Ottawa, Ontario — ParaEquestrian Canada is seeking a Team Leader for Canada’s Team heading to the 2008 Paralympic Games in Hong Kong, China.

With the Paralympic sports to be based in Beijing, China, the equestrian events are an exception, being held with the three Olympic equestrian disciplines of Dressage, Eventing and Show Jumping in Hong Kong.

Team Leaders are responsible for providing direct support to individual athletes as assigned by their National Sport Organization (NSO).  They are expected to work collaboratively with all athletes and the Mission staff members.   As part of the Canadian Team, the Team Leaders are expected to treat athletes with respect, communicating in a positive and constructive manner.

Team Leaders must be committed to the principles of equity (gender, language, culture, disability, and in the case of the equestrian team, understanding of disabled riders), and adhere to the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) code of conduct at all times.  They are also expected to respect and value, equally, the contribution of all Canadian Team athletes and staff.  They represent the team and must behave in a professional and courteous manner at all times.  Team Leaders will project an exemplary model of conduct and sportsmanship to all Canadian Team members.  The CPC will retain the right to deselect an NSO nominated team leader if the official chosen is in gross violation of the CPC Code of Conduct (i.e. abusive, discriminatory, illegal behaviour, etc.) at the time of selection and/or once selected.

QUALIFICATIONS

*Experience traveling with the team at various events (nationals, world cup, world championships, etc.) leading up to the Paralympic Games.

*Proven time management skills

*Ability to co-ordinate travel for a large number of people

*Scheduling of meetings, team functions, practice times

*Knowledge of IF policy and procedure

*Confidence in dealing with IF officials at scheduled meetings

*Highly recommended that they be a paid NSO staff (dependant on experience)

 RESPONSIBILITIES

Pre Games

*Liaise with your athlete(s) to determine their needs during the Games 

*Must attend the Team Orientation Seminar approximately four months out of the games

*Liaise with your NSO and the CPC to ensure the needs of your athlete(s) are conveyed

*Work in cooperation with your NSO and coaching staff to ensure all aspects of Games preparation are addressed

*Complete all paperwork as requested by your NSO and the CPC; and

*Ensure your athlete(s) paperwork is submitted as required.

 During Games

*Participate in all meetings/conference calls as requested

*Must be on site for the duration of the Paralympic Games (preferably arrive before team)

*Liaise with the Mission through your coach and/or the Team Services Officers ensuring that all team member concerns are directed as appropriate

*Know start time for events and practice schedules and assist your athlete(s) to arrive at appropriate locations on time

*Know information for all athlete services and/or be able to answer their logistical needs (goods, laundry, activities, etc.)

*Accompany athletes to doping control as required

*Ensure athletes are appropriately attired for travel, competition, press conference and all ceremonies

*Attend all Team meetings as required

*Attend all meetings called by the Team Services Officer and/or your coach

*Support all decisions made by the Canadian delegation

*Cooperate with other Team Members as required

*Review with your athlete(s) their evaluation of the Games at the conclusion of the event and subsequently complete a Team Evaluation

*Attend to the team during games to provide services such as video taping, water, towels, etc. as directed by the coaching staff and ensure that proper amenities will be provided for at the team bench before the game

*Pre scouting video taping if deemed necessary by the coaching staff

*Laundering of team uniforms

*Help in all ways for the smooth functioning of a team

 POST GAMES

*Submit a final report/evaluation to the CPC within 30 days of the completion of the Games

 KEY TIMELINES

*Appointment of a team leader (16-18 months out)

*NSO Info sessions (16-18 and 10-12 months out

*Team Orientation Seminar

 Please send a detailed CV with your application to Michelle Bodnar, Equine Canada,  mbodnar@equinecanada.ca

 For more information check the Para Equestrian Canada website at www.paraequestrian.ca

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