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2014 NATIONAL DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS
HEAR THAT ROAR? THE DRAGONS ARE COMING LOOKING FOR A GOOD CLUB? DETAILS INSIDE
IMPACTFUL INVESTING
FIRE ON WATER WHAT IS ILLUMINAQUA ALL ABOUT
WANT TO GO FOR A CANOE TRIP? WELLAND CANOE RENTAL PROGRAM IS MAKING A SPASH
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WIFC INSIDE
MAP AND SCHEDULE INSIDE
Greetings From The Mayor
On behalf of the citizens of Welland, welcome to the Rose City.
Welland has become a vibrant place to live and work and an exciting place to visit. Still an important industrial centre in South Niagara, we are also home to unique events and festivals, such as the Niagara Food Festival and IlluminAqua. Major sports tourism events, like the 2013 World Junior Canoe/Kayak Championships, new facilities for indoor soccer, tennis and volleyball, the world-class Welland International Flatwater Centre, and Niagara College’s stunning new Welland Campus draw thousands of visitors annually to our community. We encourage you to take a walk or a bike ride along the Welland Recreational Canal Trails, through beautiful Merritt Island or Chippawa Park. Take some time and visit shops and restaurants in our Historic Downtown, the Seaway Mall and elsewhere in our City. Pay a visit to the Welland Museum where exhibits and artifacts tell the story of our history and heritage.
We hope that you will enjoy our warm hospitality.
Enjoy your stay and we look forward to welcoming you back to Welland very soon.
Mayor Barry Sharpe and Welland City Council
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2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
STEPHEN FISCHER, Executive Director Welland Recreational Canal Corporation Welland International Flatwater Centre E: sfischer@canalcorp.ca T: 905-735-1700 ext. 2311
2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE Niagara
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Sports Connection
ZORAN KNEZEVIC, Publisher / Sales Niagara SportsXpress E: coachz@sportsxpress.ca T: 905-520-5509
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EDITOR Madison Smith, Public Relations and Communications GRAPHIC DESIGN Cynthia Quillman and Wendy Ferris SALES Jamie Boisvert and JaneThompson
FRANCHISE INQUIRY Contact SportsXpress at: 1-877-588-8856 or email sales: Sales@SportsXpress.ca NATIONAL AND Amy Knowles REGIONAL SALES AmyK@SportsXpress.ca
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Contributions: Submissions are welcome from writers, photographers, athletes, coaches and individuals. Please contact the publisher. We assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. Contributors are responsible for obtaining all approvals for publication of photos and content prior to submission. All submissions may not be used. We may edit, publish, reproduce, distribute and archive submissions in any form or medium without any compensation. We are not responsible for lost or damaged submissions. Contents copyrighted. All rights reserved. Reproduction or transmission of any article, photograph or artwork in any form or by any means without permission from the publisher is prohibited. SportsXpress is published six times per year. Sports Express Media Inc. is committed to protecting your privacy as our customer. We may collect personal information only if it is required for the proper functioning of our business and only share this information with our business partners. The editors and contributors who write for Sports Express Media Inc. attempt to provide accurate and useful information and commentary. However the editors, contributors and Sports Express Media Inc. cannot and do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. We assume no responsibility for any actions or decisions taken by any readers based on the information provided.
celerator centre
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Coaching • Administration • Technology
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Welland International Flatwater Centre THE LEGACY IS ONLY JUST BEGINNING The Welland International Flatwater Centre’s ribbon cutting ceremony held on July 10th, 2013. The venue will host Canoekayak Sprints as part of the TO2015 Pan Am Games. On August 1-4th, 2013 International Canoe Federation (ICF) Junior and Under 23 Canoe Sprint World Championships were hosted at Welland’s new state-of-the-art facility with 63 countries competing. History continues to be made as Welland will host multiple world championships in coming years. The WIFC is firmly planted on the international map; the future is bright. The WIFC venue rivals top facilities in the world with infrastructure exceeding current international standards for hosting and for accessibility. Attracting the most attention though may be the Welland Flume: two independently
controlled, moving water, variable speed, training tanks outfitted for rowing, canoe, kayak and dragon boat where athletes can train in the off season and experience an on-water feel. The WIFC impact is momentous and extends beyond physical structures; it is building a sense of pride within the community, it is building a larger flatwater community in Welland and Niagara with clubs of all disciplines, it is building a family of volunteers, and it brings people together toward the achievement of a common goal. It creates a palpable positive spirit through the City of Welland as the hopes and dreams of future Canadian Olympians and World Champions become a reality as a direct result of Welland’s Waterway. The WIFC has and will continue to have, an inspiring rippling effect.
Website: www.wifc.ca Facebook: www.facebook.com/wifc Twitter: www.twitter.com/GO_WIFC
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Rose City Suites 300 Prince Charles Drive, Welland
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Tel: 1-800-387-8186
IlluminAqua...
