Athlete Support

Targeted Athlete Program

BC Athletics High Performance Targeted Athlete Program & Canadian Sport Institute / PacificSport Athlete and Coach Registration

The Canadian Sport Institute Pacific, through a partnership with the Province of British Columbia (BC), ViaSport, the network of PacificSport centres, and BC Athletics, collaborates to deliver programs and services to place BC Athletes onto National Teams, and ensure athletes and coaches have every advantage to win medals for Canada. The partners work jointly to encourage sport excellence and increase podium performances in communities throughout British Columbia.

Through the above partnership, and with the above purpose in mind, BC Athletics may nominate athletes and their coaches who meet specific criteria for Canadian Sport Institute Pacific / PacificSport athlete or coach registration. Upon registering, athletes and coaches can engage in enhanced programs, benefits, and selected support services through Canadian Sport Institute Pacific and the network of PacificSport regional centres in BC.

Athlete Selection

Athletes and coaches are selected to the program each year based on the performance selection criteria (see below for current criteria).  This criteria is created by BC Athletics, as approved by Canadian Sport Insititute Pacific (CSI-P). Athletes must apply annually to be nominated to the program. Once selected, athletes will recieve an email from BC Athletics with instructions on how to register for an intake meeting with CSI-P to recieve your card.

Athlete Benefits

Coach Selection

Personal coaches can also receive access to benefits if they currently coach an athlete selected to the Athlete Nomination List. Like the athletes, coaches will receive a notification via email. For more information on services for coaches, please see the Canadian Sport Institute Pacific website.

Coach Benefits

Why am I not on the list?

If an athlete’s name is not on the Athlete Nomination List, and they believe that it should be, they and their personal coach are advised to contact Megann VanderVliet at megann.vandervliet@bcathletics.org. Once the appeal is received, it will be considered on a case by case basis by BC Athletics and CSI-P.

More information can be found on the Canadian Sport Institute Website.

Athlete & Coach Selection Criteria:

• 2022/2023 BC Athletics High Performance Targeted Athlete Program Selection Criteria (Updated October 18, 2022)
• APPLY HERE (Updated October 18, 2022)

Current Athlete & Coach Nomination List:

• 2022 BC Athletics High Performance Targeted Athlete Program CURRENT ATHLETE / COACH LIST (Updated January 10, 2023)

For any questions, please contact the Program Manager of Track & Field - Megann VanderVliet  - megann.vandervliet@bcathletics.org

Athlete Assistance Program (Financial)

The BC Athlete Assistantance Program (BC AAP) is an athlete-centered program of financial assistance funded by BC Athletics. The program seeks to recognize high performance athletes who are participating in programs offered through BC Athletics (PSO) or post-secondary institutions and competing in recognized national or international competitions to relieve some of the pressures associated with training and competition needs. BC Athletics is charged with selection of said athletes.

2022 Criteria:

• 2022 BC Athletics High Performance Athlete Assistance Program Information - Standards & Selection Criteria (Updated July 9, 2022)
• NCAA Compliance Officer Acknowledgement Form
• 2022-2023 BC Athletics Athlete Assistance Program FUNDING RECIPIENTS (posted January 26, 2023)

2021 Criteria:

• 2021 BC Athletics High Performance Athlete Assistance Program Information (Standards & Selection Criteria (Updated August 23, 2021)

•  2021-22 BC Athletics Athlete Assistance Program FUNDING RECIPIENTS (Posted February 24, 2022)

ATHLETE & COACH PROGRAMS, SERVICES, & DEVELOPMENT

 

 

 

Effective Leadership Strategies for the High Performance Coach - Webinar Series

BC Athletics is thrilled to offer three new Professional Development opportunities targeted towards our Club and Performance coaches. Led by Dr. Shaunna Taylor, this three-part webinar series covers many  of the essential leadership skills of effective coaching that, when combined with the technical aspects of athletic performance, lead to coaching excellence. If coaches would like recieve Profesisonal Development Points for each seminar attended they can email Jennifer.Brown@bcathletics.org and provide a copy of their receipt. LEARN MORE​

