What is the Elite Athlete Assistance Program?
The Elite Athlete Assistance Program provides funding to Prince Edward Island high-performance athletes who have:
- achieved significant results at the national and/or international level of competition; or
- have demonstrated a strong potential to earn a sport on a junior or senior national team.
Who is eligible?
- A member in good standing of their provincial sport organization (PSO).
- A Prince Edward Island athlete
- Participating in a year-round training/competitive program
- A Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada
A PEI athlete is registered with a Provincial Sport Organization in PEI, has been training in the province for a minimum of six months and is actively representing PEI at national and/or international competitions. IF there is no PSO in PEI the athlete must be registered with a National Sport Organization. Exceptions will be made for athletes training outside the province for academic or athlete training reasons provided the athlete can demonstrate that:
- The athlete cannot receive the required level of training in PEI due to a lack of facilities, coaching, competitions and national team requirements
- The athlete must attend a post-secondary institution out of the province because the course of study is not available on PEI.
- Other extenuating circumstances that require the athlete to be out of the province.
- Athletes competing in professional leagues
- Athletes competing in master's programs/competitions
How much funding can I receive as an elite athlete?
You are eligible for one grant per fiscal year (April 1 to March 31). Funding grants are allocated based on performance levels described in the Tier System Chart. All funding will be provided to the respective Provincial Sport Organization for distribution to the athlete.
How can I use the funding and what are the criteria for use?
- Funding must be used to offset sport-related expenses (registration fees, transportation to and from competitions, accommodation, equipment, etc.).
- The athlete must be currently training and competing in the sport and must continue to train when receiving the funding.
- The athlete must provide a list of performance results from the previous competitive season with events, dates and locations.
- Provide a current training and competition plan.
- Provide a letter of support from the Provincial Sport Organization
- Provide supporting documentation from the National Sport Organization you re registered with that acknowledges your positions with the organization's national team program.
How do I apply for the program?
- Fill out the Elite Athlete Assistance Program application form & waiver.
- Athletes may apply at any time, but can only do so once per fiscal year (between April 1 and March 31).
- Incomplete applications will not be accepted until all the information is provided.
Is there a deadline to submit an application?
March 1, 2026
Must I pay an application fee to apply?
There is no fee to apply.
Contact information
Craig Watson
Email: cwatson@gov.pe.ca
Margie Misener
Telephone: (902) 368-4789
Fax: (902) 368-4224
Email: mrmisener@gov.pe.ca