The National Sport School – a WinSport Canada and Calgary Board of Education initiative – is now accepting applications for students to attend the 2009-2010 school year.

For sport approval and program administration:
Lynda Crawley, Manager Sport Services 403-247-5956

For educational program information:
Cam Hodgson Principal, National Sport School 403-777-7329 x 2504

The outcome of various studies proved that 50 per cent of young athletes who had potential to excel in sport were forced to choose between their education and their chosen sport. As a result, in 1994, WinSport Canada and the Calgary Board of Education established the National Sport School (NSS) to support high-performance student-athletes.

The school enables students to compete internationally without compromising their studies. The innovative program offered at the NSS delivers personalized plans for structured learning with teachers, parents and coaches, all of whom are committed to providing an environment for student-athletes to pursue excellence in both their athletic and academic endeavours. From Grades 9 to 12, the school is home to 150 student-athletes and when away at competitions, the students work on their studies through distance learning over the internet.

WinSport Canada oversees the registration process and liaises with the sport governing bodies to ensure each applicant meets the established sport criteria. On receipt of approval from the sport association, the NSS interviews the applicant to ensure the program will meet their academic needs.

Two years ago, the NSS was represented by over 20 current and former student-athletes who competed for Canada in the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Torino, Italy. This represented over 10% of the Canadian Team. The NSS is also proud to acknowledge the following medal winning alumni:

• Kyle Shewfelt
  2004 Olympic Gold Medallist, Gymnastics
• Jessica Sloan
  2000 Six-Time Paralympic Gold Medallist, Swimming
• Alanna Kraus
  2002 Olympic Bronze Medallist, Short Track Speed Skating
• Blythe Hartley
  2004 Olympic Bronze Medallist, Diving
• Deidra Dionne
  2002 Olympic Bronze Medallist, Freestyle Skiing Aerials
• Jennifer Botteril
  2002 Olympic Gold Medallist, Women's Hockey

• a) Return completed registration form and most recent academic records to:
  
  National Sport School
  3600 – 16 Ave. S.W.
  Calgary, AB T3C 1A5
  
• b) WinSport Canada will contact the respective Sport Governing Body to determine if the athlete meets the criteria for acceptance to NSS by their sport association.
• c) WinSport Canada will notify student athletes and their parents by letter indicating whether sport approval has been achieved and the individual is eligible to continue to the next phase of the application process.

• a) The NSS Principal will review the completed application package.
• b) NSS will contact references to determine NSS program suitability for the prospective student.
• c) Student athletes and parents will be contacted to arrange for an interview and review of schedule/program.
• d) NSS staff will contact student athletes and parents regarding academic approval (in some cases approval may be given in the interview).
• e) Successful applicants will receive a package of permission forms which must be completed and returned to the school.