• Session #1: Leadership Strategies for the High Performance Coach
  • Recording (Presented for Free as part of National Coaches Week)
• Session #2: Coach & Athlete Mental Health - Common Challenges, Solutions & Scenarios in High Performance
  • Purchase (You will be emailed a link to the recording)
• Session #2: Eating & Exercise Disorders in Sport: Signs, Symptoms, & Prevention Measures
  • Purchase (You will be emailed a link to the recording)

 

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Overview: BC Athletics is pleased to announce the 4th Annual BC Throws Summit set to take place Nov 7, 8, 10, & 12, 2020. Adopting a virtual format this year, the summit will feature both theory and practical sessions and is targeted to those coaches working with High School, University, and Post Collegiate athletes in the Shot Put, Javelin, & Discus Throw events. BC Athletics is proud to announce a truly world class line-up of presenters headlined by German National Coach, Boris Obergföll (Henry) coach of 2017 World Champion in the Javelin, Johannes Vetter (PB - 97.76m).  LEARN MORE

• 2020 BC Throws Summit Recording - $100.00 for BC Athletics & Athletics Canada Members
  • 15 hours of content from expert Coaches: Don Babbitt, Boris Obergfoll, Ashley Kovacs & Ryan Whiting

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Title: Canadian Sports Institute Sport Performance Speaker Series

Overview: Through the Speaker Series Registered athletes are able to gain the tools, knowledge and skills needed to reach the next level of sport performance

Eligibility: Please note that attendance at the speaker series is limited to Canadian Sport Institute Pacific or PacificSport registered athletes, coaches and/or parents of registered athletes. 

Upcoming Events: For more information on the Speaker Series visit: Website 

 

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External Sport Credit Program

External Sport Credit Program

The External Sport Credit Program provides credits for athletes named to Provincial Teams, Canadian Teams, Targeted Talent ID Programs, Camps and other Provincial Sport Organization Talent ID Programs. 

A full list of the sports and programs can be found here.

Athletes wishing to receive a letter from BC Athletics must provide the following information:

1. Athlete's name
2. The full name of the School he/she attends
3. The full mailing address for the School
4. The phone number for the School
5. The full name of his/her counsellor
6. The counsellor's email address
7. BC Summer Games Zone Team(s) selected to & year
8. BC Teams selected to & year
9. Athlete's email address
10. Parent's email address

With this information BC Athletics will write a letter to the school counsellor and provide a copy to the athlete and parent.

Please send your request to Brian McCalder

Grants / Bursaries

Grant / Bursary	Overview & Eligibility Requirements
	Athlete Assistance Program & High Performance Support Athletes wishing to be considered for Athlete Support through either the BC Athlete Assistance Program (AAP) and/or the BC Athletics High Performance Targeted Athlete Program must complete the application below. Athlete's may indicate whether they plan to apply for either or both programs.  Please see below for important information: ​MORE DETAILS
	KidSport is a national not-for-profit organization that provides financial assistance for registration fees and equipment to kids aged 18 and under. Through a confidential application process they provide grants so they can play a season of sport. Nationally, KidSport is comprised of a network of 11 provincial/territorial KidSport chapters and 166 community KidSport chapters. Since its creation in 1993, over 825,000 kids across the country have been given the chance to play sport through KidSport grants and sport introduction programming. MORE INFO
	BC Ferries Sport Experience Program Through the BC Ferries Sport Experience Program, BC Ferries and viaSport provide travel support to eligible not-for-profit sport organizations and athletes. Vouchers may be used by athletes (18 years or younger) traveling to compete in international events, national championships, western Canadian championships, provincial championships or selection camps (does not include pre-season, tournaments, regular season league or event play). APPLY NOW
	Aboriginal Youth Sport Legacy Fund The Aboriginal Youth Sport Legacy Fund assists amateur athletes of Indigenous ancestry, including athletes with a disability or disabilities, in their pursuit of excellence in sport. The grant seeks to relieve financial costs associated with high performance sport. MORE INFORMATION ON VIASPORT GRANT PROGRAMS
	Harry Jerome Scholarship The Harry Jerome Scholarship is named after the late great Harry Jerome.  This scholarship is administered through BC Athletics and financed by the Vancouver Foundation.  All eligible applicants must complete the application process. Application Deadline: 5:00 PM on the 3rd Friday of May, each year. Harry Jerome Scholarship Application Application Deadline: The 3rd Friday of May each year Donate to the fund here.
	CAN Fund Athlete Application The CAN Fund athlete application is now available on the CAN Fund website for athletes to begin submitting their applications. The next application deadline is TBA. Applications will be accepted from any active national team athlete who is training to represent Canada Internationally. Able-bodied and Paralympic athletes can apply.   MORE DETAILS
	Athletes registered with one of the three CSI Pacific campuses (Vancouver, Victoria, Whistler) at the Provincial Development or Canadian Development may eligible for Grants & Bursuries provided by CSI-P. MORE DETAILS
	This award is administered by the Board of Directors of the Vancouver Spirit Run and financed from the proceeds of the Vancouver Spirit Run.   MORE DETAILS
Other Funding Sources	Visit Here

