Sister of former ski coach Bertrand Charest takes stand at sexual assault trial

The younger sister of former ski coach BertrandCharestis testifying for the defence at his sex assault trial.

IsabelleCharesttold the court today that when she was skiing competitively in the late 1980s and early 1990s, it was common for coaches to rub the legs and buttocks of ski students to keep them warm.

She saidshe spent time with her brother's ski team between1995 and 1997 and says the atmosphere within the group was fun and friendly.

The accused is on trial on 57 charges, including sexual assault and breach of trust, inconnectionwith 12 alleged victims between the ages of 12 and 19 during the1990s.

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The prosecution wrapped up its case last Friday at the trial taking place at the courthouse in Saint-Jrme, Que.

The defence saidit plans to call its final witness by Wednesday and has scheduled to start closing arguments Friday.

Sister recalls strict training environment

In courtMonday, Isabelle Charest recalled how, when they were kids, she and her brotherwould fight like "cats and dogs,"but they grew closer when she started competing more seriously at the age of 13.

Describing her brother's personality, Charestsaid "he wants us to be able to laugh at ourselves."

"We laughed a lot around my brother," she said.

She said shefelt "proud" to have her place among skiers.

She told the courtthatathletes trained in a strict environment.They were weighed andtheir diet monitored.

It also wasn't unusual for female athletes to be prescribed birth control pills to regulate their monthly cycles if they were affected by intense training, she said.

Bertrand Charestdid not take the stand Monday.

Now 51, he worked with Alpine Canada's women's development team between 1996 and 1998.

Several witnessestestified to having had sexual relationships with Charest and have said he was controlling and
manipulative toward the athletes whose careers he managed.

The allegations date back to the 1990s and involve locations such as Whistler, B.C., New Zealand, Italy and the United States.