January 22, 2009 - Being on the national team and representing Canada at the World Championships is a dream come true for many twirlers. Being able to realize this dream does not come without many challenges, personal sacrifices and financial hardships. Thanks to the Future Best program, administered by the Canadian Sport Centre (Saskatchewan), three Saskatchewan twirlers received financial support through the Future Best program this year. Congratulations to Kiera West, Sara Thibeault and Alicia Larkin who were members of the 2008 National Team representing Canada at the 29th World Baton Twirling Championships in Limerick Ireland.

The Future Best program provides grants to athletes based on their rank at the national and international level, commitment to training and competition. The athletes use the grant to help pay for training, coaching, equipment, competition and travel costs.  In addition to the scholarship, additional benefits enjoyed by the Future Best recipients include complementary access to numerous fitness centres and gyms across Saskatchewan, academic tutoring to assist athletes with their studies, and one-on-one training sessions with a sports psychologist and nutritionist.

The Future Best program receives on-going support from the Saskatchewan Lotteries Trust Fund. Through the generous support of the 2005 Canada Games Host Society and the creation of the Canada Games Building Dreams and Champions Legacy Program, the fund will receive additional funding for the next four years (up to 2009-10).