Badminton Ontario is pleased to announce that applications for the 2022-2023 ‘Quest For Gold’ Ontario Athlete Assistance Program (OAAP) are now OPEN!
What is ‘Quest For Gold’?
The Quest For Gold – Ontario Athlete Assistance Program (OAAP) is funded by the Government of Ontario, through the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport (MTCS), and operated through the Sport, Recreation & Community Programs Division.
The intent of the OAAP is to provide funding to individual athletes in the sport’s ‘Train to Train’ through ‘Train to Win’ categories based on their demonstrated commitment to high performance sport, allowing them to continue to pursue athletic excellence at the highest levels of national and international competition.
Specific objectives of the program are:
- To help athletes continue their pursuit of athlete excellence at the highest levels of national and international competition;
- To encourage athletes to stay in Ontario to live and train;
- To compensate athletes for earnings lost while training;
- To enable athletes to successfully pursue excellence in sport while fulfilling their educational goals;
- To increase athlete access to improved high performance coaching; and
- To enhance training and competitive opportunities available to athletes.
Who can apply?
Only those athletes that meet the required minimum performance standard detailed in this Selection Criteria will be considered for this program. Priority will be given to Ontario junior-aged athletes, ages 17-22 (e.g., U19 & U23 age categories) and para badminton athletes with performances and results at international events, followed by those with performances or results at national events, should the amount of funding allow.
How are athletes selected to receive funding?
The Selection Committee will use the Sport Specific Selection Criteria to determine which athletes will be nominated for ‘Quest For Gold’ Ontario Card status in 2023.
How much funding is available?
The exact level of athlete funding for the 2023 funding year from MTCS is $31,196. Specific amounts for athletes will be determined after the total number of athletes for Ontario cards have been selected.
How can I apply?
Athletes can visit https://www.badmintonontario.ca/quest-for-gold-ontario-athlete-assistance-program/ to access the 2022-2023 Selection Criteria, Application Form, and Tournament Results Template. A
The application deadline is Sunday, May 21st at 11:59pm ET.
It is the sole responsibility of the athlete to provide a full and complete application that meets all stated requirements. Any revisions on the part of the athlete will only be accepted prior to the posted submission deadline.
When will selections be made by the Committee?
Badminton Ontario will publish or make known a draft list of athletes nominated for Ontario Card status by no later than May 28, 2023.
