June 02, 2013 – The National Winter Sport Association (NWSA) was established through the foresight and donation of the Disbrow family. This generous support of the NWSA is aimed at assisting coaches, athletes and competitive racing programs in Canada; the long-term goal is focused on boosting and sustaining Canada s performance level and ranking at the international level.

During the past four seasons, the NWSA funding has contributed close to one million dollars to enhancing the delivery of club, athlete and National Development Centre (NDC) racing programs. The NWSA s platform of support has a primary target to help professionalize and expand Canada s network of cross-country ski coaches who can lead quality club racing programs.

The NWSA is also committed to allocating some funding support to selected developing athletes who demonstrate potential towards long-term international level development and a clear financial need.

The NWSA is very encouraged in how this support is affecting the clubs and athletes and is pleased to award six athletes and ten clubs a total disbursement of $150,000 for the 2013-14 season.

The Association’s order of priorities for funding assistance includes:

The hiring of full time professional coaches to lead year round athlete development programs. The coach is required to adapt an inclusive approach to Cross Country Canada s Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) Guide, Cross- Country Skiing    A Sport for Life.

Advancing the education of professional coaches and cross-country ski racers who want to become professional coaches; this may include assisting them in their education at the National Coaching Institute (NCI) or other career enhancing opportunities.
Funding assistance for athletes who have the skill and desire to compete, first for their club and provincial team and then at the National Ski Team level.

Organizations & Athletes Selected for Funding:

Clubs:
– Nakkertok Nordic
– Skibec Nordique
– Cross Country Yukon (Whitehorse Ski Club)
– Canmore Nordic
– Fondeurs Laurentides
– Telemark XC Ski Club
– Rocky Mountain Racers
– Black Jack – Big Thunder
– Team Hardwood (

Athletes:
– Anne-Marie Comeau
– David Palmer
– Dahria Beatty
– Geoffrey Richards
– Janelle Greer
– Ezekiel Williams