The University of Western Ontario has been named one of four talent development centres in Ontario as part of the Pond to Podium program.
The news came in a joint announcement by ROWONTARIO, Rowing Canada and Canadian Sport Centre Ontario.
The Pond to Podium program, originally launched in June 2010, aims to develop rowing talent in Canada to prepare for the 2015 Pan-Am Games and is a development pathway for future Olympic-level athletes and coaches in Ontario.
“We’re very pleased with the news,” says Therese Quigley, director of sports and recreation services at Western. “This has been a collaborative effort with the city and our coaches. The selection is a tribute to the commitment and dedication of coaches, student-athletes, alumni and our greater rowing community. It’s exciting to be a part of the development of our future Olympians.”
Dan Bechard, a Mustangs assistant rowing coach, has been named as the southwestern Ontario talent development coach for the Pond to Podium program.
Queen’s, Trent and Brock were also named as talent development centres, and all are scheduled to open in September, 2010. The Welland Recreational Canal Corporation was previously named as the host organization of the national development centre in Ontario.