—Edwards to help deliver plan to aid in podium performances—

CANMORE, Alta.—Canada’s high-performance Para-Nordic athletes received a boost of support in their quest for the international podium. Mike Edwards has been recruited to the role of assistant director of high-performance for the nation’s Para-Nordic squad, Cross Country Canada announced on Thursday.

Edwards, who has more than 20 years of experience while working and volunteering in Canada’s Nordic community at the club and program development level, spent the last three years working with VANOC’s management, competition committee members and volunteers as chief of course for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Edwards has extensive experience working in a variety of Nordic-related roles throughout his career including managing events, officiating and managing facilities.

“This is a great opportunity to have a Canadian with extensive organizational skills experience in our community help grow the nation’s Para-Nordic program to podium results,” said Tom Holland, high-performance director, Cross Country Canada, who added Canada’s Para-Nordic Team won five medals at the 2010 Games. “Mike brings a well-rounded background that will play a critical role in growing this program, while ensuring we build on the success of 2010 by delivering the resources our athletes need to win.”

Officially starting his new role in January 2011 at the Bill Warren Training Centre in Canmore, Alta., Edwards will be tasked with leading the ongoing development and delivery of high-performance and development programs for Canada’s Para-Nordic athletes. Edwards and Holland will join forces to develop a Para-Nordic high-performance plan targeted for success and growth of the program in 2014 and 2018. Edwards will also manage Canada’s Para-Nordic high-performance operations including training camps and international competitions.

“I gained a great deal of experience and knowledge while working with the world’s top Olympic and Paralympic programs at the 2010 Games that I believe will help me grow  Canada’s Para-Nordic high-performance programs,” said Edwards, who also has experience working at World Cup and IPC World Cup competitions in Sovereign Lake and Mt. Washington. “We have an exciting team that combines veteran leadership with youthful energy, and that is very exciting. Together, we are going to work hard, follow the plan, develop this program and ultimately win more medals at the 2014 and 2018 Games.”

Last month Cross Country Canada announced Robin McKeever as the new Para-Nordic Ski Coach. An Olympian in 1998, McKeever has played a key role in developing and working on technique with all team members on the Para-Nordic squad since 2008.

“World-leading coaching, and a strong support team are core to Canada’s cross-country ski athletes’ pursuit of podium results,” said Holland. “Robin’s knowledge and experience as a high-performance athlete, and core member of our Para-Nordic program over the last decade, will be extremely valuable in taking the Canadian program to the next level. I am confident he will work closely with Mike to deliver a high level of leadership and motivation that will ensure our athletes are fully prepared to win against the world’s best.”

McKeever will continue to guide his brother Brian, while leading a group of six medal-targeted athletes that will compete in World Cup and World Championship competitions this season.

The McKeever duo, who won three gold medals at the 2010 Paralympics, will continue to lead the Canadian charge en route to 2014. The brother tandem have racked up seven gold, two silver and one bronze medal in three trips to the Paralympics in addition to dozens of World Championship and World Cup medals.

Joining the McKeevers on the Para-Nordic World Cup will be 10-time Paralympic medallist, Colette Bourgonje, who is one of the few athletes ever to win multiple medals in both the Paralympic Summer and Winter Games. The Saskatoon resident competed in wheelchair racing at the 1992 Paralympic Summer Games, and sit-ski racing in six Paralympic Winter Games. Bourgonje won a silver and bronze medal at the 2010 Games, and was the recipient of the prestigious Youn Dai Achievement Award.

Multiple Para-Nordic World Cup medallist, Robbi Weldon and her guide Brian Berry of Thunder Bay, Ont., will be looking to build on their Paralympic debut in Whistler with Jody Barber, of Smithers, B.C., and Mark Arendz, of Springton, P.E.I., who round out the national team.

Cross Country Canada is the governing body of cross-country skiing in Canada, which is the nation’s optimal winter sport and recreational activity with more than one million Canadians participating annually. Its 51,000 members include athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all ages and abilities, including those on Canada’s National Ski Teams and Para-Nordic Ski Teams. With the support of its valued corporate partners – Haywood Securities Inc., AltaGas, Teck Resources Ltd. and Statoil – along with the Government of Canada, Canadian Olympic Committee, Canadian Paralympic Committee and Own the Podium, Cross Country Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic and world champions. For more information on Cross Country Canada, please visit us at www.cccski.com.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Chris Dornan                                                   
Media and Public Relations
Cross Country Canada                          
T: 281-703-4394                                   
E-mail: hpprchris@comcast.net