This new initiative supports young and developing Kyorugi athletes in accessing high-quality training opportunities through Club Excellence-recognized clubs, reinforcing Taekwondo Canada’s commitment to safe, inclusive, and world-class athlete development. The bursary complements the upcoming Club Excellence Program, which aims to recognize Canadian clubs that demonstrate leadership in Safe Sport, coaching standards, and organizational excellence.

Modelled on Own the Podium’s NextGen framework, the bursary targets athletes identified as being four to eight years from potential Olympic success. Each year, up to an annual budgetary maximum, bursaries covering registration fees to attend designated domestic Kyorugi training camps will be awarded to both Cadet and Junior National Champions. Funds can only be used toward approved training events hosted by Club Excellence-recognized clubs, ensuring direct support to athlete pathways and high-performance standards.

For the 2025 pilot rollout, Taekwondo Canada has designated the Black Belt World 2025 International Kyorugi Winter Training Camp, held at Black Belt World HQ in Toronto from December 15-29, 2025, as the eligible domestic training camp. Cadet and Junior National Champions may have up to seven days of registration fees covered. To claim the bursary, eligible athletes must submit a request through the NextGen ID Kyorugi Domestic Development Bursary Application Form before registering for the camp. Once approved by Taekwondo Canada, the athlete can register for the camp and Black Belt World will directly invoice Taekwondo Canada for the athlete’s registration fee.

“This bursary recognizes the essential role Canadian clubs play in shaping the next generation of Olympic-calibre athletes,” said Allan Wrigley, High Performance Director, Taekwondo Canada. “By directing support to Club Excellence environments, we’re ensuring that Canada’s emerging athletes train where excellence and integrity are at the core of every program.”

Further details on the Club Excellence Program will be announced in the coming weeks.