IlluminAqua is a unique blend of fire, music and water, all set on the tranquil Old WellandCanal. There is no other festival like this in Ontario, drawing people from across the province! IlluminAqua is part of the Waterway’s Arts and Culture Series, taking place at the Welland Amphitheatre in Merritt Park. The season kicks off on June 13th with the Seaway Mall’s Niagara’s Next Star winner Andi Diaz. Following Diaz, IlluminAqua will open its eighth (8th) season with Juno nominated, bluegrass-inspired indie rock music of The Strumbellas. Headlining the evening is none other than Welland’s own Juno-nominated artist Jordan Raycroft, whose blend of blues and rock has a reputation for captivating audiences of all ages from coast-to-coast. IlluminAqua’s July 4th performance is a veritable triple-bill with Niagara’s own upcoming country star, Chelsea Crites, leading off the evening. Country sweetheart, Whitney Rose, will then take to stage to wrap you around her finger with her upbeat ballads and spunky delivery. The evening will be capped with the dynamic and entertaining Abrams Brothers, providing the perfect blend of Americana and Bluegrass, coupled with a youthful excitement.
An incredible talent and showman, Mark Masri, announces his return to IlluminAqua Stage for filming of his PBS Special Saturday, July 5th. IlluminAqua is honoured to have been selected as the backdrop for this fantastic event. His reputation for melting hearts is internationally recognized and heightened by his ability to perform an array of songs in six languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, Hebrew and Arabic. With smoky intensity and jaw dropping range Mark Masri delivers emotion that will enchant any listener. Part Andrea Bocelli, part Luther Vandross, this artist has been and will continue to bring audiences to their feet. August 8th will showcase the amazing two-time Juno-nominated Bobby Bazini. This double bill evening of artists, whose roots are in Quebec, kicks off with Bazini’s unique pop-soul stylings and transitions into Quebec’s newest jazz-pop sensation. Florence K, takes the floating delivering a sound where jazz meets rock, meets blues, where horns and guitars are subtly blended together to make a wonderful new beat. This Montreal artist’s songs can be best described as having a fresh and original vibe and her voice shines like no other. The 2014 IlluminAqua Arts and Culture Series closes with a much anticipated, award-winning solo artist and the lead singer, guitarist and songwriting lynchpin behind multi-platinum Celtic-Pop heroes the Rankin Family. A dynamic live performer with an impressive catalog of hits, he moves effortlessly between Folk, Roots, Country and Pop stylings, taking his audience on an unforgettable musical journey from Cape Breton to Nashville, and back again. From one of the most nationally renowned east coast families in music the August 29th IlluminAqua performance is Jimmy Rankin from the Rankin Family. The talented artist delivers a dynamic live performance and has become a Canadian iconic, receiving five Juno awards among a long list of achievements in the music industry. The IlluminAqua Season Pass is now on sale for $79.99 per person; an incredible package price that includes tickets to all five (5) concerts in the season and includes a $25 gift certificate from the Seaway Mall. Individually priced tickets for each performance are also available in advance and range in price from $20 – $28.50. All ticket purchases are subject to applicable sales taxes and ticket servicing fees. Tickets are available at www.illuminaqua.com, Seaway Mall Customer Service or at Merritt Park on the evening of each performance beginning at 6 pm, while quantities last. Those wishing to make cash purchases are encouraged to make their purchase through the Seaway Mall. IlluminAqua concerts take place at the Merritt Park Amphitheatre, 115 King Street in Welland. Performances start at 8:00 pm with gates opening at 7:00 pm each of the Friday evenings.
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ROWONTARIO CHAMPIONSHIPS Event Origin
Original 12 member clubs (now 64 member) worked together to develop a Provincial Championships regatta as a pre-cursor to the former Canadian Championships and the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta
Event History & Number of Years in Operation 2014 will be the 46th Annual Championships Regatta
Number of Athletes Approximately 1000 from across Ontario and US
Event Description
Provincial Club Championships
The ROWONTARIO Championships is considered by many to be the final “warm-up” for crews competing at the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta that occurs the first week of August in St. Catharines
ROWONTARIO Masters Championships Event Origin
In the early 2000’s the size of the ROWONTARIO Championships, which originally included Masters events, outgrew its 2 –day capacity, and ROWONTARIO decided to implement a new regatta specifically dedicated to Masters rowers from across Ontario and the US.
Event History, Number of Years in Operation
2014 will be the 12th Annual Masters Championships Regatta
Number of Athletes
Approximately 400 from across Ontario and US
Event Description
Provincial Masters Championships
If the event is a stepping stone towards selection to a national/world team, etc. The ROWONTARIO Masters Championships has doubled in size in the last 4 years, clearly indicating a demand for quality racing opportunities for Masters rowers. ROWONTARIO and the Welland Recreational Canal Corporation continue to work as partners to improve and grow this event that is now an annual “must” for Masters rowers.
