Chilliwack slalom kayaker Austin Atkins has been picked to receive ‘Future Olympian’ funding.
The 18 year old participated in a talent identification program called RBC Training Ground when it came to Langley last February. More than 3,182 athletes were tested nationwide in 2018. From that group, 588 were invited to followup testing at a regional final or through a national sport organization. Of those, Atkins was one of 30 (just four from B.C.) to receive the funding, which, in his case, is administered through Canoe Kayak Canada.
Atkins is a Level 1 athlete who is part of Canoe Kayak’s national development program.
While studying at the University of Victoria, Atkins will use the funding to help pay for things like travel, international competitions and coaching at Athletics Canada’s Western Hub.
National sports organizations participating in the RBC Training Ground program include Speed Skating Canada, Athletics Canada, Freestyle Ski Canada, Canoe Kayak Canada, Cycling Canada and Rowing Canada.