Ages: HS: 13-17 PS: 18-24

SD22 Highschool Biathlon Academy

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The Sovereign Lake Nordic Development Academy, in partnership with Okanagan School District #22 Snowsports Academy, offers Western Canada’s first high-performance training program for cross-country and Biathlon athletes in grades 8 through 12. This program caters to athletes with a commitment to academic and athletic excellence within the common high school timetable.
This Program has established a pathway to post-secondary excellence, tying in with our Post-Secondary Program. For athletes who intend to ski throughout the university, our program will collaborate with UBCO and Okanagan College to provide a seamless transition from high school to Post-Secondary Academics.
International caliber coaching staff guide you through your high school racing career. Sovereign Lake is unparalleled when it comes to early and late-season training opportunities, hosting the first and last on-snow camps of the season in partnership with Biathlon BC. With FIS and National Caliber Biathlon races planned each season at our venue, there is a real hometown advantage for athletes attending our program.

Eligibility:
  • Currently enrolled in a Regional High School (or online program) in Grades 10 through 12. Need help finding a school, contact us!
  • Must have a valid Student Season Pass
  • Must possess a Minor’s Permit and provide your own rifle*
  • An online Onboarding Session is required*
  • Maximum 30 participants across both Cross Country and Biathlon Programs for the 2023-24 season
  • Registration Deadline: May 31, 2023.

 

Cost Schedule: $2000 for School District 22 Students, $3000 for students Out of District

2023-25 Sponsors:

Why Join the SLNC Nordic Development Academy?

  • Integration with Okanagan School District #22 provides students with daytime training in Block A/B of the common timetable permitting the entire ski team the chance to train together, regardless of school or grade.
  • All Grade 11 and 12 students will attain NCCP Introduction to Community Coaching and Community Coaching Courses as part of their curriculum with scheduled Bunny Rabbits and Jack Rabbits Coaching, and/or Biathlon Bears coaching sessions.
  • A CANSI Level 1 Instructor Course may be offered at a discount for Academy athletes.
  • NCCP Biathlon Coaching Courses will be subsidized.
  • Full Waxing Support and Coaching Support at Team Led events,
  • Athletes receive a Physical Education credit.

If you have any questions about the Biathlon Program please reach out to the Biathlon Head Coach Eric at [email protected]

 

Program Details:

Dates
May 1st, 2023 – Mid April, 2024 (School Snowsports Academy Semester runs September 6th, 2023 – Jan 27th, 2024)
Schedule
Summer
AM: [Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, ~8:30 – 11:00]
PM: Tue (Gym) 16:30 – 18:00
Biathlon Specific: Tue *Combined practice with XC*, Wed 17:00 – 19:00, Sat 14:00 – 16:00School Schedule (Semester 1)
AM:
 [Tue (Gym), Wed, Thu, Fri ~8:30 – 11:00], Sat 9:30 – 11:30
PM: [Tue, Thu, 18:00 – 19:30]Biathlon Specific: Wed 17:00 – 19:00, Sat 13:00 – 15:00, *Biathlon sessions will be integrated into the morning schedule*School Schedule (Semester 2: Spring, Fall / Winter)
AM: Sat 9:30 – 11:30
PM: [Tue, Thu, 18:00 – 19:30]Biathlon Specific: Wed 17:00 – 19:00, Thu 17:00 – 18:30 *Before XC*, Sat 14:00 – 16:00
Length of Session
1.5 to 3 hrs
Consultation and approval to participate in this program must be given by the SLNC Coaching Staff and Snowsports Nordic Academy teacher Glen Stiven before registering. This is to ensure that the Academy is a good “fit” for student-athletes and that they are aware of  – and appropriately prepared for –  the demands of Academy training and academic study.

*If you came up through our SLNC program you may be able to continue renting a rifle for a total of 3 years as per club policy.

* An SLNC 22/23 season pass is required for participants in this program.

No formal programming: TBD

 

Eric Schryer – Biathlon Head Coach 

Hailing from Sudbury, Ontario, Eric began his journey in skiing and biathlon by striding and gliding around his property with his parents. After discovering biathlon he patiently waited until he was old enough and then began learning to shoot in his local air rifle biathlon program. This quickly evolved to teaching himself how to shoot .22 rifles with a small group of athletes. After racing domestically, Eric was quickly scooped up by the coaching world. Eric began coaching with the Chelsea Nordiq ski & biathlon club. Along with leading this talented group of biathletes, Eric coached at the 2019 Canada Winter Games, and a multitude of Jr. IBU cups, IBU cups, and World Youth / Junior Championships with Team Canada. Eric is a member of Biathlon Canada’s Domestic Committee and is continuing his education in the field of psychology.

 

Administration Support

Lynn Algra- Cadet Liaison

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