January 6, 2003 – An important component of Cross Country Canada's athlete development program is to help attract new athlete's into our sport. The larger the talent pool, the greater the competitive density and the greater the chance of recruiting more Olympic champion's like Beckie Scott.

Last year saw the introduction of our Recruitment to Competitive Skiing Initiatives and the following registrations were achieved:

Beckie Scott Day: 1454
Fun Day Tournament: 487
Partners Two 2010: 702
Total: 2643

Participants receive free promotional items from Cross Country Canada:
This year we have adjusted one of the application deadlines so we can
introduce even more newcomers to our great sport. Take advantage of this
opportunity to develop your club programs:

Beckie Scott Day
The objectives of this program, which is aimed at
elementary school age children, are: (1) recruiting youngsters to
competitive skiing, (2) increasing their awareness of the National Ski
Team, and (3) providing a glimpse of what is involved at international
level competition. There is no limit to the number of clubs that can offer
this initiative. Organizers will receive a 2003 National Ski Team poster
for each program participant. Deadline Jan. 16.

Ski Tournament
The principle objective of this program is to bring
together elementary school age youngsters from the Jackrabbit Ski League
and other cross-country ski programs for a memorable and enjoyable weekend
of cross-country ski competition and fun. Other objectives include: (1)
encouraging achievement through team effort, and (2) encouraging good ski
technique. Four clubs from across Canada will be selected as hosts. Program
support from CCC will include a kid-friendly cross-country ski T-shirt for
each participant. Deadline revised to Jan. 15th.

Partners Two 2010
The objective of this program is to introduce children
between the ages of 8 to 14 years, who have never participated in a ski
race before, to the fun and excitement of a day of cross-country ski
racing. This can be achieved by encouraging young racers to bring a friend
– someone that has never participated before – to a cross-country ski
event. It can also be achieved by encouraging non-affiliated groups such as
a local Boy Scout group to try out competitive cross-country skiing. The
incentive award for both the recruiter and their friend will be a fanny
pack with CCC's logo on it. Twenty clubs will be selected. Deadline Jan.
16th.

Provincial/Territorial Midget Championships
Divisions with a bona fide 'provincial' Midget Championships for elementary
school age children will receive NST posters for each participant. This
poster features Beckie Scott racing to a bronze medal at the 2002 Linz
World Cup. If your Division has a Midget Championships on their calendar,
encourage your club to send a team. If your Division does not offer this
event, perhaps your club would consider hosting it. Information about
similar events in other Divisions is posted on the CCC web site.

The 2003-04 Technical Guidelines for the above initiatives are posted on
the CCC web site at: http://canada.x-c.com/main.asp?cmd=doc&ID=1641&lan=0