With files from Academy for Student Athlete Development Communications
UPDATED MARCH 26: Due to the overwhelming response to our March 20th Academy for Student Athlete Development (ASAD) Open Evening, ASAD will be hosting a second ASAD London Open Evening & Information Session on April 10th from 6pm – 8pm. This session will take place at the Sports Centre at Western Fair District, 865 Florence Street, London, ON. N5W 6G6.
To confirm your attendance, please complete the Expression of Interest form which can be found here: https://bit.ly/2FlL9O6
LONDON, ON. – Join us on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 as the Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) and Abilities Centre host the first public information evening for the launch of the Academy for Student Athlete Development (ASAD) in London.
First launched in Whitby in September 2016, ASAD supports student athletes in grades 9-12 as they pursue their academic and athletic aspirations at provincial, national and international levels of competition.
Beginning in September 2018, London-area student athletes will have the opportunity to participate each day in athletic and sport-specific training at ASAD’s London training centre and attend classes at Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) schools. The TVDSB will deliver the academic component of ASAD, where each athlete will be provided with an individualized learning program that aligns with individual pathway plans.
Athletic and sports-specific training will be supported by Abilities Centre’s ASAD partners, including Elite Training Systems, Neuro Changers and Total Package Hockey as well as Provincial and National Sports Organizations.
“The Academy for Student Athlete Development provides a strong foundation in which student athletes can pursue their athletic and academic goals, while receiving the psychosocial benefits of a blended environment” says Stuart McReynolds, National Director, Academy for Student Athlete Development. “The launch of ASAD in London is the result of a true community effort. We would not be here today without the support of the TVDSB, our outstanding partners and the entire London community.”
“The TVDSB is proud to be a partner organization in the establishment of the Academy for Student Athlete Development in London,” says Paul McKenzie, Superintendent of Student Achievement. “We think this is an incredibly innovative way to help student athletes harness their talent, dedication and perseverance to succeed in sports and academics.”
ASAD is the world’s first school-based sports academy to integrate and support student athletes that are participating in high-performance sports, parasports and Special Olympic sports. ASAD also strives to serve student athletes who face the greatest barriers to participation in sport. “Inclusion is vital to giving everyone the chance to be the best they can be,” says McReynolds. “We want to help every student athlete succeed in sport and life.”
About Abilities Centre
Abilities Centre is a charitable organization and internationally renowned, innovative community hub where people of all ages and abilities enrich their lives by engaging in social, health and cultural programs. Abilities Centre delivers sports, health and fitness, arts and culture, leading-edge research, education and life skills programming in a welcoming, positive, energetic environment. Abilities Centre is focused on bringing together families, friends and neighbours in a spirit of inclusion and opportunity. For more information about the Abilities Centre or to make a donation, please call 905-665-8500 or visit www.abilitiescentre.org.
About the Thames Valley District School Board
The Thames Valley District School Board (TVDSB) is one of the largest public school boards in Ontario, serving an area that stretches more than 200 kilometres - from Rodney to Tavistock and Glencoe to Norwich - across more than 7,000 square kilometres.
Thames Valley District School Board was formed on January 1, 1998, with the amalgamation of the Elgin County Board of Education, the Board of Education for the City of London, Middlesex County Board of Education and Oxford County Board of Education. As a public education provider, we offer a full range of programs and services to learners across Thames Valley. We have 160schools serving approximately 77,000 students in elementary and secondary schools, as well as adult and continuing education programs (as of Oct. 31, 2016). Our district covers urban, suburban and rural communities.
Key Contacts:
Thames Valley District School Board
Paul McKenzie
Superintendent of Student Achievement Email: p.mckenzie@tvdsb.ca www.tvdsb.ca
Academy for Student Athlete Development
Stuart McReynolds
National Director, ASAD
Email: smcreynolds@abilitiescentre.org www.asadcanada.com
