An open letter on behalf of Alpine Canada Alpin ("ACA") in the matter of former ski coach Bertrand Charest

CALGARY, Feb. 27, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - ACA wishes to first acknowledge the courage of those former athletes who have brought forward their charges to be heard in the court of law. There is no place in sport, or in society at large, for any individual who abuses their position of authority and trust, such as that held in an athlete/coach relationship.

Our first priority within ACA is our athletes, and to ensure that they can train and compete in a safe and supportive environment. The Board and Management of ACA treat all allegations of the nature described in recent media reports with the utmost seriousness. 

ACA has a strict code of conduct and ethical guidelines governing the behavior of its coaches, officials and other personnel, with the aim of protecting our athletes and participants. We have a zero tolerance policy on all forms of abuse.  We consider any form of abuse to be unacceptable and intolerable, and we do all we can to eliminate and prevent it.

All coaches employed by ACA are required to pass a criminal background check and to adhere to a coaching code of conduct that prohibits any form of harassment or abuse of any athlete within our organization.  

ACA fully cooperated with the RCMP investigation into this matter that commenced in 1998. We are not aware of the results of this investigation. 

ACA will continue to cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure that all facts related to the events in question are determined and addressed.

ACA will refrain from making any further comments on this matter at this time as the case is now before courts. 

SOURCE Alpine Canada