RBC is bringing its Olympic talent identification program to Yellowknife in May, offering athletes aged 14-25 the chance to take a step toward the world stage.
The RBC Training Ground program is entering its 10th year. In that time, RBC says, 21 people have come through RBC Training Ground to reach the Olympics – and 12 have won medals.
Former Canadian sprinter Sam Effah, twice the 100m national champion, told Cabin Radio the program saw “a gap in the sports system.”
People often only see the Olympics every four years, Effah said. RBC Training Ground aims to find and fund the next generation of Canadian talent between those highlight-reel moments.
An RBC Training Ground qualifier will take place at Yellowknife’s multiplex on Saturday, May 24.
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Athletes who show up will be given tests of speed, strength and endurance to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses and tell them which sport they’re best suited for.
“Based off of how you do in these four exercises, national sports organizations will look at you and say, ‘Hey, you are suited for this sport.’ If it’s one of our 15 sports, potentially down the line you’d get funding,” said Effah.
After completing the first RBC Training Ground event, 100 athletes who make it past the initial training will be considered for a national qualifier.
“If your results are within the top 100 of the country, you’ll potentially be contacted in the fall,” said Effah.
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“In September-October, we’ll host an event that brings all of these athletes to one space. We’ll test your speed, strength, and endurance one more time.
“If you impress the judges and the scouts for Team Canada, you are connected with a sport, you’ll get a coach, you get funding for two years, and then eventually, yeah – you’re off to the races.”
To sign up for a place at Yellowknife’s May qualifier, head to the RBC Training Ground website.
