Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce $115,000 has been secured for Canada’s up-and-coming athletes through 2017-18 Next Generation Initiative Funding.
The Next Generation Initiative Funding is granted by the National Partners group, comprised of Sport Canada, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC), the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC), and Own the Podium (OTP), and was approved for equestrian by Canada’s Minister of Sport and Persons with a Disability, Carla Qualtrough.
On Sept. 13, 2017, the National Partners group confirmed the funding, which they earmarked for targeted sports and disciplines. Of the $115,000 total, $70,000 was granted for next generation athletes in the Olympic discipline of jumping, while $45,000 was directed to rising athletes in the equestrian Paralympic sport of para-dressage. With the addition of this Next Generation funding, EC has received a total of $715,000 in Own the Podium funding for the 2017-18 fiscal year.
“Equestrian Canada is thrilled to have the opportunity to provide next generation equestrian athletes with increased funding and services,” said Eva Havaris, EC Chief Executive Officer. “Athlete development is critical to equestrian sport in Canada, and we are truly grateful to the National Partners group for their recognition, support and commitment to the high performance building work that is taking place within EC.”
The funding will be used to help Canada’s rising stars excel on the world stage by providing opportunities to participate in training camps, work with technical advisors, and receive access to human and equine sport medicine and sport science services, including massage therapy, medical and veterinary care, and mental performance coaching.
“Technical and sport science resources are critical to the success of athletes in any sport, and equestrian is certainly no exception,” said EC Director of Sport, Jon Garner. “This funding will allow us to provide next generation equestrian athletes with access to the world-class services and personnel required to reach their full potential.”
For more information on equestrian athlete development, visit www.equestrian.ca/programs-services/athlete-development.
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