 

BC Endurance Project

About the BC Endurance Project

The BC Endurance Project (BCEP) is a select group of high performance distance runners (5,000m to marathon) residing and training in the Vancouver area. The group is supported and funded by BC Athletics, the Canadian Sport Institute, viaSport, Corporate Sponsorship, and the Government of British Columbia.

Mission Statement

The BC Endurance Project strives to develop distance runners (5000m to marathon) to achieve national and international performance standards. The specific goals of the project are to place as many members on BC and Canadian Championship podiums, on Canadian national teams, and to pursue podium performances at Olympic Games, World Championships, Multi-sport International Games, and other international competitions.

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Athlete & Coach Programs, Services, & Development Opportunities

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COACH & ATHLETE ROSTER

Head Coach

Richard Lee is the Head Coach of the BCEP. Richard is from Kincardine, ON and a graduate of Queen’s University in Kingston, ON. Richard coached Sue Lee (Born French) who under his guidance qualified for both the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and the 1988 Seoul Olympics where she set Canadian records in both her heats as well as in the Final (finishing 8th place) in the 10,000m.

This experience and focus has helped shape the current BCEP roster and since 2008, Richard’s focus has been on coaching post-collegiate athletes, helping them move to the next level of National Team and International Competition. There has been and continues to be great success and development in the group, highlighted by Olympians Dylan Wykes, Natasha Wodak, and Lucas Bruchet and Olympic Qualifier Rachel Cliff.

The main focus of the group is geared largely towards longer distance events - from the 10,000m to the marathon, but Richard’s interest and belief in diversity within a training group keeps the group well rounded from 1500m up through the marathon.

Over the past five years the BCEP has produced:

• Over 50 BC Championship podium finishes
• 42 Canadian Championship podium finishes (Achieved by 11 different athletes)
• 12 Canadian Champions (Achieved by 5 different Athletes)
• 32 National Team Members (Achieved by 14 different Athletes)
• 3 Canadian Records
• 3 Olympians

 

BC Endurance Project Athletes:
Luc Bruchet

Age: February 23rd, 1991

Hometown: Vancouver

Birthplace: White Rock

High School: Elgin Park

University: University of British Columbia

Sponsors: Muscle Milk, Stoaked Oats

Events:

• 1500M - 3:39.13
• 3000M (i) - 7:52.8
• 3000M (o) - 7:46.89
• 3000M S/S - 8:54.94
• 5,000M - 13:24.1
• 10,000M - 28:36.74

Career Highlights:

