic future,” said Mary DePaoli, Executive Vice-President and Chief Marketing Officer, RBC. “This is most certainly a unique year, but we know it’s more important than ever to help ensure RBC Future Olympians and Next Generation athletes under the care of our NSO partners continue to receive the funding support that will further their athletic development.”

RBC Training Ground provides Canadian athletes between the ages of 14-25 – no matter what sport or activity they are involved in – the chance to test their strength, speed, power and endurance in front of officials from National Sport Organizations looking to identify new talent. Top performers at free local qualifying events are then invited to sport specific testing with Partner Sports, with the potential of being one of 100 athletes invited to the RBC Training Ground National Final where up to 30 athletes are ultimately selected for funding and a potential spot on a Canadian National Team.

“This RBC commitment comes at an especially critical time for our National Sport Organization partners, who are under financial pressure,” said David Shoemaker, Chief Executive Officer, COC. “These funds will help reduce the financial burden on emerging athletes and help ensure their journey to the podium stays on track. Working together with Canadian Olympic Foundation, RBC Training Ground has been an incredible funding program for the high-performance community and we greatly appreciate the support.”

Since 2016, RBC Training Ground has tested 8,500 young elite athletes at more than 100 free local events across the country, identifying over 800 high-potential athletes. More than $1.7M in funding has been provided to 117 RBC Future Olympians to help support their Olympic dreams.