Hi Everyone!

There was a proposal brought forward at the USA Whitewater Slalom
Committee meeting a few months ago to compile a document that lists
the wants, needs and goals of slalom athletes in the US.
Unfortunately while there was some talk about getting the ball moving
on this project, it fell by the way side. I, however, feel that it is
very important for the slalom community to have something in writing
to help guide the Slalom Committee to better address the needs of all
of the athletes in the US and not just the National Team members. I
am going to be working on this project over the next few weeks, and
plan to give a copy of the document to the USAWS Committee at our
next meeting, which will be on May 8, 2007.

So what do I need from you? I need to know what you need as far as
support both from the NGB (National Governing Body, USA Canoe Kayak)
and the smaller slalom based organizations and clubs around the
country? What do you need in general? In an ideal world, how would
you be best supported so that you can achieve your athletic goals? I
don't need a lot of info, just bullet points. I am totally open to
any ideas, so even if the ideas feel radical or way beyond what is
>currently possible, send them to me! I want to hear what you think!
An example might be -- "We need a place where coaches and clubs list
contact info so athletes wanting to participate in workouts can have
a means to contact a coach and get a training schedule, as well as
published letters from clubs inviting athletes to come and take part
in workouts at any time."

I would also like to get some ideas about how we can help athletes
making the transition from high school to college find support
networks so that they will have the ability to continue training, and
racing, and can feel like regardless of where they go, they will be
welcomed and supported. I would like to help limit as much as
possible the turnover rate that exists when athletes make this
transition. I know that there are a lot of ideas out there, and I
want to here them and get them written down, so we can help the
people in charge of our sport better meet our needs. You all have a
voice and you deserve to take part in the progression of our sport.
Lets try to bridge the disconnect that exists between the boards and
all of you. Coaches, you know a lot about what
your athletes at all levels need and want, and I welcome any input
that you have. So please take 20 minutes, sit down and take this
opportunity to get your voice heard. I am sorry that I don't have
that many email contacts, so please forward this message to anyone
you think would like to contribute something constructive to this
effort!

Many Thanks!

Nicholas Borst
FRPA Assistant Coach
USAWS Executive Committee
Athlete Rep
nic[at]borstco[dot]com