Elite Athlete funding

Hello,

My name is Marc-Olivier Labelle, I am 16 years old.

I live in Prevost and have been skiing since I was 1 1/2 years old. I have been on a competitive team since I was 5 years old. Over the years, I have won many medals and ribbons from different competitions.

My biggest dream so far is to go to the Olympics.

For me, skiing is not only a passion, but also a way of life. I am lucky with my school to be able to evolve as an athlete without putting aside my studies.

I am currently at the elite level, and I have just completed my second year in the U16 category. I placed 4th in Giant Slalom and Slalom at the Provincial Championships which took place in Estrie. The 85 best athletes in my category were present. Subsequently, thanks to this ranking, I had the chance to participate in the Canadian Championship, which was held in Tremblant, I ranked 9th in Super G, among the 75 best athletes in the country.

I miss an average of 60 days of school in my school year. I must do summer courses to try not to be too behind academically during the year. I have 2 tutors who also help me. I am finishing my 4th year of high school. I work hard to succeed, and my goal would be to finish my law studies, while having the chance to pursue my dream as an athlete in alpine skiing.

The more the number of days increases, the more the number of inter or out-of-country camps take place. So, the cost of equipment, travel and my participation in Provincials or Nationals creates a lot of additional expenses for a young person of my age. Last October, I went to train in Austria for 16 days. The following week, I was heading to Western Canada for another 2-week training.

I ski on average almost 8 months a year. From October to May. From this year, I would like to have the chance to be able to train this summer on the glaciers in Europe. I have received several invitations for training in Switzerland, Chile, Norway, or France, but given the high costs for each trip, I will have to make choices.

I am now in the FIS circuit with international athletes in which the elite, provincial teams participate. I would like to go for the Super G or Downhill, but I will have to compete in Europe or the United States. Unfortunately, in Quebec, we do not have an approved track for this style of discipline. On average, for an athlete of my level to evolve, we must pay between 25k to 40k per year. It is for this reason that I am looking for partners to be able to allow me to continue to evolve in my sport.

I would like to be able to talk about my story and my journey to show those who believe that it is not possible not to give up. Everything is possible when you believe in it, you just must put the chances on your side.

Thank you for your time, hoping to have the chance to discuss skiing with you one day!!

Marc-Olivier

Here is an example of my schedule from September to May. From June to the end of August, I must do remedial schooling, regular physical training, and travel for skiing for about 3 weeks.

Article in the local newspaper for my qualification for the Quebec Games in 2019

I was named the athlete of the year 2019-2020 with the city of Mirabel, a scholarship was given to me.

I won the athlete of the year medal with the Ski Mont-Garceau club, two years in a row

16-day training in Austria in October 2021. I participate in training camps in

Sun Peaks in BC also for the past 4 years.

Thank you for your support!