• 2019 Canadian Cross Country Championships (2nd)
• 2019 Canadian 10,000m Championships (2nd)
• 3x Canada Cross Country Champion (2013, 2017, 2018)
• 2017 Canadian Track & Field Championships (5,000M, 3rd) 
• 2016 Olympian (5,000M, 37^th)
• 2015 Pan Am Games (5,000M, 8^th)
• 2013 World University Games Finalist (5,000M, 9^th)
• Sub-4 minute miler (3:57)

Twitter: @Lucabruca

Instagram: @Lucabruca

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Rachel Cliff

DOB: April 1, 1988

Hometown: Vancouver

Birthplace: Vancouver

High School: York House

University: University of Guelph

Sponsors: ON Running, Vancouver Running Company

Events:

• 5,000M - 15:20.6 
• 10,000M - 31:54.88
• 10KM Road - 32:22 
• Half Marathon - 1:10:06 (Former National Record) 
• Marathon - 2:26:56 (Former National Record)

Career Highlights:

• 2019 Sanoya Ladies Half Marathon (6th, 1:06.06)
• 2019 IAAF World Track & Field Championships (5,000m)
• 2019 Pan American Games Bronze Medalist (10,000m)
• 2019 Canadian 10,000m Championships (2nd)
• 2019 Nagoya Women's Only Marathon (15th, 2:26:56)
• 2018 Berlin Marathon (11th; 2:28:53)
• 2018 NACAC Bronze Medalist (10,000m)
• 2018 Commonwealth Games (10,000m; 9th; 32:11.11)
• 2018 The Woodlands Half Marathon (1st Place - 1:10:08)
• 2017 IAAF World Track & Field Championships (10,000m; 20th; 32:00.03)
• 2018 Canadian 10,000M Champion
• 2x Canadian 10KM Road Champion (2017, 2018)
• 2015 World University Games Finalist (5,000M, 9^th)
• 2013 World XC Championships Team Member (25^th)

Twitter: @Dangerous_Cliff

Instagram: @raecliff

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Kevin Coffey

 

Age: June 23rd, 1986

Hometown: Kingston, Ontario

Birthplace: Innisfail, Alberta

High School: Kingston Collegiate Vocational Institute

University: St. Lawrence College

Events:

• 5,000M - 14:07.16
• 5km (Road) - 14:48
• 10km - 30:13
• Half Marathon - 1:05:53
• Marathon - 2:20:22

Career Highlights'

• Houston Half Marathon (1:05:53)
• 2019 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon (2:20:22)
• 2019 BC 8KM Road Champion (2018 Icebreaker 8KM) 
• 2018 BC 10KM Road Champion (2018 TC 10KM)
• 3rd Canadian 10KM Champs

Twitter: @fluentstep

Instagram: @coffeyrunner

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Erica Digby

DOB: April 23, 1989

Hometown: Vancouver, BC

Birthplace: Comox, BC

High School: Kitsilano Secondary

University: University of Idaho

Events:

• 1500M - 4:11
• 3000M(i) - 9:05
• 5000M(i) - 15:42.20
• 5,000M - 15:33.51

Career Highlights:

• 2019 IAAF World XC Championships (4 x 2km Relay - 6th)
• 2018 Pan Am XC Championships (13th)
• 2017 Jeux de la Francophonie (5000m; 5th)
• 2017 Canadian Track & Field Championships (5000m; 5th)
• 2013 Jeux de la Francophonie (1500m)
• 2012 Western Athletic Conference Champion (1500m & 5,000m)
• 2012 Indoor Track & Field Western Athletic Conference Champion (DMR)

Instagram: @Ericadigby

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Theo Hunt

Age: September 15th, 1988

Hometown: Vancouver

Birthplace: Bowen Island

High School: US Grant & Bainbridge Island HS

University: University of British Columbia

Events:

• 5,000M - 14:14.76
• 10,000M - 30:14
• 1/2 Marathon - 1:06:21

Career Highlights:

• 2019 Canadian Cross Country Championships (15th)
• 2018 Pan Am XC Championships (27th)
• 2017 Canadian Track & Field Championships (5,000m; 10th)
• 2015 BC 8KM Road Champion
• 2014 Canadian Cross-Country Team Member
• 2014 BC 10KM Road Champion
• 2014 BC Timex Series Champion

