April 16, 2012 – The second edition of the Olympic Solidarity scholarship program for Sochi 2014 has been launched following the success of the first edition in 2010, through which 325 athletes were assisted to prepare and qualify for the Games in Vancouver. The Program guidelines and application forms have now been sent to the NOCs with the deadline of 31st August 2012 for submitting applications to Olympic Solidarity to be included in 1st batch of allocations (starting on 1st November 2012). The 2nd batch of scholarships will be activated on 1st March 2013.

The Olympic Solidarity scholarship program is designed to improve the competitiveness of the Olympic Winter Games rather than to expand artificially the universality of these Games. As such, access is only offered to NOCs that have a strong winter sports tradition who can present athletes having a proven winter sports record and technical level. The athletes proposed for an Olympic scholarship by their NOCs must have an adequate technical level to allow them to qualify for the Olympic Winter Games. Olympic Solidarity has requested the International Federations inform their National Associations about the Olympic Solidarity Athlete Scholarships for Sochi 2014 and that applications may only be submitted by their NOC. For more information, click HERE.

January 17, 2012 (Innsbruck, Austria) – The inaugural Youth Olympic Winter Games are underway in Innsbruck and Canadian and U.S. athletes are already making headlines. Here are the latest Team USA and Team Canada updates from the Youth Olympic Games newsroom.

Canada’s Chef de Mission Beckie Scott visits Seefeld Venue
Beckie Scott, who was the first Canadian to win a Cross-Country Olympic Gold medal, has paid a visit to Seefeld Arena to support her nation’s athletes and also check out the track.

Describing her experience as Chef de Mission of the Canadian Team at the Innsbruck 2012 Winter Youth Olympic Games as “mellow so far”, Scott was accompanied by her husband and their four-year-old son Teo, who was kitted out for some fun on the slopes.

Scott enjoyed time on the track, testing the challenging hills at Seefeld as Innsbruck 2012 athletes trained in preparation for the start of the Cross-Country on Tuesday.

Read full story HERE.

Selyaninov Grabs Gold in 10km Classic, USA’s Caldwell 16th
Alexander Selyaninov (RUS) took victory in a time of 29:28.8, gaining a +11.4 advantage over Kentaro Ishikawa (JPN). Bronze went to Kazakhstan’s Sergey Malyshev, who finished +28.7 behind. Conditions were ideal, with packed snow, partly cloudy skies, and temperatures hovering around -7 C.

Patrick Caldwell (USA) was the top North American finisher in 16th place and +2:01.3 back. Matthew Saurette (CAN) finished 29th.

Results HERE.

Sedova Scores in 5km Classic, USA’s Mooney 13th
Anastasia Sedova (RUS), sister of World Cup racer Peter Sedov (RUS), won gold in the women’s 5km Classic at the Youth Olympic Games. Sedova won in 14:18, nearly +20s faster than silver medalist Anamaria Lampic (SLO). Lea Einfalt (SLO) made it a double-medal day for Slovenia when she secured the bronze.

Team USA’s Heather Mooney logged the best North American result with a 13th-place finish at +2:00.8. Maya MacIsaac-Jones (CAN) finished 17th.

Results HERE.

Takanashi Wins WSJ, Canada’s Henrich 5th
Sara Takanashi (JPN) won the Women’s Individual Ski Jump event with two jumps of 76.5m. Germany’s Katharina Althaus finished second with jumps of 71.0m and 72.5m. and Ursa Bogataj (SLO) took home bronze with a pair of 71.5m jumps.

Canada’s Taylor Henrich finished fifth with a leap of 64m in her first run and 66m in her second. Emilee Anderson (USA) completed the competition in ninth place after a first-round jump of 59.5m on the HS75 hill. She fought back to jump 65.5m in the second round.

Results HERE.

Lanisek Tops in Men’s Ski Jumping, Canada’s Korek 8th
Anze Lanisek (SLO) won the Men’s Individual Ski Jump competition in Innsbruck with two solid jumps. The first was 78.2m and the second 77.5m. Mats Berggaard (NOR) took home the silver medal, with Yukiya Sato (JPN) earning the bronze.

Canada’s Dusty Korek was the top North American with an eighth-place finish and two consistent jumps of 77.5m and 77.3m each. Team USA’s William Rhoads finished 19th.

Results HERE.

February 15, 2011 (Toronto, ON) – The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) is looking to send two Canadians between the ages of 20-35 to Olympia, Greece to experience the annual Young Participants Session at the International Olympic Academy (IOA). This year, interested Canadians must enter through an online application that illustrates their sport leadership, passion for the Olympic Movement and their online social influence.

The IOA unites some of the world’s most vibrant young leaders in sport and physical activity from approximately 100 nations. The session will take place from June 25 to July 9, 2011 and will focus on Olympism with a special look at Olympic education.

Applicants must possess an understanding of Olympism and experience in the Olympic Movement in Canada. Ideal candidates will exhibit, leadership, knowledge and enthusiasm for the development of sport and physical activity and will possess a strong online presence. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate a proficiency in social media channels and the strength and reach of their social media influence as they will be required to provide social media updates and act as online ambassadors for the promotion of Olympism in Canada.

All expenses will be paid during the course of the IOA. The COC will cover air travel up to $1,500. Delegates will be required to provide their own ground transportation to their departing airport and are responsible for expenses incurred in Athens prior to the official end of the session.

Those who view themselves as future leaders in Canadian sport who are creative, dynamic, young professionals are encouraged to apply online by March 14, 2011 at 5 p.m. EST.

To apply online please click HERE. The successful candidate(s) will be notified the week of March 14, 2011.