May 3, 2008 – The Canada Games Council (CGC) and the Foundation for Athletes and Sport Training (FAST) launched the fourth year of the Canada Games FAST Track athlete program on Friday. The program is designed to provide direct financial assistance to Canada’s next generation national team athletes and helps fill a gap in Canada’s sport system. Last year FAST received over 1,300 applications, and awarded 47 grants across the country. Athletes from every sport, province, and territory in Canada applied and the Canada Games FAST program has been a success!

For the first time since its creation, the Canada Games FAST Track athlete program is dividing its sports into two separate candidate pools, alternating access to the grant from year to year between winter (2008) and summer (2009) sports. The Canada Games FAST Track program application and information are available at www.canadagames.ca. The application deadline is June 2nd, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. EST.

“The FAST Track grant was by far the best thing that could have happened to me last season. Not only was I able to breathe a little easier, but our team was able to travel to Western Grandslam events and compete against the best teams in Canada. Most notably however, this money allowed me to compete at a higher level, amongst the top elite performers in curling, and that is such a valuable experience.”
Lee Merklinger, 2007 FAST Track grant recipient

“To be identified as a next generation National Team athlete is a great feeling. Although results from various competitions help show an athlete’s potential, being identified by a National organization just adds to an athlete’s moral. It is nice to know that all the effort I am putting into training and competing is paying off, and that I am being recognized for my accomplishments.”
Mark Hinnen, 2007 FAST Track grant recipient

“I have received other grants in the past but this one in particular was great because it is a fairly substantial fund. It is not given out in small installments and the application is very straightforward and does not ask for an unreasonable amount of detail for a small payout.”
Genevieve Orton, 2007 FAST Track grant recipient