The Athlete Assistance Program

Backgrounder

Program Description

The Athlete Assistance Program (AAP) is a major source of financial support for Canadian amateur high performance athletes. The program contributes to improving Canadian performances at major international sporting events such as the Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, Pan Am Games, Paralympic Games and World Championships. To this end, the AAP identifies and financially supports athletes already at, or having the potential, to be among the top 16 in the world in their sport.

The financial assistance provided to identified Carded Canadian athletes comes in the form of a monthly living and training allowance and, where applicable, post-secondary school tuition support. This assistance helps athletes with their training and competition needs, as well as assists in preparing for a post-sport career. This assistance goes directly to the athletes.

Sport Eligibility

Normally, the National Sport Organization (NSO) must be funded by Sport Canada through the Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF) or the Funding and Accountability Framework for Athletes with a Disability (FAFAD).

The sport must have a sanctioned World Championship, World Cup or equivalent championship that is held at least biennially.

The NSO must have a clearly articulated national team program with appropriate training and competitive opportunities (both domestic and international) for each of the proposed carded athletes.

The NSO's national team program must also be based on year-round training principles that include significant daily training activities.

The NSO must formally monitor and evaluate the training of athlete and competitive programs.

The NSO must conduct a formal process for selecting athletes for national teams. Rules and procedures for selection must be published and made known to all concerned, along with procedures for appealing decisions.

Athletes Eligibility

AAP support is subject to the availability of the athlete to represent Canada in major international competitions, including World Championships, Olympic Games and Paralympic Games; participation in preparatory and annual training programs; and adherence to their Athlete/National Sport Organization (NSO) Agreement.

AAP financial support is usually limited to athletes in sports that are financially supported by Sport Canada as a result of the implementation of the Sport Funding and Accountability Framework (SFAF) or the Funding and Accountability Framework for Athletes with a Disability (FAFAD).

Athletes must meet the "carding" criteria as a member of a Canadian Team, at international events or in a domestic event or events sanctioned by the NSO for such purposes.

For additional information about the Athlete Assistance Program, contact your National Sport Organization or check the following:

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	Date modified: 2005-08-26	Important Notices