Twitter: @hunttheo

Instagram: @hunttheo

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Justin Kent

DOB: April 30th, 1992

Hometown: Vancouver

Birthplace: Surrey

High School: Kwantlen Park

University: University of British Columbia

Events:

• 1500M – 3:41.00
• 3000M  - 7:58.68
• 3000M Steeplechase – 8:48.08
• 5,000M – 13:46.30
• Half Marathon - 1:04:20

Career Highlights:

• 2019 Canadian 10KM Road Championships (2nd)
• 2019 Vancouver Sun Run Champion
• 2019 IAAF World XC Championships (4 x 2km Relay - 6th)
• 2018 Pan Am XC Championships (13th)
• 2018 BC Road 8KM Champion
• 2017 Jeux de la Francophonie (1500m; 15th)
• 2016 BC XC Champion
• 2016 BC Road 10KM Champion
• 2016 BC 1500M Champion
• 2014 NAIA 3000M Steeplechase Champion

Twitter: @jkent_

Instagram: @jkent_

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Kirsten Lee

DOB: November 26th, 1993

Hometown: Port Coquitlam

Birthplace: Vancouver

High School: Terry Fox Secondary

University: University of British Columbia

Events:

• 1500M – 4:19.23
• 3000M (i) – 9:20.28
• 5,000M – 16:03.10

Career Highlights:

• 2020 Pan AM XC Champsionship (18th)
• 2019 Canadian Cross Country Championships (6th)
• 2017 BC Athletics Track & Field Championships (1500m Champion)
• 2016 NAIA Track & Field National Championship 1,500m (Finalist) 
• 2015 NAIA Cross Country All-American (24th)
• 2015 A.I.I. Individual and Team Conference Champion 
• 2015 NAIA Track & Field National Championship 4x800m (Silver Medalist)
• 2014 NAIA Women’s Team Cross Country National Champion

Twitter: @kirstenklee

Instagram: @kirstenklee

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Catherine Watkins

DOB: September 8th, 1971

Hometown: Vancouver

Birthplace: Oakville, Ontario

High School: Oakville Trafalgar High School

University: University of Guelph / University of Western Sydney Nepean

Sponsors: Oiselle, Nuun Hydration, Zensah Compression

Events:

• 5KM - 16:48
• 10KM - 33:52
• Half Marathon - 1:16:48
• Marathon - 2:40:11

Career Highlights:

• 2016 10KM  National Masters  Road Race Champion
• 2015 Pan Am Games (Marathon; 8th place)
• 2015 Eugene Marathon Champion
• 2015 1st Masters - Houston Marathon
• 2014 National Masters 5KM Road Race Champion
• Canadian Masters Record Holder for 3000M
• Canadian Masters Cross Country Champion (2011 & 2012)

Twitter: @runmommaster

Instagram: @runmommaster

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Dylan Wykes

DOB: June 6th, 1983

Hometown: Vancouver

Birthplace: Kingston, Ontario

High School: Frontenac Secondary

University: Providence College

Events:

• 10,000M - 28:12.83
• Half Marathon - 1:02:14
• Marathon - 2:10:47

Career Highlights:

• 2019 Canadian 10KM Road Champion 
• 2017 Canadian 1/2 Marathon Championships (3rd)
• 2012 Olympian (Marathon, 20^th)
• 3rd Fastest Canadian All-Time In Marathon (2:10:47)
• 2010 California International Marathon Champion
• 2009 World Track & Field Team Member (Marathon)

Twitter: @dylanwykes

Instagram: @dylanwykes

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Integrated Support Team

 

Physiotherapy

• Chris Napier
• Marilou Lamy

Sports Medicine

• Dr. Jim Bovard

Exercise Physiology

• Trent Stellingwerff, CSI

Sports Phycology

• Kirsten Barnes, CSI

Strength & Conditioning

• Devon Goldstein 

Massage Therapy

• Kimen Petersen

Chiropractic

• Aaron Case

 

Any questions about the BCEP can be directed to the Head Coach, Richard Lee – Richard.lee@bcathletics.org

BC Throws Project

Mission Statement:

The BC Throws Project strives to develop athletes in the Throws to achieve national and international performance standards. The specific goals of the project are to place as many members on BC and Canadian Championship podiums, on Canadian national teams, and to pursue podium performances at Olympic Games, World Championships, Multi-sport International Games, and other international competitions.

