This year the program is hosting 20 free qualifying events across the country, welcoming new sport partners and providing more opportunities than ever before for all Canadian athletes. New in 2025, the program is also announcing exciting changes to ensure that all athletes who want to participate in sport have the opportunity to compete for their Olympic dreams.
These 2025 program updates were informed in part by a research study published earlier this month, Fair Play: Understanding the Current State of Racial Inclusion in Canadian High Performance Sport, conducted by Wasserman and Sport Information Resource Centre, and co-funded by RBC Foundation and the Canadian Olympic Foundation. The updates will help address key findings of the research study by improving access, removing financial barriers and enhancing representation to better reflect the diversity in Canada’s communities – ensuring that all athletes who want to participate in sport have the opportunity to compete.
- RBC Training Ground Athlete Accelerator – a new funding and support opportunity for RBC Training Ground participants facing financial barriers to high-performance sport. In addition to funding, recipients will receive educational development, mentorship support and financial literacy resources. All eligible athletes are able to apply following participation at a 2025 qualifying event. Recipients will be selected on an ongoing basis.
- RBC Training Ground Women’s Hour – an optional, scheduled participation timeslot at all RBC Training Ground qualifying events reserved for women. Athletes will be able to select this option during the registration process. This program update provides women with the option to compete in an environment that may feel more comfortable for them.
- RBC Training Ground Inclusion Council – a council to help further advance RBC Training Ground’s commitment to providing fair and inclusive opportunities for all athletes. Members will include representatives from the Canadian Olympic Committee, RBC, National Sport Organizations (NSO), former athletes and other industry leaders focused on inclusion.
- Expanding program access to more communities – program schedule to include new qualifying events (i.e., in Yellowknife, N.W.T and Windsor, ON) intended to reach talent who have not always had the same access to participate (e.g., Indigenous and racialized communities, geographically isolated groups, among others).
RBC Training Ground has had an impact on countless athletes, many who continue to make waves on the world stage. RBC Future Olympians like Julia Omokhuale and Marianne Quirion have experienced success firsthand – and now, they’re excited to encourage the next generation of RBC Training Ground participants with their inspiring journeys.
Julia Omokhuale, Rugby, at the 2023 RBC Training Ground National Final in Toronto.
“RBC Training Ground has been immensely supportive in multiple ways. Thanks to their financial assistance, I’m now fortunate enough to play in the Premiership Women’s Rugby (PWR), England’s premiership rugby league, and I’ve made significant strides as a player. The funding has helped with essential equipment, like rugby boots and nutrition supplements. Beyond finances, the networking opportunities and mental guidance through workshops with Olympians has been invaluable, particularly on topics like handling pressure and building resilience.”
– Julia Omokhuale (Rugby). 2023 RBC Future Olympian, from Calgary, AB.
Marianne Quirion at the 2024 RBC Training Ground National Final in Halifax.
“Being the first ever flag football RBC Future Olympian is an incredible honor and responsibility. It means so much to me to be a role model for young women in Canada and in my home province of Quebec, inspiring them to pursue their dreams in sports. I hope my journey encourages more girls to break through their own barriers, believe in themselves, and realize that anything is possible with dedication and passion.”
– Marianne Quirion (Flag Football). 2024 RBC Future Olympian, from Sherbrooke, QC.
The program is thrilled to welcome two new NSO partners, Biathlon Canada and Field Hockey Canada, as well as returning partner NSO Ski Jumping Canada who is back for its second year. In total, 15 sports will be recruiting talent for the 2025 season.
RBC Training Ground is an idea that sees all Canadian athletes for their Olympic potential. Sign up now and start your Olympic journey today.
Think you have Olympic potential? Sign up and reserve your spot at an upcoming qualifying event. Be sure to follow @RBCTrainingGround on Instagram for real-time RBC Training Ground updates. Click here to see our official season 10 announcement.