Young athletes in New Brunswick will soon have an opportunity to pursue their Olympic dreams as RBC Training Ground comes to Saint John.
The free event takes place on April 13 at the Irving Oil Field House and is open to athletes aged 14 to 25.
The program is designed to identify Canada’s next generation of Olympic talent by evaluating participants in fitness tests that measure speed, strength, power, and endurance.
Representatives from 15 National sports organizations will be on hand to assess athletes’ potential and provide insight into pathways to high-performance sports.
Sam Effah, a former Olympian and a brand manager with RBC Training Ground knows just how valuable these opportunities can be.
“Personally, as a former sprinter, I wish I would have had this when I was younger,” Effah said.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t around, but to be able to help athletes on their journey toward Team Canada is amazing.”
Effah also recalled the financial struggles he faced during his athletic career.
“I remember my first world championships. The cost was upwards of $2,000 just to attend, and there weren’t resources like RBC Training Ground back then. That’s why programs like this are so valuable,” he explained.
The program has already made a significant impact on Canadian athletes. Since 2016, 21 RBC Training Ground alumni have competed at the Olympics, with 12 earning medals for Team Canada.
Most recently, 16 participants were named to Team Canada for the Paris 2024 Olympics, highlighting the program’s ability to uncover and support top-tier talent.
Effah emphasized that the program is about more than just financial support.
“We’ve seen athletes who’ve never tried a sport before come to RBC Training Ground, and a few years later, they’re Olympic medalists,” Effah said.

Effah represented Canada as a sprinter and was ranked among the fastest men in the country.
He emphasized that competing against top athletes on the world stage and wearing the maple leaf was an unforgettable experience.
“Walking into a stadium filled with thousands of fans, with the maple leaf on your chest, is something I’ll always remember. That rush of adrenaline and pride is indescribable,” he said.
Atlantic Olympians Sarah Mitton, a Shot Put world champion and Paris 2024 Olympian, and Brett Himmelman, a Canoe-Kayak athlete, will be present at the event to offer mentorship and guidance to participants.
Both athletes are ambassadors for the program and are actively encouraging local athletes to take advantage of this unique opportunity.
Their presence underscores the value of having experienced athletes supporting and inspiring the next generation.
Top athletes from qualifying events will advance to the National Final, where the best 100 will compete for the chance to be named RBC Future Olympians.
Up to 35 athletes will be chosen to receive funding and resources to further develop their skills.