Whistler Valley Snowboard Club launches academy

Whistler Valley Snowboard Club launches academy{mosimage}The Whistler Valley Snowboard Club has launched the Whistler Valley Snowboard Academy, a new program allowing young snowboarders to get the most advanced snowboard coaching while going to school and living at the academy.

Located in the hearth of Whistler, British Columbia, the academy is prepared to accommodate coed student-athletes with single and shared rooms. Every day, two well-balanced meals plus healthy snacks will be provided and a kitchen will be available at any time. Internet service is provided and students are encouraged to bring their own laptops and any other electronic devices they may want to use. A guardian will always be present to assist in any situation.

As part of the snowboard program, members will have the opportunity to snowboard 100-plus days on Whistler Blackcomb mountains, some of the most incredible terrain in North America. Competitive members will have the opportunity to travel to different mountains throughout the season for halfpipe, big-air, rail-jam, boardercross and big-mountain competitions. Evening tutoring, as well as video analysis, video editing and graphic design workshops are included.

Athletes enrolling in the WVSA coaching program will have the opportunity to attend Whistler Secondary School as part of their Sports School program for the entire school year or part of the year.

The WVSA will be the first of its kind in Canada, with its first session taking place this winter (2006-07). Led by Joe McAdoo, WVSA’s coaching program will encourage hard work, self-discipline and dedication, providing a solid foundation for success in every aspect of life.

McAdoo is a former international competitor. He moved on to assistant coach for the Canadian Snowboard Federation halfpipe team, followed by head coach of the national development team. In 2003, he joined the WVSC, taking charge of all on- and off-hill training.

The WVSC is now accepting applications for its first WVSA session starting in September. Space is limited.

Successfully established in 1997 by founder and director Rob Picard, the club has nurtured snowboarders such as Tyler Massey, Tim Orr, Johnny Lyall, Mikey Rencz, Mercedes Nicoll and Aaron Shapiro.

For more information, contact Rob Picard at 604-932-2092 or by e-mail at info@whistlervalleysnowboardacademy.org. The Web site is www.whistlervalleysnowboardacademy.org.