COLLINGWOOD, ON (February 7th, 2019) – This past weekend, at the OCUP parent meetings surrounding both the U14 and U16 OCUP Mid-Winter series, Alpine Ontario Alpin (AOA) announced its 2019/2020 U19 High-Performance Program (U19HPP). The announcement included a title and role change for current Ontario Ski Team (OST) head coach and program director, Kip Harrington, who effective this spring will shift to become AOA’s High-Performance Director. Harrington will continue his role overseeing the OST and will oversee the new U19 HPP and the U16 HPP, while also working more closely with AOA’s regional FIS teams including NCO, SOD, and LSDA.

The U19HPP is designed to bring together the best U19 racers in Ontario for conditioning camps, training camps, and races. While these athletes will remain on their respective regional teams, clubs or academies, the intention is to raise the level of all U19 programs while supporting the most dedicated and talented skiers. The U19HPP athletes will come together for conditioning programs at the Canadian Sports Institute of Ontario (CSIO), work with sports psychologist Dr Dana Sinclair, and participate in two European camps with the OST in the fall and winter. The group will also look for opportunities to train together on an ongoing basis when possible.

Executive Director Scott Barrett explains, “This is a win for the Divisions and a win for the Province as a whole. We continue to work on creating a more defined development pathway in Ontario. As the High-Performance Director, we are confident Kip will provide the boost our programs need while allowing the organization to develop more broadly. His input will be invaluable toward ensuring the route from U16 to the OST is well planned, both on-snow and off, while giving our high-performance athletes all the support they need to succeed in our sport.”

 

Kip Harrington adds, “I’m extremely excited to see AOA commit to its athletes in this capacity. We have very strong athletes on the hill at both the U16 and U19 level and need to provide greater support. In my new role as High-Performance Director, I will have the opportunity to work with more athletes and coaches. We are working closely with CSIO in all aspects of sports science, including periodized planning, injury prevention and recovery, strength and conditioning programs, and nutrition. The CSIO works with developing future Olympic-level athletes from multiple sports.”

 

For more information:
Scott Barrett
Executive Director
Alpine Ontario Alpin
sbarrett@alpineontario.local