Primary Objectives:

1. Serve as a Western Canadian Hub for the throwing events.
2. Increase Coach and Athlete Support for targeted and non-targeted BC throws coaches and BC athletes.
3. Develop a “BC Throws Development Pathway” to address recruitment and talent identification for athletes 9 years old to High Performance.
4. Host Annual “BC Throws Summit” for professional development, future planning and athlete and coach updates.

Coach Support:

• Provide coaches with annual professional development opportunities in different locations throughout the province which access in-province and out-of-province expertise.
• Provide coaches with funding to attend out-of-province professional development opportunities as agreed upon by a committee of throws coaches, or through a clearly identified selection process.
• Create a mentorship program for developing coaches to include steps towards completion of NCCP certification levels.
• Provide coaches with funding opportunities to attend in-province and/or out-of-province training camps and major competitions.

Athlete Support:

• Provide targeted athletes with financial support to attend in-province and out-of-province training camps.
• Provide targeted athletes, identified as BC trained or affiliated, with financial support to attend National Championships and major competitions identified by a specific selection criteria.
• Work to raise money for financial assistance outside of and PSO or NSO contributions (private funding or sponsorships).

Identified Hubs:

1. Victoria Hub
   Lead Coaches: Sheldan Gmitroski 
   Primary Training Facilities: Lambrick Park Secondary School
    
2. Lower Mainland Hub
   Lead Coaches: Garrett Collier
   Primary Training Facilities: Collier Throws Centre (Richmond) & Rashpal Dillion Track (UBC)
    
3. Interior/Okanagan Hub
   Lead Coaches: Dylan Armstrong 
   Primary Training Facilities: Tournament Capital Centre / Hillside Stadium (Kamloops)

Initatives:

• Athlete / Coach Grants

• Coach Professional Development

• • 2022 Canadian Throws Summit (November 5-13, 2022)- VIRTUAL ONLY: $99-$149 IN PERSON (Richmond, BC): $249-$299
    • ​Virtual Speakers include - Richard Parkinson, Danielle Chow-Leong, Bogdan Poprawski, Bill Heikkla
    • In Person Speakers include - Mo Sataara, Kara Winger, Russ Winger, Camryn Rogers, Mykolas Alekna
    • MORE INFORMATION
  • 2021 BC Throws Summit Recordings - $49.00
    • Speakers include - Don Babbitt, Vesteinn Hafsteinsson, Paddy McGrath, Rudy Winkler, Mo Sataara, Camryn Rogers, Dale Stevenson, Lauren Bruce, Kara Winger, Kim Cousins 
      • ​Purchase the recordings 
  • 2020 BC Throws Summit Recording - $49.00 for BC Athletics & Athletics Canada Members
    • 15 hours of content from expert Coaches: Don Babbitt, Boris Obergfoll, Ashley Kovacs & Ryan Whiting
      • Purchase the recordings

• Athlete Development Camps

  • Stay tuned for 2023 dates!

BC Sprints/Jumps Project

Mission Statement

The Sprint/Jumps Projects’ mission is to assist in developing athletes to achieve national and international performance standards. The specific goals of the project are to place as many members on BC and Canadian Championship podiums, on Canadian national teams, and to pursue podium performances at Olympic Games, World Championships, Multi-sport International Games, and other international competitions. To achieve this, the project looks to provided targeted funding to targeted athletes and coaches in the Sprint/Jumps disciplines.

Athlete & Coach Programs, Services, & Development Opportunities

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