Attending World Kayak Championships in 1997 and since Sydney in 2005, I can say without bias, this was the best World Championships ever. Since the regular media reported on the athletes and the terrific �Ã�¢�â��¬�Å�pomp and circumstance�Ã�¢�â��¬�Â� I will stick to the �Ã�¢�â��¬�Å�other stuff�Ã�¢�â��¬�Â�.
As some of you know, I have a thin resume �Ã�¢�â��¬�â�� student, soldier and river guide. The US military taught me �Ã�¢�â��¬�Å�amateur soldiers talk tactics while professionals concentrate on logistics�Ã�¢�â��¬�Â�. This World Championships was clearly a logistical challenge creating infrastructure in a pristine environment and then restoring it at the end of the competition. Our challenges:
Erecting bleachers and platforms on two islands
Installing a crane high enough to bounce a signal to Fort Coulonge and the beyond
Live streaming the event in real time with instantaneous scoring
Building a road and installing hydro poles
Building walkways and stairs for spectators
Managing the water to achieve perfect, consistent levels for each competitor
Keeping the toilets clean for every user (Thank you Shannon)
That we met those challenges and produced a great show is a testament to the Wilderness Tours staff and the many volunteers. To have such talent locally is remarkable. Thank you all.
Joe
