January 2021 Monthly Bulletin

Happy New Year!

A Happy New Year to all of our coaches, officials and athletes. 
We at the ARA understand that with the government protocols currently in effect, it is a difficult time for all athletes and coaches in our province as we are not permitted to train indoors in our training groups.  Furthermore, many athletes do not have access to their own personal erg or proper weights making this off-season very trying for all involved.   We want everyone to know that the ARA is here to help and if you or anyone you know is looking for some training ideas in these difficult times, please reach out to the writer directly at albertarowing@gmail.com.  We have some training ideas that are accessible for all, and will help you in your preparations for the 2021 season.

CSG
The 2021 (now 2022) Canada Summer Games is a multi-sport inter-provincial competition that will see the nation’s best young athletes compete against one another across 30 different sports in the Niagara Region.  With the opening ceremonies now only 19 months away, the ARA is beginning to make plans.   To assist with the planning process, athletes should be aware of the following. 

  • Selection for the 2022 Canada Summer Games will not occur until 2022, but selection for the 28 spots on the team will be competitive and preparations should start ASAP.
  • Athletes who wish to be considered eligible for the games should be aware that performance on the erg is an important factor in the selection process.  Heavyweight athletes should now be aware that a 2K erg standard of 6:35 / men and 7:38 women is required to attend the selection camp.  The standard for lightweight athletes is 6:50 / men and 8:00 women (The ARA understands that the erg standards are aggressive but are reflective of a standard required to compete at an event like the Canada Summer Games. 
  • Let history show that those athletes who attend practice on a regular basis within their club environment witness significant progress on the erg over a 16-month time-frame.  Athletes who are interested in attending the CSG are encouraged to attend practice with their local clubs regularly. 
  • On the assumption government protocols have been relaxed, the ARA does intend on hosting an on-water camp in Invermere British-Columbia on April 16-18, 2021for qualified CSG athletes. 
  • The ARA is also planning two separate summer /fall camps in 2021 for qualified athletes.  Additional details on these camps will be provided in the months ahead. 

Congratulations!
Brielle Thorsen an ARA athlete at the 2017 Canada Summer Games was the 2020 recipient of the Order of the White Rose scholarship.  Created in 2014 the Order of White Rose is a tribute to the 14 young women whose lives were tragically taken in 1989 with the attack at the Polytechnique in Montreal.   A full write-up of Brielle’s achievement can be found by following the link.  https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/cree-engineering-student-wins-30k-polytechnique-memorial-scholarship/

Rowing Canada Coaches Conference
The Rowing Canada Coaches Conference is an annual gathering of coaches, officials, volunteers and athletes from across the country to learn about all things rowing.  In a typical year, the conference is only available to those willing to fly across the country and pay the registration fee.  In 2021, RCA is providing the conference free of charge to any RCA Member.  We at the ARA believe this is a tremendous opportunity for all interested to hear from a worldwide panel of experts within our sport.  To register simply follow the link.  https://rowingcanada.org/registration-now-open-for-2021-rca-national-conference/

Upcoming Events
RCA Coaches Conference January 28-30 Virtual Conference