RBC's investment will support the
programming needs of National Sport Organizations involved in RBC
Training Ground
TORONTO, June 24, 2020 /CNW/ - Today, RBC announced
an investment of $230,000 CAD to
support the Next Generation programming needs of each National
Sport Organization (NSO) involved in its nation-wide talent
identification and athlete funding program, RBC Training
Ground.
In an effort to support the next generation of Canadian
Olympians during a critical time, RBC will provide grants between
$10,000 and $30,000 CAD to nine NSOs including: Canoe Kayak
Canada, Rowing Canada, Rugby Canada, Cycling Canada, Freestyle Ski
Canada, Speed Skating Canada, Ski Jump Canada, Nordic Combined
Canada and Boxing Canada. These sport organizations all 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's continued investment comes during a year when amateur
sport revenues have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. The
funding announcement also comes despite cancelling the remainder of
the year five RBC Training Ground season, which would have
culminated with a national final and 30 athletes being selected to
receive further resources to pursue their Olympic dreams.
"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."
Through this investment, RBC will help support a variety of
initiatives from NSOs that will directly benefit next generation
athletes. Projects that will receive funding include but are not
limited to: the development of an online Cycling Canada curriculum
for next generation cyclists; new suits, bindings and skis for next
generation athletes at Ski Jump Canada; ice rental, skate rental
and travel costs for next generation speed skaters attending a new
talent development camp in Calgary; Rowing Canada's development and
production of a new strength training device in partnership with
the University of Victoria; and access
to mentors for Canoe Kayak Canada's next generation coaches, as
well as the purchase of a boat and motor for more on-water training
flexibility.
RBC Training Ground Facts:
- 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.
- 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.
- Some of the athletes identified through RBC Training Ground are
on track to compete at the Tokyo
Games and maybe even medal. World record setting track cyclist and
Tokyo 2020 medal hopeful
Kelsey Mitchell was a varsity soccer
player when she met Cycling Canada representatives at an RBC
Training Ground event in 2017.
- RBC Training Ground was developed in partnership with the
Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Olympic Foundation,
with support from the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport
Institute Network.
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 84,000+
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