The following is being distributed at the request of Sport Newfoundland and Labrador:

Ben Taylor Named to Inaugural CIBC Team Next

Ben Taylor has been named to the inaugural CIBC Team Next. CIBC Team Next is a new program to support identified high performance athletes preparing to qualify for the 2015 Pan Am Games and 2016 Olympic Games. As a part of this program Mr. Taylor will receive support in the form of $15,000 over the next three years, mentorship from former Olympic medalists, athlete workshops and more.

The appointment process began with a nomination from the Shooting Federation of Canada. The committee recommended Mr. Taylor, along with three other target shooting athletes, for this program. After the committee selection process, Mr. Taylor was the only target shooter and the only Newfoundlander and Labradorian named to this group of 67 multisport athletes.

Mr. Taylor has had an outstanding season in 2013, with wins at both the United States and Canadian National Champions in 10-m rifle. Currently, he is one of a few Canadian target shooters eligible to represent Canada at the 2014 ISSF World Championships and Championships of the Americas. At these events, he could earn a quota spot for 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

For more information visit www.newswire.ca/en/story/1263423/seven-amateur-athletes-from-atlantic-canada-named-to-inaugural-cibc-team-next?relation=org

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2013 11 19                                     3:40 p.m.