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Athlete Resources - 2011 Direct Athlete Support Program

• Purpose

The purpose of Biathlon Alberta’s Direct Athlete Support Program is to increase the profile of biathlon and Alberta’s top competitive athletes amongst the general public and media, while assisting these athletes with the expenses incurred by high-performance athletes training to compete at the international level.

• Eligible Athletes

To be eligible for this program, athletes must meet at least one of the following criteria:

1. Named to a Biathlon Canada 2011 National Training Squad (A, B, Development)

2. Selected to compete for Canada at the 2011 World Youth Junior Championships

3. Competed for Team Alberta at the 2011 Canada Winter Games

4. Achieved a podium finish at 2011 Canadian Championships in an IBU Category

• Athletes must also have a current membership in a Biathlon Alberta affiliated club.

• Athletes who meet the above criteria, but are not actively training or competing in the current season are not eligible for support.

Note: There may be a reduced number of opportunities for athletes aged under-18.

• Program Overview

The Alberta Biathlon Club (ABC) Caravan attends numerous events which allow the general public to learn about biathlon and shoot an air rifle. Throughout the summer and fall Biathlon Alberta and ABC conduct a number of clinics, training camps and outreach programs. The knowledge and experience of athletes who have competed at national and international levels is a valuable asset to share with younger athletes, as well as the general public.

Athletes may apply to work at eligible events from a schedule of ABC or Biathlon Alberta camps and clinics. The list of events will evolve over time and updates will be sent to eligible athletes by e-mail. Athletes must arrive at a specific time and assist with set-up and take-down. Duties will be determined by Airat Aitniakov or BA camp coaches, but may include helping with air rifle demos, answering questions from the public, handing out brochures and encouraging potential athletes and their parents to check out local programs and clubs. Athletes may be asked to assist with coaching duties at camps and clinics and provide a short presentation to participants about their experiences as an athlete.

The International Biathlon Union will hold 4 races in Canmore in February 2012. Senior Alberta athletes will be featured competitors and athletes should promote this event as much as possible during their appearances.

• Details

(Credits earned can be directed towards Biathlon Canada or Biathlon Alberta team fees, tour fees, Biathlon Alberta Training Centre fees, or club training fees.)

• Athletes will receive a credit as follows:
• $100 for a work period of 3 hours or less
• $200 for a work period exceeding 3 hours

Athletes may apply to attend at as many events as they wish. Assignments will be made at the discretion of the program administrator.

• Biathlon Alberta will provide postcards of athletes to be distributed at events and sent to the media, advertising upcoming events and competitions. If you wish to use a particular photo, you must provide a high-resolution digital image. Please ensure you have permission to use the photo in this manner.

Athletes eligible for the 2011-2012 Direct Athlete Support Program

  DIRECT ATHLETE SUPPORT            2011-2012 SCHEDULE

Important! To sign-up for events, please contact Andy Holmwood, in addition to the specific event contact listed below.

July 12, July 26, August 9 - Strathcona Wilderness Centre Biathlon Demonstration, Edmonton

Times TBA

1 athlete per session, contact Alan Ball

July 16-17 - ABC Demo at MTB Nationals, Canmore

Times TBA

1 – 2 athletes, contact Airat

July 20, July 27, August 3, August 9 - ABC Camps, Canmore

Times TBA

1 – 2 athletes, contact Airat

July 23 - 24 - ABC Demo at 24 Hours of Adrenalin

July 23: 10am - 4pm

July 24: 9am - 1pm

3 - 4 athletes each day, contact Airat

August 15 - Shoot to Win #1 Summer Biathlon, Camrose                

Time TBA                                  

1 – 2 athletes, contact Airat

September 3 - 4, Highland Games demo, Canmore

Times TBA

1 athlete, contact Roddy Ward

More dates to be added …