RBC resumes Training Ground program
By Derek Winkler
RBC has resumed its RBC Training Ground program, which provides support to Canadian athletes attempting to qualify for the Olympics. The program this year will include the participation of Football (Flag) Canada and Squash Canada to reflect the addition of these sports to the Los Angeles 2028 games. The initiative will include a series of free qualifying events for athletes between the ages of 14 and 25 at locations in British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. The top 100 participants will advance to a national final. Thirty of these will receive funding and resources to continue their training. The program was developed in association with the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Canadian Olympic Foundation, with support from the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network.
“What started out in 2016 as an idea to discover the next generation of Team Canada has since become a cornerstone of Olympic talent development in this country,” said Shannon Cole, vice-president of brand marketing at RBC. “It's a testament to the raw athletic skill seen across Canada, and to the program's ability to break down barriers for young athletes who might not otherwise have the opportunity to pursue their Olympic dreams.”