April 23, 2014 – Canadian Interuniversity Sports (CIS), as the Canadian franchise holder of the Federation du Sport Universitaire  (FISU) is responsible for the coordination and entry of the Canadian Team in the Universiade. CIS is seeking two (2) experienced individuals to be a part of the Canadian Cross Country team for the 27th Winter Universiade.

Where: Strbske Pleso, Slovakia

When: The Universiade takes place every two years in various cities all over the world. It is one of the largest winter multisport events worldwide, second only in size to the Olympic Games. The 27th Winter Universiade will take place in the city of Granada, Spain. This 11-day multi winter sport event is scheduled to take place from February 4th -14th, 2015.

The sports of Biathlon, Cross Country will not take place in Granada during the month of February though, but will be staged in Strbske Pleso and Osrblie, Slovakia from January 24th – February 1st, 2015, immediately preceding the Winter Universiade in Granada.

The official opening of the village for Canadian teams will take place on January 21st, 2015 and the official closing for Canadian teams will be on February 2nd, 2015.

Term of appointment – the successful candidates will serve in their respective appointments from May 15, 2014 – Feb 15, 2015.

Funding – The coaching and technician positions are voluntary and are completely self-funded. The approximate cost of participation at past Universiades has been approximately $3800. Previously, the team leader has generated some sponsorship funds to offset a portion of the cost. This year however, with substantially increased costs -it is expected that costs will be more than in previous years.

Canada is allowed to send a maximum team of 12 athletes (6 men, 6 women) and 4 officials (team leader, coach, and technicians) to participate at the cross country ski event.

The Universiade is open to any competitor between the ages of 17 and 28 in the year of the Games, who is a full-time post secondary student (eg University, college, CEGEP) or has graduated from a post secondary institution within the previous year of the event.

Canadian Cross Country Ski Coach requirements

• Candidates for the coaching position will possess the best combination of the following:
• NCCP Competition Development (trained) or level 3 certified (under the old system)
• Demonstrated administrative and leadership qualities
• Previous international experience  or national team experience as a coach  – Cross Country
• Previously demonstrated strong communication and organization skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work as a team member
• Proven ability to raise funds or access to individuals who will raise funds for this project

Canadian Cross Country Ski Technician requirements

• Strong waxing skills and wax testing abilities (must be able to ski)
• Previous international experience or national team experience as a coach, athlete or technician  – Cross Country
• Previously demonstrated strong communication and organization  skills
• Excellent interpersonal and proven ability to work as a team member
• Proven ability to raise funds or access to individuals who will raise funds for this project

Applications for these positions

• Must be committed to providing a positive international and educational sporting experience for the members of Team Canada
• Must project an exemplary model of conduct and sportsmanship for Canada

Selection dates

• Selections will be made by May 15, 2014. The selected team leader will be part of the nominated selection committee for selecting team staff. Only the successful candidates will be notified.

Submission Deadlines

• Applicants are requested to outline their abilities in relation to the above in a cover letter and include a personal resume. All applications must be submitted as electronic file attachments in an email no later than May 7, 2014 to CIS Coordinating Committee – Email:   Canada@universitysport.ca

The CIS Cross Country Ski Coordinating Committee and selected Team leader will review all of the applications and make selections.

Additional Information

• Gender equity, bilingual language requirements and team environment compatibility will be considered. All candidates shall be subjected to a screening process, including a criminal reference and driving offence check, prior to the confirmation of their selection.

For more information on Winter Universiade, visit CCC’s University Racing section of its website.