Website information www.regattacentral.com and www.rowontario.ca
ROW TO PODIUM CAMPS
Row to Podium is Canada’s official talent identification and development program for rowing. Our goal is to mold new athletes into future Olympic and Paralympic Champions. Row to Podium was designed specifically to find tall, young and fit athletes with no experience in rowing. As part of this program, the WIFC has been selected to host our monthly training camps where targeted athletes are gathered from across Ontario, as well as athletes from Manitoba, Quebec and the Maritimes to be assessed and monitored as they continue along the High Performance pathway, with the goal of represen ing Canada on the international stage. The WIFC provides the ideal training venue for our camps with its flat, long-distance waterway and brand new training venue, including the rowing tank, on the North Course. ROWONTARIO and Rowing Canada Aviron are very happy with our continuing partnership with the WIFC enabling us to provide a top quality venue to train and assess our future Olympians.
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2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
Banana Belt Rowing Tour - MAY 4TH Marking the first tour of their season, the Banana Belt held on Welland’s Waterway consists of a leisurely row - approximately 15 km - followed by a social at a local dining establishment and attracts more than 30 individuals every year. Since 1971, rowers of all nationalities, ages and abilities have toured lakes, rivers, canals and seas around the world. Participants must be a competent rowers and be able to row with both sweep and scull oars. Tour rowing is typically done in larger boats as part of a group.
Rowing Canada Aviron Spring Trials (East) – MAY 3 & 4 Typically the first official regatta held at the Welland International Flatwater Centre South Course, Spring Trials (East) consist of the best rowers in the country vying for spots on Canadian National Teams, which would provide the athletes with the opportunity to compete at the various international regattas taking place over the summer. The event draws the best rowers from Saskatchewan to Nova Scotia competing for places in our Junior, Under-23, Senior and Para-Rowing teams with approximately 200 athletes competing.
South Niagara Rowing Club High School Invitational - MAY 17 & 18 This amazing regatta is celebrating 28 years of competition and takes places on the South Course of the Welland International Flatwater Centre; it is one of the largest high school regattas in Ontario with approximately 60 clubs competing annually and 1200 athletes. Hosted by the South Niagara Rowing, athletes compete in full 2,000m races while being cheered on by upwards of 800 spectators. In 2014, there are over 500 entries for this regatta, attracting people from across Canada as well as clubs visiting from the United States. This event is considered the ideal warm up for the Canadian Secondary School Rowing Association Championship Races.
www.southniagararowingclub.ca
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Welland Dragon Boat Festival JUNE 7 The Welland Heritage Council & Multicultural Centre and the Rotary Club of Welland, both non-profit organizations. celebrates community with its 12th annual Dragon Boat Festival on the Welland International Flatwater Centre North Course. Corporate and community teams made up of 20 paddlers, one drummer and a steersperson race in a friendly competition of 500 metre. Open to competitive and non-competitive participants, it also serves
as an opportunity to qualify for the Dragon Boat Canada Crew event which takes place in August. This event draws approximately 600 people. A Craft Show will take place on the Saturday and the public is encouraged come out to enjoy a day at the Recreational Waterway. www.wellanddragonboatfestival.com
Tony Biernacki Sr. Memorial Regatta JUNE 14
Brock University hosts this annual regatta for masters athletes for the sixth time this year. In the past, there were few opportunities for masters to race in the early summer. The introduction of this regatta is helping solve this dilemma and hopefully motivate masters to start training earlier in the season.
The regatta is named for Tony Biernacki Sr. who was the head coach at Brock University from 1965 to 1980. Tony began women’s rowing at the university level in Ontario with the first women’s crew in 1967. As a young man Tony won the single at the Pan-American Games in 1959. Tony was also very active and successful as a masters rower for many years. In 1985 he won the single, double and quad at the World Masters Regatta in Toronto. For a number of years he was also the world record holder for his age category on the C2 ergometer. Most of the volunteers at this regatta are Brock athletes supporting this masters rowing experience and in turn the regatta supports the Tony Biernacki Scholarship which assists Brock University athletes with their rowing fees. It is the second largest Masters Rowing Regatta in Ontario. The Tony Biernacki Sr. Memorial Regatta attracts more than 250 athletes competing in 40 events with 210 entries in the 1,000 metre sprint races. Being a part of the Trillium Masters Rowing series, 2014 will welcome a two-event series and 2015 will consist of a three race series. www.regattacentral.com www.brockrowing.wordpress.com
Rose City Triathlon
JUNE 14 & 15
The Welland Triathlon & Duathlon offers up one of the fastest course on the circuit, and if you’re planning on racing here there’s a good chance you’re going to come away with a personal best time, whether racing the Give-It-A-Tri, triathlon, or half distance. For further information, please visit: www.multisportcanada.com
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2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
2014 NATIONAL
DRAGON BOAT CHAMPIONSHIPS EXPERIENCE THE ROAR!
A showcase of unity. Paddler and water. Drummer and paddlers. 22 athletes in all, working in perfected precision as they charge down Welland’s Waterway as one! Plunging blades to the intense beating of the dragon boat drum, surging the boat forward toward the finish line. There is an immeasurable passion encapsulated in each boat, a palpable dedication and spirit, each crew with a national title within their grasps. The best dragon boat crews of the nation will leave it all on the water this summer in Welland.
