August 4, 2005 – In late June Cross Country Canada announced that Jean-François Rapatel would be stepping down as Coordinator of Sport Participation and Development. Cross Country Canada is now pleased to announce Jean-François’ successor: Bruce Moquin.

Bruce has deep roots with cross-country skiing, having received his start in the sport as a child in the Orleans Ski Club (where Toni Scheier was the club coach).

Bruce Moquin will be moving to Canmore from La Ronge, Saskatechwan where he has spent the past two years as the Recreation Coordinator for the community school. While in La Ronge, Bruce worked closely with Saskatchewan’s Fit North program for youth, and coached Jackrabbits in the local ski club. Prior to working in Saskatchewan, Bruce spent eight years working for Running Room Canada in Ottawa, Ontario, managing two different Running Room stores during this period. Bruce is an enthusiastic outdoorsman and looking forward to living in Canmore.

Bruce’s speaks both of Canada’s official languages as he spent many years in school speaking French. He has a diploma in sport management from Algonquin College of Applied Arts and Technology. He also received a law and security diploma from the same institution. While pursuing his education, Bruce also found time to coach the cross-country ski team at Gloucester High School.

Bruce will continue where Jean-François left off in coordinating the delivery of athlete development programs for athletes in the early stages of Canada’s new Long-term Athlete Development Model. These new programs are very popular and the development of them has been, and continues to be, very exciting and cutting edge.

Cross Country Canada is looking forward to Bruce’s first day in the office on August 15. He will be a great addition with his diverse background and enthusiasm for the position.