OTTAWA - Athletics Canada is happy to announce today the details and guidelines regarding Team 2016 Olympic Development Program (ODP). ODP was designed to create a development pathway leading to sustainable high performance success in 2016 and beyond. The program’s objectives are to identify, promote, develop and retain high performance athletes in a Canadian environment.
The primary focus is on athletes between the ages of 17 and 24 who have achieved a minimum progression standard and have not yet reached the final at a World Championship or Olympic Games. ODP will provide identified athletes structure, leadership, and resources as they move through the pathway to Olympic and World success. The program divides athletes into two squads; a Juniors Squad (17-19 years old) and a Rising Stars Squad (20-24 years old). The two squads are further divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 divisions. The tiers recognise different levels of performance and commitment to training environments in each respective group. Athletes enter the ODP in Tier 2 once they achieve the minimum D performance standard with the objective of moving to Tier 1 and targeting the 2016 Program.
The criteria for the tiered squads - Tier 1, Tier 2 and 2016 program - are aligned with Athletics Canada’s carding program and high performance plan. It takes into account the level of performance, training environment, coaching environment, and whether athletes are Centre-linked or at a National training Centre. Each tier features benefits such as coach/athlete programming, Canadian Sports Centres services such as biomechanical assessments, physical therapy assessments and treatments, nutritional guidance and support under the direction of the Event Group Coaches. Other benefits include event group/centre led technical assistance, competition opportunities, training opportunities through national camps, event group camps, national centre visits and coach support.
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