2014 National Dragon Boat Championships taking place July 4-6, 2014 is the highlight of the flatwater season with nearly 2,000 athletes from across Canada coming to Welland to compete in hopes of being named a National Champion. Discover and partake in this ancient Chinese cultural tradition hosted right here on Welland’s Waterway. While watching race action, you will also be able to wander about the
Shoreline Festival; an exhibition of food, music and merchants. Sip wine, enjoy the sights and sounds. Catch the roar!! We encourage all to come out and cheer on crews from coast to coast as they compete to capture the title of National Champion.
These Championships will give revellers a hint of the excitement to come as the sport of Dragon Boat delivers the World again to the shores of
the Welland International Flatwater Centre as athletes from around the globe come to compete in the 2015 World Dragon Boat Racing Championships August 12-23, 2015.
Come celebrate this amazing event with us; marvel at the fierce competition, absorb the tradition, and help us welcome the athletes to the waterway.
2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
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Ontario Canoe Kayak Sprint Affiliation (OCSRA)
Trials June 14 & 15 Ontario Canoe Kayak Sprint Racing Affiliation (OCSRA) www.ocsra.ca, formed in 1985, is one of three (3) affiliate organizations associated with Canoe Kayak Ontario www.canoeontario.org. OCSRA represents the sport of Olympic Spring Canoe Kayak racing in Ontario. OCSRA will be hosting its Ontario Team Trials (OTT) on June 14/15. OTT’s is the selection trials to qualify athletes unto the Ontario Carded and Development Team. The event has been running for over 30 years and has an average of 200 paddlers from across Ontario participant.
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2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
Canoe Art Project
WHERE ART & THE WATERWAY MEET
The Welland Recreational Canal Corporation and the Welland Arts and Culture Advisory Committee are partnering together to create a spectacular and artistic legacy for the City of Welland through the Canoe Art Project; a unique initiative involving local artists creating works of art using traditional canoes as canvases on which to paint. The completed canoes will be mounted for display, turning them into eye catching sculptures throughout the City of Welland. These Canoe Art sculptures will display images and artwork inspired by Welland’s heritage, sporting history, and contemporary culture. Each piece of art will be one-of-a-kind and will reflect the vision of the artists, each of whom will be selected through a public call for submissions and the final decision regarding selection is determined by the Welland Arts & Culture Advisory Committee; artist selection is still ongoing. The Canoe Art Project proposes a meaningful impact within the City of Welland and will allow for both an artistic and Waterway legacy to flourish. Each piece of art will display the creative talents of local artists as well as promoting the ongoing growth and success of Welland’s flatwater sports hosting industry. It is meant to be a unifying project, bringing a wide
array of organizations as well as backgrounds together through this fresh and modern artistic initiative. The Welland Recreational Waterway is part of the fabric of the local community. Its pristine water, scenic beauty and historical significance are integral to the character of the City of Welland. In modern times, the Waterway has grown to become a world class sporting event destination, premiere concert and artistic event location, and a beautiful park for local citizens and visitors alike to enjoy all that nature has to offer. The Canoe Art Project seeks to celebrate and memorialize this ‘jewel of the City’, by creating meaningful pieces of art depicting images related to the Waterway.
PROMOTIONS, CONTESTS, DIRECTORY AND EVENTS
ALL IN THE PALM OF YOUR HANDS
800 Niagara Street, Welland, Ontario L3C 5Z4 2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
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Rice Road
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Central Welland WELLAND, ONTARIO 406
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Humberstone Rd.. Townline Tu nnel Rd.
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2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE M
South Niagara Canoe Club
As the memory of winter fades away and spring enters full bloom, the quietude of the frozen Welland
Recreational Waterway has given way to the splash and whoosh of paddling at Canada`s premier paddling destination. Since the beginning of May, on any given evening, you`ll find a growing, dedicated and passionate group of paddlers taking to the water, stroking their way toward fitness, health, excellence and most of all, fun! A new season of paddling is beginning at South Niagara Canoe Club (SNCC) and it hasn’t taken long for the club to transform into a beehive of activity. Paddlers of all backgrounds, ages and skill levels are participating in a wide variety of programs being offered in the sports of canoe, kayak and dragon boat. In fact, right now at SNCC coaches are working with athletes from age 5 to eighty, and skill levels from complete beginners to World Champions! The South Niagara Canoe Club started operation in 2008 and since that time the club has grown from humble beginnings to become a thriving community club offering a variety of programming to a diverse membership of paddlers. Along the way - working one season, one competition, one practice session and one stroke at a time – SNCC has achieved some amazing things which are worth sharing with our local community: • South Niagara Canoe Club is home to several world champions. Most recently Brian Roy, Stefan Fridrikkson, John Gagnon, Bill Hilbert, Steve Levkoe, Sue Humphries, Verna Dalgleish, Lindsay Sale, Dianne Gauvin represented Canada at last summer`s IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships in Hungary! Doug Jones coached the Senior C category at these championships. • Brianna Iannandrea has also participated at the Ontario Summer Games in 2012 and the Ontario Winter Games in 2014. • In 2013 we hosted training camps for some pretty illustrious visitors: the Canadian National Canoe Team and the Canadian National Dragon Boat Team • On two (2) occasions, SNCC has hosted the Australian National Kayak Team as guests to our club. They raved after their second visit that it was one of the best locations they’ve been to for paddling. • We currently have 7 paddlers who are planning to represent Canada at this summer`s World Club Crew Dragon Boat Championships in Ravenna, Italy • The Hope Floats survivor and supporter crew that trains out of SNCC has recently been featured in both local and regional news media in several different articles, inspiring a multitude in the process.
