OCF Partners with the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario to Deliver High Performance Programming

July 3, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – The Ontario Climbing Federation is pleased to announce a 12-month partnership with the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO) as we work to develop the next generation of high-performance climbers and para-climbers. The OCF has been accepted as one of the recipients of the Project Sport Initiative fund, and our goal is to work in tandem with CSIO and Climbing Escalade Canada to ensure our athletes and para-athletes are best positioned to compete in the years to come.

“We are in the process of establishing a High-Performance program in Ontario, and this funding will enable us to provide even more development opportunities for our athletes and para-athletes,” said Maria Richardson, Chair of the OCF Board of Directors. “We are implementing several structural changes, including the formation of a High-Performance Committee, with a focus on the future. Our partnership with CSIO will ensure a stronger program from the very first year.”

With para-climbing now being included in the 2028 Paralympic Games, and the opportunities presented by the separation of medals at the 2024 Paris Games, the OCF will be targeting a long-term development strategy beginning in the 2024-25 competition season.

“Climbing has never been in a better position following the inclusion of a combined 3-discipline event at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. We will have 2 separate events at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and we are very excited with the upcoming inclusion of para-climbing at the 2028 Olympics,” noted Nathan Abdelnour, Executive Director of the OCF. “The funding obtained through the Project Sport Initiative will help us embark on a full 4-year cycle to assist in the development of our athletes and para-athletes in preparation for national and international competitions for years to come."

As partners in the project, the CEC will also be assisting with ensuring alignment from a national-team perspective for all athlete and para-athletes. Christiane Marceau, Executive Director of the CEC: “The OCF and CSIO will be excellent partners in delivering local, High-Performance programming to those athletes and para-athletes either yet to be identified or who are on track to compete internationally in the coming years. We look forward to assisting with our pathway alignment and ensuring athletes and para-athletes are supported by the CEC along way.”

For more information on the CSIO Project Sport Initiative funding and to read the CSIO announcement, please click here.

For more information on the OCF High-Performance program, stay tuned for further releases in the coming weeks.