Preparing Young Athletes for Success in Sports and in Life

The Durham Catholic District School Board partners with the Abilities Centre’s Academy for Student Athlete Development

On Thursday, April 20, 2017 the Durham Catholic District School Board signed on to become the latest supporter of the Abilities Centre’s Academy for Student Athletic Development (A.S.A.D).

A.S.A.D provides targeted athletic and academic support to student athletes in grades 9-12 as they strive for success at provincial, national and international levels of competition. The program is designed to prepare student athletes for sport and careers through participation in sports psychology, sports, nutrition, lifestyle management, and other performance enhancement services. Each student will attend the Abilities Centre for half of the day, and the other half at a school within the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) or the Durham District School Board (DDSB). Both Boards will deliver the academic component of A.S.A.D, where each individual athlete will be provided with an individualized learning program which will align with individual pathway plans.

“We are pleased to partner with the Abilities Centre to support the development of high-performing athletes who attend our Durham Catholic secondary schools,” says Anne O’Brien, Director of Education. “This partnership will offer students the opportunity to focus on their talents and reach new heights of achievement in their sport with continued access to quality Catholic education as they earn credits and prepare for their post-secondary pathways. We look forward to working with the Abilities Centre to extend this innovative program to our students."

“The Abilities Centre is delighted to partner with the Durham Catholic District School Board (DCDSB) in the implementation of the Academy for Student Athlete Development,” says Stuart McReynolds, Director, Programs and Services at Abilities Centre. “We are excited to provide targeted, specialized support and guidance to student athletes that are looking to excel at the provincial and national levels of competition, in addition to managing their academic schedules. We are confident that our partnership with DCDSB staff and families will create pathways of success that extend beyond sports performance, including successful careers post sport, and influencing positive social relationships for all student athletes involved.”