James Cardinal McGuigan High School's High Performance Athletics Students have achieved a remarkable milestone, becoming the only school in Toronto to receive an invitation. JCM was approached and invited by Olympians, to the prestigious RBC Training Ground event. This accomplishment is a testament to the school’s dedication to fostering athletic excellence and supporting student-athletes in their pursuit of greatness.
The RBC Training Ground event is a national talent identification program designed to discover Canada’s next generation of Olympic athletes. Held annually, the event attracts top young athletes from across the country, offering them the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of national sport organizations and high-performance coaches. The event is open to all Canadians between the ages of 14 to 25 to sign up.
During the event, James Cardinal McGuigan students had the unique opportunity to meet and be inspired by Olympians Brandie Wilkerson, Ryan Sommer, Cynthia Appiah and Jordan "Jumpman" Stewart. Wilkerson (a Silver Medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in Beach Volleyball), Sommer (a Bronze Medalist at the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games in Bobsled), Appiah (2022 Beijing Olympic Games in Bobsled) and Jordan Stewart (Canada's #1 ranked Taekwondo athlete), shared their experiences and motivated the young athletes to pursue their dreams. Their presence added an extra layer of excitement and encouragement to an already momentous occasion.
The school’s HPA Coordinator, Nick Vescio, expressed immense pride in the students, stating, "Being the only school in Toronto in attendance at the RBC Training Ground speaks volumes about the dedication and passion of our athletes. They have worked tirelessly to reach this level, and we are thrilled to see them recognized on such a significant platform."
This incredible achievement is a reflection of the continued growth in reputation for excellence in sport at James Cardinal McGuigan High School, led by the unwavering support and leadership of Principal Bisceglia, and the amazing team at the school. Their commitment to student-athlete success has played a pivotal role in making opportunities like this possible.
Students from the High Performance Athletics program are equally excited about the opportunity. One student, Adnal O., shared, "It’s an incredible honor to represent our school at such a high-profile event. We’ve trained hard for moments like these, and we’re ready to give it our all."
This invitation not only brings pride to James Cardinal McGuigan High School but also serves as inspiration to aspiring athletes throughout the Toronto area. As the event approaches, students and staff alike are gearing up to showcase their talent and dedication on a national stage.
Stay tuned for more updates as the High Performance Athletics Students from James Cardinal McGuigan High School take on the RBC Training Ground and strive to make their mark in Canadian sports history.
