Red Deer baseball athlete in pursuit of Olympic dreams

Turgeon says he fell in love with baseball a number of years ago and just wrapped up his first season playing Midget AAA in Red Deer.

“It was quite exciting for me and my family,” says Turgeon. “It was awesome going to Westerns and everything. Playing against kids from other provinces that are the best at the sport is always great because I get to play against new kids, make new friends and just improve at baseball.”

However, Turgeon’s upcoming competition at the RBC Training Ground National Final in Calgary Sept. 14, also has him brimming with excitement.

“It’s kind of weird getting stuff from the Olympic committee,” laughs Turgeon. “I got a call from the Olympic committee and that was quite a surreal moment that this was actually happening.”

Turgeon feels his athletic abilities have improved over the past couple of years.

“I was never really that athletic of a kid,” explains Turgeon. “But then I went to the gym a bunch through the Academy and I’ve made it this far. It’s quite amazing.”

Officials with RBC Training Ground say the top 100 next generation athletes identified through their test events held throughout the country this year, will have the chance to compete for funding and a spot on one of eight partner National Sport Organization teams.

Athletes are assessed using field-based tests that indicate speed, strength, power and endurance capabilities.

Based on the National Final and sport-specific testing results, up to 30 high-performing athletes will be selected as RBC Future Olympians – receiving funding and resources to pursue their Olympic dreams.

RBC Training Ground is described as a talent identification and athlete funding program designed to uncover athletes with Olympic potential and provide them with the high-performance sport resources they need to achieve their podium dreams.

by Sheldon Spackman and Troy Gillard

Red Deer baseball athlete in pursuit of Olympic dreams

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