CALGARY— With a deeply rooted background working in Canada’s sport system, Drew Edwards joins Ski Jumping Canada as the organization’s first Development Manager, tasked with developing the sport at the grassroots level and building a performance pathway in an effort to help more Canadian athletes reach the international podium.
Edwards, of Cochrane, Alta., brings a decade of experience to his new role while previously working at the provincial and club level with rowing and canoe kayak. He joins Ski Jumping Canada from his most recent position at Canoe Kayak BC where he was the Sport Development Manager. He was also the Program Manager and Coach Developer with the Burnaby Lake Rowing Club. Edwards carved his career path in sport starting as a volunteer coach in Ontario before progressing to the role of Head Coach and Club Manager with the Delta Deas Rowing Club.
Regardless of the role, Edwards has honed his skills working with and leading multi-disciplinary, integrated support teams across a range of programs and events while developing programs and growing the sport domestically.
“As I embark on my role as Development Manager with Ski Jumping Canada, I am fueled by an exhilarating vision to cultivate ski jumping from the grassroots level and watch it soar to new heights nationwide,” said Edwards. “Drawing on my experiences working at the local club level in various other sports as a coach and administrator, coupled with my tenure at the provincial sport organization level, I am eager to contribute my passion and expertise to foster an inclusive and thriving ski jumping community.”
Edwards’ experience has been built on a philosophy of relationship-building, providing mentorship while striving to enhance the sporting landscape to be a more inclusive and welcoming place for all to enjoy.
“There is an obvious professional and business fit with bringing Drew on board to support our continued work in growing ski jumping across Canada,” said Kelly Johansson, Co-Chair, Board of Directors. “Drew is a strategic and creative thinker who puts people first. He brings a wealth of experience and relationships in and outside of our community to the role, with extensive knowledge of sport in Canada at the grassroots level that is sure to help lead us into a brighter future.”
In his new role, Edwards will work collaboratively with Ski Jumping Canada’s Board of Directors to build four new clubs across Canada and successfully run camps at each of those clubs; develop a performance pathway for ski jumping athletes and coaches; facilitate training development and mentorship for coaches at the provincial and club levels in Canada. He will also stay connected with sport, venue and government partners in the country.
Prior to Edwards’ involvement in coaching and club development he was an active member of the public education system in Ontario. He also has numerous sport and coaching certifications, and has served on many local and provincial sporting Boards.
Ski Jumping Canada is the governing federation for ski jumping in Canada. It is responsible for the governance of all ski jumping competitions in Canada and for the operation of the national team. For more information, please visit skijumpingcanada.com.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Chris Dornan
Communications Advisor
Ski Jumping Canada
Tel: 403-620-8731
Email: hpprchris@shaw.ca