LONG-TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT - Skate Canada

Stage of Development Facilities and Training Environments
Learn to Win/ Live to
Win
865 Sheord Road, Ottawa, Ontario K1J 1H9
Phone 613.747.1007 I Toll Free 1.888.747.2372 I Fax 613.748.5718 I Toll Free Fax 1.877.211.2372
At this level, there needs to be an atmosphere that enhances motivation for elite–
level athletes. An ideal training environment is required, including the best training
times, temperature, ice conditions, and overall training schedule. All services
should be centralized and the easiest way to facilitate this is through use of
national and regional sport centres. Off-ice training should be facilitated within the
same venue as the arena as much as possible to make better use of an athlete’s
time. Athletes in the Learning to Win/Living to Win stage also need opportunities
to train with other athletes at the same level through training camps, monitoring,
group fitness testing, etc. Athletes may also benefit from interaction and training
with athletes in other sports (e.g. speed skating, hockey).
Active for Life Adult sport and long-term activity in sport is a huge market. Facilities need to have
the programs to attract these clients which already include a social environment,
off–ice training facilities, medical service access, etc. Costs for adult programs
must be reasonable and the programs themselves must be of quality high enough
to ensure membership retention and future recruitment. Adults should have
their own designated area (dressing room or meeting room) in addition to their
own bulletin board in the facility to announce events like test days and local to
international adult competitions, as well as posting rule or technical changes. This
board might also be used to advertise items for sale, skating equipment stores,
local partnerships (i.e. potential relationships with a local fitness facility, dance
studios).
Athletes with a Disability Programs for athletes with a disability need to be incorporated into clubs. Trained
coaches, current information, and a willingness to include programs are the main
things a club requires. Some facilities may not be accessible for athletes with a
physical disability. An analysis of what modifications need to be made to a facility
(external and internal) should be undertaken and provided to the appropriate
persons in the community. Such assessments can be undertaken with special
needs organizations and/or other sporting organizations in the community.
80