The Para-Nordic National Ski Team (PNST) is the pinnacle of Cross Country Canada's Para-Nordic program. Although the PNST program is much smaller than the able bodied National Ski Team (NST) it similarly brings together the best athletes in the country in a training environment that provides access to the best available support in terms of coaching, technical support, sport science & sport medicine and financial resources.
The PNST program provides the tools and support to allow athletes to compete at the highest levels and achieve excellence with the ultimate goal of placing athletes on the podium at International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Cups, IPC World Ski Championships and Paralympics.
There are two National Teams - The
Para-Nordic National World Cup Team which includes athletes at the highest level with proven ability to place highly in international competitions and the
Para-Nordic National Development Team which includes athletes who are at an earlier stage in their development but who have shown the potential to excel at the highest level.
PNST selection
Athletes are selected to the Teams each spring on the basis of criteria established for the previous winter. This entitles the selected athletes to the level of support that is established for their respective team. Irrespective of team composition, throughout the next competitive season additional athletes may be selected for competitions on the basis of separate criteria. Para-Nordic specific selection criteria are integrated into overall CCC selection criteria policies and documents. For more information on PNST selection criteria please go to our main
Selection Criteria page.
Also available is a
Para-Nordic specific summary excerpt from the overall Selection Criteria to make it easier to find the Para-Nordic selection criteria.
Additional PNST information
Athlete assistance
PNST athletes who meet eligibility criteria are able to receive financial assistance through the Sport Canada Athlete Assistance Program (AAP). For more information please go to our CCC
Athlete Assistance page.
Athlete handbook
The Athlete handbook contains key information for all PNST and NST athletes to know and follow and can be found on our CCC
Athlete Handbook page
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March 1, 2013
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced the shortlist for February's Athlete of the Month award, and the public can now vote for the winner via the poll on the homepage of www.Paralympic.org » More
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February 22, 2013
The IPC announced on Friday (22 February) it will live stream all of the events from the 2013 IPC Nordic Skiing World Championships, which will run from 25 February – 5 March in Solleftea, Sweden.
» More
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October 11, 2012
Caroline Bisson - “Now you are starting to look like a skier!”, says Para-Nordic National Team Head Coach Robin McKeever. » More
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September 11, 2012
Congratulations to former Para-Nordic national ski team member Robbi Weldon who won Paralympic gold in road cycling along with her pilot Lyne Bessette!
» More
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August 22, 2012
The story of how paralympian Colette Bourgonje took a boy from Porcupine Plain under her wing. » More
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February 24, 2012
Canadian Para-Nordic athletes recently descended upon the IPC World Cup in Cable Wisconsin and Minneapolis Minnesota Jan 23rd to Feb 3rd, 2012 » More
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January 20, 2012
Brian McKeever Super Athlete » More
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November 30, 2011
As Canada’s NST take on Europe’s early season circuit, the Para-Nordic Ski Team is amidst the final stages of their transition season. Here is a glimpse into this exciting time of year for two of Canada’s star PNST athletes. » More