A new program geared towards high-performance secondary school athletes is coming in September.
A special information meeting for athletes, parents, teachers and coaches is scheduled for Feb. 19 in advance of the start of Canadian Sport School – Penticton (CSS).
Operated in conjunction with PacificSport Okanagan and School District 67, CSS takes place during the school day at nearby locations away from the student’s school.
They attend their morning blocks at the school and the sports school for the remainder of the day.
The goal is to allow student-athletes to maintain connections with their peers and compete with both their high school and club sports teams.
The Penticton model is patterned after the Canadian Sport School – Kelowna model which has reportedly seen tremendous success in student-athlete performance, both academically and athletically in 25 sports in the last eight years.
“Many of them continue on to post-secondary sport, and national and Olympic/Paralympic teams,” reads the release about the opening. “In addition, many sport school graduates go on to study and work in health and exercise sciences, among other professions, with a 100 per cent graduation record, and a strong record of post-secondary school and career success.”
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School District 67 superintendent Wendy Hyer is optimistic about the program.
“The District is very excited about the potential partnership with CSS – Penticton, as it provides our student-athletes with an opportunity to work with experts who guide their athletic development and minimize the stress, overtraining and injuries that student-athletes are often exposed to. It is an opportunity for our student-athletes to remain in their community and train in their sport,” said Hyer.
PacificSport Okanagan is equally enthusiastic about the program.
“We welcome all interested members of the public to this informative community event,” said Shaunna Taylor, executive director, PacificSport Okanagan in a news release. “We are grateful for the support of School District 67 and the Canadian Sport Institute, both organizations recognizing the important value of sport as a character and community-builder. By investing in local developing athletes, we are investing in future leaders, active community members, and outstanding active living ambassadors.”
The information session will take place in the IMC building behind the school board office from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
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