NextGen Partnership
The NextGen program is a development pathway that provides athletes with training opportunities in their province while engaging with RCA Development programs. Since its inception back in 2017 the province of Alberta has largely been excluded from this program with the bulk of Rowing Canada’s resources going to support NextGen Performance Hubs in Ontario, British Columbia and Quebec.
Alberta has a long standing history in developing athletes for Canada’s national teams with a record eight Alberta athletes representing Canada in 2022. Recognizing Alberta’s sizeable contribution in developing home grown athletes for national programs, RCA formalized a NextGen Partnership with the Alberta Rowing Association back in early 2021. However, for much of the first year our arrangement under the program was never truly formalized. As of April 1, 2023 this has now changed with dedicated resources to support development pathways like never before.
Under the ARA’s arrangement through the NextGen partnership RCA and the ARA have agreed to formalize a partnership that will see each entity commit resources to this program. With this in mind, the ARA is very pleased to announce that Alex Marchuk will serve as NextGen Performance Team lead overseeing the program here in Alberta and provide direct feedback to Rowing Canada coaches and administrators on the ongoing development of our athletes, With Alex overseeing our NextGen Performance program we believe it will only enhance the opportunities available to athletes rowing here in Alberta.
Invermere
The cold weather throughout the month of March and into early April had many of us wondering if we would return to the water anytime soon here in Alberta. Fortunately, a warm weather system has melted all of the ice on Lake Windermere and with that the ARA is pleased to announce the Invermere camp intended for April 21-23, 2023 will proceed as planned.
Do note that while the ARA will provide some financial resources to assist with this pre-season camp, the responsibility for organizing the camp rests with your local club. Athletes who are interested in attending are asked to speak with their local clubs about logistics and so forth.
ARA Executive Update
The ARA is pleased to introduce Kim Chang as the newly elected Treasurer with the Alberta Rowing Association. Kim has no previous rowing experience (something that I hope we can change) but is a Chartered Professional and Management Accountant with over 10 years of progressive experience in corporate reporting, financial planning and analysis, bringing an analytical approach to accounting. She is currently the treasurer for her work’s United Way Committee. Her passions include love for spreadsheets, bicycle commuting, and various crafts. Welcome Kim!
Upcoming Events:
ARA Training Camp– Invermere, British Columbia –April 21-23, 2023
RADAR Submission (2K) Due by April 29, 2023.