This summer SNCC is continuing to expand introductory level programming for children and youth, ages 5 – 18, through our Canoe Kids, Elementary and Developmental programs for canoe and kayak. In addition, SNCC is in the initial stages of forming a new masters paddling program for beginner adults who are keen to enjoy the pristine Waterway. Finally, the club is proud to continue its strong tradition in dragon boat through the offering of four different dragon boat programs: Canal Dragons (mixed recreational), Hope Floats (a women’s survivor and supporter crew), the Warlocks (mixed competitive) and PaddleAll (a group for people with a developmental challenge). Dragon boat has a reputation of going from a casual hobby to a life-long passion for many who participate in one of our programs. The combination of expert coaching, team camaraderie, and healthy activity prove to be captivating – always offered in a positive club environment. For further information on any of our programs, please contact info@southniagaracanoeclub.ca – we’d love to hear from you. See you on the Waterway! We offer a 3-for-free policy, come on down and jump in a boat with us to see what you think for yourself.
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Balmy Beach
JULY 19
The Balmy Beach Club, a non-profit organization, has served Toronto, the Beach community and its amateur athlete members since it was incorporated in 1903 so its members could pursue such sports as “lawn bowling, tennis quoits, rowing, sailing, swimming, shooting, golf, baseball, football and cricket”. Initially, The Balmy Beach Club was made up of two main sections - The Balmy Beach Canoe Club and The Balmy Beach Lawn Bowling Club. The Balmy Beach Lawn Bowling Club involved just that, but The Balmy Beach Canoe Club had under its jurisdiction the operation of other sections the Rugby Club, the Hockey Club, the Squash Club; and other sports such as football, harriers, volleyball, basketball, deck tennis, surf boarding, tennis and anything that the members wanted to take part in. Membership kept growing and in 1972 the Constitution of The Balmy Beach Club was rewritten and its Board of Directors became an elected body by all members of The Balmy Beach Club and incorporated into the Constitution was the formation of five sections, one of which was The Balmy Beach Canoe Club.
Canoe racing has been part of The Balmy Beach Canoe Club since 1905 and it was then that it held its first regatta. In 1907, the Club joined CanoeKayak Canada (“CKC”) and is a member club of the Western Ontario Division (WOD”) of CKC. Competitive racing is offered in age categories, ranging from age 10 to over age 65) for all types of abilities. The Club has a rich tradition of successful competition: in 1924, canoeing was accepted as an exhibition event at the 1924 Olympic Games (Paris) and it was Beach’s Roy Nurse that led the way with two gold and four bronze medals; at the 1936 Games (Berlin), Harvey Charters and Warren Saker won silver and bronze medals; Norm Lane, won a bronze medal at
the 1948 Games (London), and brother, Ken Lane, with Don Hawgood, won silver medals at the 1952 Games (Helsinki). At the national level, Balmy Beach Canoe Club has won the overall National Championships (the coveted “Burgee”) in 1915, 1919, 1927, 1951 and 1955. Beach is hosting this regatta at the Welland International Flatwater Centre for over 200 athletes from WOD member clubs to give them a racing opportunity on a quality course to prepare them for the WOD Trials and Championships to be held later this month at the WIFC. The club is located at Ashbridges Bay, Toronto. Visit www.balmybeachcanoe.com for more information.
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2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
Central Ontario Rowing Association (CORA)
JUNE 28 & JULY 12 Up to the early 1950’s the only regattas available in the Central area of Ontario were the CSSRA High School Championships in St Catharines, Dominion Day Regatta in Toronto, the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta in St Catharines, the CNE regatta in Toronto and the Labour Day regatta in Buffalo. In 1953 the Argonaut Rowing Club, Don Rowing Club, Leander Boat Club and the St Catharines Rowing Club formed the Central Ontario Rowing Association, to hold rowing regattas to provide racing experience for junior oarsmen. Each year regattas were held in To-
ronto, Hamilton and St Catharines. London was added within a couple of years.
crews. This is a far cry from the sixteen to twenty races back in 1953.
The early regattas had between sixteen to twenty races for 135, 145, 155 and heavy weight men crews. In the 1970’s women rowing started and events were added to the regatta.
This year at the June 28th regatta being held on the Welland International Flat-water North Regatta Course we expect fifteen to twenty rowing clubs competing in seventy-five to eighty races.
In the beginning CORA had four member clubs, today there are over twenty rowing club from four of the six regions of Ontario. At our 2013 championship regatta held in Welland there were close to one hundred races for U17, U19, U23 & Senior man and woman
For the CORA Championship Regatta on the Welland International Flatwater South Regatta Course we expect a minimum of twenty rowing clubs competing in ninety to one hundred races.
