Last year I was contacted by the International Canoe Federation (ICF) asking if WT would host the 2015 World Kayak Championships. They indicated no one had come forward to host in 2015. I was not surprised as staging these events require heroic effort and are always money-losing. But, in the same spirit of publishing this paper, preserving the last wild section of Canada�Ã�¢�â��¬�â��¢s most historic river when Parks Canada said �Ã�¢�â��¬�Å�no�Ã�¢�â��¬�Â� and partnering with Algonquin College to ensure the survivability of the Pembroke campus, I said �Ã�¢�â��¬�Å�yes�Ã�¢�â��¬�Â� and the rest is history. The World Championships open Sunday afternoon in Beachburg.
We were unable to secure any government funding but many of WT�Ã�¢�â��¬�â��¢s suppliers came through with cash or in kind donations. Thank you to Jim Labow, Danny Buchanan, Terry and Matt Ethier, Allan Bruce, Giant Tiger, Henk Nagel and Sons, Ron Reiche, Brian Whitehead, Jackson Kayak, John Kenny, Ernst & Young, Hamilton/Appotive, Frank Deschamps, Scotia McLeod, Reid Brothers, Hedley Brittle, Trans Canada Pipelines, OVTA, City of Pembroke, NRS, Level 6, Bob Sheppard, Northman Company and more. Special thanks to Algonquin College as a major sponsor and supplier of student volunteers.
On the volunteer side, Paula Troutman organized scores and can rightly be called the �Ã�¢�â��¬�Å�Queen Mom�Ã�¢�â��¬�Â� of the 2015 World Championships. I drove through Beachburg last week and all I could say was �Ã�¢�â��¬�Å�Wow�Ã�¢�â��¬�Â�! Reigning right alongside Paula is US paddler Jana Krause who gave up her day job to spend more than 2 months volunteering with Event Manager extraordinaire Matt McGuire. Matt also ably organized the 2007 World Championships for us. Also thanks to Christine and her staff and Mayor and council. I have never seen so much township equipment on Grants Settlement Road as I have this past month.
Everyone is welcome and the competition starts Monday at McCoy Chute. From Tuesday through Saturday, the competition moves to the Lorne Rapids with spectator access at the Whitewater Brewery. There is a $10/car parking charge and all spectators must sign a waiver and wear a wristband. Wear appropriate footwear for walking on rocks and be careful of fast moving water and rafters. This is no place for unattended children. WT will be providing raft shuttles to the river left island but be prepared to get wet. Lunch will be available for purchase at the river. Experience the Athlete’s Village and entertainment nightly at Rafters.
Many only see Wilderness Tours as Canada’s top rafting company. You may not know that honour also pertains to kayaking. Our Ottawa Kayak School not only trains adults but also teens, in a special program called Keeners. Short for Keen and Enthusiastic, Keeners graduate many of the world’s best kayakers. I am very proud to say that almost 15% of the 200 competitors come from the Keener Program, pretty good for a small kayak program whose real goal is youth development.
Let’s welcome the world!
Joe
