The Government of Canada has announced a funding boost to the Athlete Assistance Program (AAP). The program, administered by Sport Canada, was developed to offer financial assistance to world-class athletes as they train for and compete at top international events.
Athletes who have been “carded” by their national federations, based on their results at the Olympics, Paralymics, world championship and world cup events, are eligible to receive funding to use toward training and living expenses, and where applicable, tuition fees.
Direct funding to Senior Carded athletes has remained at $18,000 a year since 2004, despite a 24 per cent increase in cost of living, while Development Carded athletes (age eligible junior athletes who have the potential to achieve Senior Card status) have received $10,800 a year. Now, in his 2017 budget, Finance Minister Bill Morneau has announced the program will receive an additional $5 million dollars a year. It has yet to be announced how and when this change will be rolled out.
Equestrian Canada, the governing body of equestrian sport in this country, is responsible for nominating equestrian athletes for the AAP. According to their website, equestrian sport is eligible for the full financial value of 18 cards at the senior level. Each discipline is allocated four Senior (SR1, SR2, SR or C1) and three Development Cards (D). In addition, one Development Card (D) will be for discretionary distribution by EC to one of the three Olympic disciplines.
The carding period for equestrian is from January 1st to December 31st. All carding recommendations must be based on results achieved in the preceding 12 months, as submitted to EC by the athlete. Those athletes who are granted a card will receive a monthly stipend, but must first sign an Elite Athlete Agreement with the federation.
Nomination criteria for each discipline can be found at the following links:
To learn more, or to request AAP application forms, contact:
Anna Johnson
Manager, High Performance
Equestrian Canada
ajohnson@equestrian.ca
1-866-282-8395
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