South Niagara Rowing Club
In 1976, a small group of interested citizens from the cities of Welland and Port Colborne in the Region of Niagara embarked on establishing the South Niagara Rowing Club. The South Niagara Rowing Club was established along the banks of the Old Welland Canal, which was no longer being used for shipping. The area had the potential of being a wonderful rowing facility and great race course due to the high banks, which shelters the waterway from wind. Since its beginnings the “Great Dain” Rowing Course has been privileged to host many regattas, such as the Ontario Rowing Championships, the Canadian Masters Rowing Championships, as well as the Inaugural Regatta of the Americas. The South Niagara Rowing Club has also been the site for many Canadian National Rowing Teams Training Camps and Trials, as well as National Team Crews from Great Britain, Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. Our Head Coach, Ron “Swede” Burak, has been working with the many volunteer coaches to bring excellent programs for all ages to our club. Current programs include: Youth /Adult Learn to Row, Adult Recreational Rowing , Youth / U23 Competitive Rowing, Masters Rowing. Website: www.southniagararowingclub.ca | Boathouse: 905.734.7815
OUR MISSION: To bring new participation into the sport of rowing, to develop their fitness, athleticism, and rowing skills, and to further their interest, involvement and achievement in rowing.
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Notre Dame Rowing Club Founded in the fall of 2009 the Notre Dame Rowing Club enters its fifth year of operation providing community based programming for all. Located just north of where Thorold Road meets the Recreational Canal the Club is centrally located for easy access to 8 kilometers of flat water. The Notre Dame Rowing club believes in Long Term Athlete Development and focus on sculling as a means to introduce the sport of rowing and to excel both recreationally and competitively. Competitive, learn to row and recreational programs are available for youth and adults year round and membership is open to all residents of Welland/Pelham and Niagara. The Notre Dame Rowing Club offers several innovative programs.
The Notre Dame Rowing AcademyŠ is designed to introduce pre-high school and early high school you to the different forms of rowing, water safety and boat handling and develop the technical skill and fitness to become a great rower. Our Adult Programming has three tiers providing a variety of choices for interested adults: 1. Adult recreational: For adults new to rowing or interested in a part time rowing experience 2. Masters Non-competitive: For adults who are transitioning to a competitive program or are interested in the training/social benefits of rowing but who do not want to race
including more intensive coaching and racing in Ontario and the Northeast United States Our Youth Competitive is for graduates of the Notre Dame Rowing AcademyŠ and experienced youth rowers running year round and on the water from April to October; open to youth of all ability levels. The Youth Competitive program has a long and proud history of National and Provincial champions as well as rowing and coaching excellence. To check us out go to www.ndrowing.ca to learn more.
3. Competitive Masters: For adults who are interested in the full competitive experience
one great classic after another one great classic after another
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Western Ontario Division Trials/Championships JULY 26 & 27 CanoeKayak Canada, formerly Canadian Canoe Association, was founded in 1900. There are six divisions across Canada, one of which is Western Ontario Division with 15 Clubs. The canoe and kayak occupy an important place in Canadian history. An essential feature in the lives of Canada’s aboriginal people, they were adopted by European immigrants to carry goods and people through the wilderness. When their importance as a means of transportation decreased with the coming of the railway, canoes and kayaks became popular recreational vehicles, ideal for the quiet exploration of Canada’s lakes and streams. At the same time, increasing numbers discovered the pleasures of canoe and kayak racing and when the 1936 Olympic Games were staged in Berlin, both the canoe and kayak were on the program for men. Women made their Olympic debut in 1948 at London.
a paddler in a kneeling position. Unique only to Canada is the C-15, also known as the war canoe, with 14 paddlers and a coxswain.
The boats used for racing are: Kayaks built for one (K-1), two (K-2) and four (K-4) competitors and must meet international standards. The paddler uses foot movements to operate the rudder. It is propelled by a double blade. Canoe, or C-boat, is also known as the “Canadian” in honour of its aboriginal roots. As with kayak, racing takes place in three boats, i.e., C-1, C-2, and C-4 and must meet international standards. It is propelled by a single blade by
For more information, visit our website at www.westernontariodivision.com and on Facebook at CanoeKayak Canada Western Ontario Division.
The athletes compete for their Club and points accumulated are towards a burgee awarded to the club with the most points. The athletes compete for place standings and are often awarded with medals. Western Ontario Division annually holds its divisional championships and which is also a qualifier for the CanoeKayak Canada national championships and Ontario CanoeKayak championships. Since 1979 the Trials/Championships have been held on the Old Welland Canal and now at the Welland International Flatwater Centre. Approximately 500 athletes from participating clubs compete to be a divisional champion as well as qualify for the provincial and national championships.
Aktiv Open Water Swim Series The Aktiv Open Water Swim Series is part of events produced by Aktiv Life Inc. and offers open water swim race distances of 500m for beginners, 750m for sprint-distance athletes, 1500m for Olympic distance athletes, and 1.9km and 3.8km for Ironman distance athletes. All events are mass start and we use our own Champion Chip timing system to offer accurate event timing. Aktiv Life creates a family-friendly atmosphere where both beginners and elite professionals are equally comfortable and challenged.
