The Rocky Mountain Racers ski club officially started in Calgary, Alberta in October 1995. At the time the club was unique in Canada in its approach to development of Cross Country skiing and Biathlon athletes. Now after nearly two decades of operation, RMR continues to be a significant player in the Nordic scene.
Rather than a traditional ski club that has a variety of Nordic programs and activities, or maintains a home based trail system, RMR’s focus at the outset was on development of junior and senior athletes. Key objectives included “helping athletes achieve excellence in their sport”, and “preparing them for Provincial, National, and International competition”. Athlete contracts were implemented that clearly defined the responsibilities and expectations of the athletes, coaches, and the club, and these contracts also included guiding values and beliefs associated with meeting the club’s objectives. “Administration” costs were kept to an absolute minimum, with the club budget almost fully dedicated to support of the athletes.
To achieve its objectives, it was felt that professional coaching was essential, and that the coaches needed to have the leadership skills and expertise capable of taking athletes to the national level. Other key components included an expected year around commitment to training, access to the best training facilities and resources available, opportunities for International competition, and use of educational resources like the National Sports School (NSS) in Calgary to provide the flexible time required to train and compete at this level.
The RMR approach embodied many elements of what has evolved in Canada as “National Training Centres”. Other Nordic clubs in Canada have also adopted many aspects of the RMR approach. Over the years RMR has helped out over 150 athletes pursue their athletic dreams and now has a strong history of outstanding results. It regularly ranks nationally among the top performing clubs in the sports of both Biathlon and Cross Country Skiing. In just the last two years RMR athletes have qualified to represent Canada at World Cup races, at World Junior Championships, at IPC World Championships, IPC World Cups, and at the Nordic World Championships.
Rather than a traditional ski club that has a variety of Nordic programs and activities, or maintains a home based trail system, RMR’s focus at the outset was on development of junior and senior athletes. Key objectives included “helping athletes achieve excellence in their sport”, and “preparing them for Provincial, National, and International competition”. Athlete contracts were implemented that clearly defined the responsibilities and expectations of the athletes, coaches, and the club, and these contracts also included guiding values and beliefs associated with meeting the club’s objectives. “Administration” costs were kept to an absolute minimum, with the club budget almost fully dedicated to support of the athletes.
To achieve its objectives, it was felt that professional coaching was essential, and that the coaches needed to have the leadership skills and expertise capable of taking athletes to the national level. Other key components included an expected year around commitment to training, access to the best training facilities and resources available, opportunities for International competition, and use of educational resources like the National Sports School (NSS) in Calgary to provide the flexible time required to train and compete at this level.
The RMR approach embodied many elements of what has evolved in Canada as “National Training Centres”. Other Nordic clubs in Canada have also adopted many aspects of the RMR approach. Over the years RMR has helped out over 150 athletes pursue their athletic dreams and now has a strong history of outstanding results. It regularly ranks nationally among the top performing clubs in the sports of both Biathlon and Cross Country Skiing. In just the last two years RMR athletes have qualified to represent Canada at World Cup races, at World Junior Championships, at IPC World Championships, IPC World Cups, and at the Nordic World Championships.
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