May 15, 2011 – After a long and exhaustive search, the Southern Ontario Training Centre (SOTC) is delighted to announce the appointment of Petr Jakl as the Centre’s Head Coach. Petr will join SOTC effective June 1, 2011. With this appointment, the Southern Ontario Training Centre invites applications and inquiries from all athletes interested in joining the Centre for the 2011-12 competitive season (details below).

Athlete and coach inquiries about SOTC should be directed to Jack Sasseville at 1-800-387-3775 or jack@hardwoodskiandbike.ca. Athletes who are interested in applying to join SOTC should send a letter of interest outlining their background in the sport, performance highlights, and future goals in the sport to: Southern Ontario Training Centre, c/o Jack Sasseville, 402 Old Barrie Rd, Oro, ON, L0L 2E0.

About SOTC
The Southern Ontario Training Centre is an initiative of the Hardwood Hills Nordic Development Centre (aka Team Hardwood) and other Founding Clubs, including the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club and the Waterloo Region Nordic Sports Club. SOTC’s mission is to further the development of cross country skiing in Ontario by providing a high performance training centre for athletes who have graduated from high school and are committed to personal excellence in cross country skiing. Under the guidance of a full-time professional coach, athletes will explore their potential in cross country skiing while engaging in post-secondary studies if they choose. SOTC athletes train together on a year-round basis while representing their home clubs at provincial, national and continental competitions. SOTC is hosted by Team Hardwood, utilizing the world class trails and other training amenities at Hardwood Ski and Bike and the surrounding area. For more details on SOTC, including fees and program click HERE.

About Petr Jakl
Petr has 25 years of ski racing, coaching and teaching experience both in Canada and the Czech Republic. He has previously held positions with the Chelsea Masters, the University of Maine, and Cross Country B.C, in addition to operating his own business, Lifeski, as a high performance ski instructor and coach. Prior to immigrating to Canada, Petr coached skiers in the Czech Republic where, among other positions, he served as Head Coach of the National Paralympic Team which competed at the 2002 Winter Paralympics in Salt Lake City. Petr is an NCCP certified Level III coach and holds a Masters degree in Physical Education and Sport and a certificate in Sports Massage. “I am looking forward to being a part of the exciting and dynamic team at SOTC and Hardwood,” he said. Petr will be moving to the Barrie-Orillia area shortly, along with his wife Katarina and daughter Anna.