Heinz Niederhauser Award Recipient – René Sauvé
Cross Country Ski Ontario is pleased to announce René Sauvé of Summerstown Coyote Nordiq as the recipient of the Heinz Niederhauser Outstanding Coaching Award. René was instrumental in developing a love of racing for youth at the Pembroke Area Cross Country Ski Club. In 2017, René moved to the Cornwall area and began Summerstown Coyote Nordiq. His goal was to bring cross country skiing to that area of the province and introduce young children to the sport. The club began with 12 and has grown to over 70 members with 29 Jackrabbits.
René was truly compelled to help others explore a love for cross-country skiing. He pursued his work with relentless optimism and effortful persistence. He was forward-looking and always anticipating his next step in his coaching journey. He embraced the challenges of the work and celebrated the people he worked alongside. He had intuition, perseverance and stories, so many wonderful stories.
René would come alive with an abundance of energy when it was time to chat about skiing. He knew how to harness that energy and funnel it into passion. René was always focused on keeping his process focused on the athletes that he coached and he met athletes where they were at and worked with an abundance of empathy and acceptance.
René passed away on November 16, 2022 after a brave battle with cancer.
XCSO Provincial Coach Experience Applications
Cross Country Ski Ontario requires coaches to assist in leading Ontario Team Training Camps this season. Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until all positions are filled. Please complete the PCE Application Form.
XCSO is hiring – District Development Coordinators
XCSO invites applications for 3 contract positions of District Development Coordinator, one in each of NCD, LSSD and SOD districts. More information HERE
Celebrate with Team Ontario at Ski Nationals!!
Ontario athletes, coaches, and family are invited to attend our Team Ontario Celebration! Join with us as we celebrate our success and pay special tribute to our athletes’ achievements.
4:30pm to 5:30 pm Wednesday March 15, 2023 at Magnus Theatre, 10 Algoma St. S, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 3A7
- Meet Cross Country Ski Ontario and National Team Development Centre Staff
- Learn about High Performance skiing in Ontario
- Hear updates on future training camps and opportunities
- Leader Bib Incentive Awards
- Ontario Cup Series Club Award Trophy
- Recognize our Ontario athletes that competed internationally this season
- Special guest speaker: TBA
” To engage, inspire, and involve Ontarians in cross-country skiing for life.”
CWG Selection Event – Clarification
Please see the CWG criteria for clarification & rationale regarding the prioritization of selection races.
Ontario will follow Nordiq Canada Wax Rules for the 2022-2023 season
Cross Country Ski Ontario continues to adapt as we navigate the changing NF wax protocols. Thus, all standalone Ontario Nordiq Canada Tier 2 events will follow the Nordiq Canada Wax Rules. This includes Ontario Cups #2, 3 & 5 in Thunder Bay, Sudbury & Lakefield respectively; Ontario Winter Games; Ontario Para Sport Games; Ontario University Championships (OUAs); and Ontario Youth Championships.
Please note: an exception has been granted by Nordiq Canada to the Nakkertok venue to further restrict the use of fluoro grip waxes at the Candy Cane Cup and Eastern Canadian Championships. Please refer to Nakkertok’s Wax Policy for full details.
Please review the Nordiq Canada wax rules for information regarding the 2023 Nordiq Canada Ski Nationals (Tier 1 event) held at Lappe Ski Centre in Thunder Bay.
2023 Canada Winter Games Team ON staff
Cross Country Ski Ontario announces the staff who will lead Team ON to the 2023 Canada Winter Games in PEI.
Katja Mathys – Head Coach
Victor Wiltmann – Assistant Coach
John Cowan – Para-Nordic Coach
Leif Lennie – Wax Technician
Liz Inkila – Team Manager
Please visit our CWG page for selection criteria and more as we get ready to represent Team O!
Para-Nordic Mentorship Opportunity at ON Para-Sport Games
The Ontario Parasport Collective and Coaches Association of Ontario strongly believe that coaching apprenticeship programs are an essential part of the development of a coach. This pilot program would be the first of its kind as part of the Games Ontario Program. The program will provide up to one coach per sport the opportunity to develop their coaching skills through the Ontario Parasport Games.
Please review the program guidelines and timelines HERE. If you are interested, please apply no later than November 14, 2022 by 12pm EST. Please click here to apply.
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