Approximately 60 to 75 athletes compete in this Swim Series, occurring on: • June 1 • June 29 • July 13
• July 27 • August 10 • August 24
More information at: www.aktivlife.ca and www.trysportniagara.com
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Welland Recreational Canal Corporation BETTERING THE WATERWAY... Starting in just 2007, the Welland Recreational Canal Corporation (WRCC) took over management of the Waterway and Canal Lands and has been very busy making changes and improvements around the waterway. The once dormant old shipping canal is now alive with activities, citizens, music, art, culture, and many more gems. There’s so much the WRCC is doing, we wanted to share some of those highlights so you might enjoy them too, or even find a new treasure. • The WRCC manages the largest and busiest park in Welland: Merritt Island • With over 1,000 acres, 24km of trails and 12km of waterway this incredible national asset is a place where residents and visitors can participate in a wide variety of arts, culture, sports, leisure and recreation activities, and experience a unique natural and recreational environment within an urban area. • WRCC delivers more than a dozen portfolios and programs with users from Welland and around the world: Greater Niagara Circle Route Trail System, Scuba Park, PenFinancial Credit Union Flatwater Community Centre, Merritt Park Amphitheatre, International Flatwater Centre, Dive for a Cure, Memorial Bench Program, Public Washrooms, Public Gardens, Playgrounds & Pavillions, IlluminAqua, Canoe Art Project and Welland Canoe Rental Program. • WRCC works with community groups and the City to help them deliver better and more successful events and programs. • The WRCC delivers community programming for City Council available to citizens • The WRCC has raised over 9 million dollars in the last 5 years, all invested in Welland and provided for delivering events • The WRCC bring tens of thousands of visitors to Welland annually, presenting Welland in a positive light to a world audience.
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• The WRCC works towards building relationships with local businesses, BIAs and business groups.
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• We are a not-for profit organization delivering incredible value to City Council and taxpayers for services rendered.
Loads of parking in back
• The events the WRCC delivers provides economic impacts to local business, creating new jobs, and leading to future job growth opportunities.
BANQUET MEETING FACILITIES...
Larger groups call about our
• The WRCC delivers on the strategic priorities of this Council and the City of Welland. • The WRCC represents Welland at the Region, The Greater Niagara Circle Route, Niagara College Curriculum Advisory Committees, Province of Ontario Sport Hosting Policy, Emergency Response Water Source Protection Group and the Regional Tourism Stakeholders Group.
We are proud of the work we are doing to build a bright future for Welland.
128 East Main Street Welland Tel: 289-820-5239 EATandDRINK@fuzzys.ca • web www.fuzzys.ca
Stephen Canjar
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Peak Performers Realty Inc., Brokerage Independently owned and operated Out Performing Your Expectations
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2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
65 Division Street Suite 2 Tel: (289) 820-9309 Welland Ontario L3B 3Z6 Fax: (289) 820-6023
WEEKLY FEATURES MONDAY - Bring Your Own Wine Free Corkage
IN THE HEART OF NIAGARA
(Minimum Food Purchase)
On the Welland Canal
TUESDAY - Four Course Couples Dinner (For Only $39.99)
WEDNESDAY - Vintage Night THURSDAY - Ladies Night Out-After 7pm
ROWERS AND CYCLISTS WELCOME
(Pick 1 Tapa & 1 Frozentini For $10)
FRIDAY - Lake Erie Fish Fry & Live Music
Located on the Welland Recreational Canal and the “Greater Niagara Circle Route”
SATURDAY - Prime Rib Dinner & Live Music 91 East Main St, Welland ON, L3B 3W5 905-732-FOOD / myalibibistro.menu / Free WiFi
41 Frazer St., Welland, ON L3C 1N3 Ellie & Gary Hodder - 905.734.9972
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www.southniagaracanoeclub.ca info@southniagaracanoeclub.ca 2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
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Community Legacy of Flatwater Sports in Welland Volunteer Stipends As part of the Welland International Flatwater Centres’ ongoing commitment to community, stipends are awarded to volunteer groups to recognize contributions made during regattas throughout the season. For specific regattas, each volunteer is able to award their financial stipend to a community group of their choice. Volunteering with the Welland International Flatwarter Centre... • Team building •
Public engagement and corporate involvement
• Athletic engagement and promotion of physical activity • Strengthening a sense of community; brings people of different backgrounds together to achieve a common goal • Experience flatwater sports on a local, provincial, national and international level
BE APART OF AN OLYMPIC FUTURE RIGHT HERE AT HOME
CONTACT US FOR THE MANY VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES volunteer@canalcorp.ca 20
2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
Coming Soon...
