July 11, 2010 – The National Cross-Country Ski Development Association (NCCSDA) has approved a substantive contribution of close to $250,000 aimed at sharpening the delivery of Junior and U23 racing programs. This will unfold through the hiring of full time professional coaches in several clubs and National Development Centre’s throughout Canada for the 2010/11 season. In addition to coaching support, the NCCSDA has expanded the program to include direct athlete support for competitive Junior and U23 skiers striving towards international excellence.

The NCCSDA was established through the foresight and donation of Bob Disbrow. It is the desire of the Association to aid coaches, athletes and competitive racing programs in Canada, with the long-term goal of boosting Canada’s hopes to be increasingly competitive at the international level. The 2010/11 season marks a significant change in the NCCSDA program with the expansion including clubs across Canada, as well as direct athlete funding. During the past two seasons, the NCCSDA funding has contributed to enhancing the delivery of racing programs as well as helping to professionalize coaching by providing a more viable career path for young Canadian coaches.

Organizations Selected for Funding:

– Alberta World Cup Academy (Canmore, AB)
– Pierre Harvey Training Centre (Quebec City, QC)
– Bulkley Valley Ski Club (Smithers, BC)
– Cross Country Yukon (Whitehorse, YK)
– Edmonton Nordic (Edmonton, AB)
– Strathcona Nordics (Courtaney, BC)
– Foothills Nordic (Calgary, AB)
– Canmore Nordic (Canmore, AB)
– Telemark Nordic (Kelowna, BC)
– Skibec (Quebec City, QC)
– Fondeurs-Laurentides (Montreal, QC)
– Team Hardwood (Barrie, ON)

Athletes Selected for Funding:

– Dahria Beatty (Whitehorse Ski Club)
– Joey Burton (Overlander, AWCA)
– Jess Cockney (Foothills Nordic, AWCA)
– Janelle Greer (Whitehorse Ski Club, AWCA)
– Zach Holland (Banff Ski Runners, AWCA)
– Knute Johnsgaard (Whitehorse Ski Club, PHTC)
– Kevin Sandau (Foothills Nordic, AWCA)
– Patrick Stewart-Jones (Nakkertok, PHTC)
– Bob Thompson (Team Hardwood, AWCA)
– Frédérique Vézina (Mont Ste Anne, PHTC)
– Michelle Workun-Hill (Nakkertok)