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Head of the Welland
FIVE BRIDGES FALL CLASSIC The Head of the Welland has been taking place for 10 years and is truly becoming a must attend event. Head races are time trial / processional races that typically take place in the autumn or early spring (depending on local conditions). Boats begin with a rolling start at intervals of 10 – 20 seconds and are timed over a set distance in the case of the Head of the Welland - 5.2km. The oldest, and arguably most famous, head race is the Head of the River Race, founded by Steve Fairbairn in 1926 which takes place each March on the river Thames in London, United Kingdom. The Head of the Charles Regatta held each October on the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts, USA is now the largest rowing event in the world. The fastest crew is awarded the title Head of the River (as in “head of the class”, or in Welland’s case “Head of the Waterway”). The 5.2 kilometre race on the waterway takes athletes through the heart of Welland, traveling under five different bridges that span its banks. Annually, the Head of the Welland attracts about 1,000 athletes and an additional 400 spectators/ parents / coaches from Ontario, New York State, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. The subtle twists and turns of the waterway, punctuated with its multiple and sizeable bridge abutments makes for exciting racing and risk reward areas for passing slower crews. The Head of the Welland is hosted by the South Niagara Rowing Club. www.headofthewelland.ca PHOTO BY ANTHONY GALLACCIO
Niagara Stand Up Paddle Sprint
Paddle Niagara is pleased to launch its inaugural 1,000 metre sprint as a part of the 2014 Niagara Summer Games. The event will be open to competitive and recreational participants on the WIFC course. 50-100 athletes are expected in the first year and Paddle Niagara hopes to contribute to the positive growth of the sport by developing competition within the region. Many great prizes will be available to be won by participants and part of the weekend will feature opportunities for the general public to try stand up paddle boarding for free. To learn more about the event please visit: www.niagarasummergames.com or contact info@paddleniagara.com
To register email: thefearlessfemales@gmail.com or call: 905-401-5668
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2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
Dive for a Cure OCTOBER 5 Niagara Divers’ Association (NDA) welcomes its fifth annual Dive for a Cure, donating over $34, 000 for the Canadian Cancer Society to-date. President of the Niagara Divers’ Association, Natasa Djermanovic, first began this fundraiser when her son Aleksander Djermanovic, was diagnosed with all acute lymphoblastic leukemia, undergoing twenty five months of
chemo therapy. Growing each year, the event involves approximately 75 divers and 150 participants on-land take part in the festivities from all over Southern Ontario this past Sunday. In the water, divers compete in one to two underwater scavenger hunts to locate labeled rocks and exchange them for various prizes. In addition, there is an underwater pumpkin carving contest
as well as one on-land. The community truly comes together for this great cause every year as many of the local dive shops support the event through donating silent auction prizes as well as free air to the divers participating. With various the silent auction prizes to be won, divers and non-divers alike joined in for a day of diving, eating and supporting this fantastic cause. www.niagaradivers.com/diveforacure
North American University Championships The 2014 North American University Dragon Boat Championships (NORAMU) involved the top University Teams from across North America, taking place October 4-5. The NORAMU Championships is a growing event which caters to the vast University athlete market across North America. NORAMU also enjoys the prestige of being designated as a development event for the 2015 IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships being held at the WIFC. This event will attract approximately 300 athletes. 2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
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2014 WIFC OFFICIAL PROGRAMME AND RACE GUIDE
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Welland Canoe Rental Programm MAKE A SPLASH! WRCC Provides FREE Programming
Whether you have never been out on the water or are a well versed waterway explorer, all ages and experience levels will discover this beautiful gem that pulses throughout the quaint City of Welland. The Flatwater Community Rental Program caters to individuals looking to spend the day under the sun or to the larger groups that are looking for an exciting family outing, birthday party, social event or a unique team building venture.
Offering programming to the community for almost 10 years, over 30 boats are available for rent and consist of a wide array of options to satisfy your flatwater desires: single kayaks, tandem kayaks, pedal boats, recreational canoes, and stand up paddle boards. The Flatwater Community Rental Program is committed to promoting a healthy lifestyle to citizens of all ages, specifically youth, offering free rentals for youth 16 and under. The water in the Recreational Waterway is tested daily, as a key supply source for our drinking water, and is cleaner than a public pool and is a safe summertime activity. With friendly and helpful staff to educate you on which ever flatwater sport you choose to indulge in, they will make sure your visit to the Waterway will not be the last!
Bring a picnic lunch to eat on the canal hillside after your paddle to finish off a picturesque Waterway adventure or pack a fishing pole and take advantage of the wide array of fish just waiting to be discovered beneath the surface. If you take a moment’s pause from all the excitement, you just may catch a glimpse of the wildlife that makes the Waterway its home. Make an adventure at the Flatwater Community Rental Program a priority on your to-do list this summer; paddling on the pristine waters of the Recreational Waterway will be something you won’t soon forget. Make a splash this summer!
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Get out and about OR a boat! The Flatwater Community Rental Program offers a chance to take advantage of gorgeous weather, take in the scenic landscapes or plan an outdoor adventure on the Recreational Waterway, opening May long weekend and operating weekends 12 pm – dusk during the spring. During the months of July and August, the hours of operation are weekdays 12 pm – dusk and weekends 11 am – dusk.
L PROGR
A
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