THE ROWING COMMUNITY
Unfortunately, COVID continues to have a material impact on rowing activities across the province but there are signs that things are returning to normal. In Calgary, athletes are now meeting regularly in the park for dryland training. In Edmonton, athletes with their own boats have been seen on the North Saskatchewan River and in Vermilion and Central Alberta there have been signs of rowing activities amongst the general membership. It is hopeful that within the next few weeks all athletes can return to the water in small boats (singles) and enjoy the sport we all love. Until then we ask that everyone remain patient and continue to adhere to the protocols set in place by the local, municipal and provincial governments.
RECOGNITION:
While 2020 has provided the rowing community with little to celebrate thus far, Alberta athletes and coaches continue to be recognized for their achievements.
Andrew Hubbard was the recipient of the Art Smith Endowment Grant which is presented annually by the Calgary Booster Club. The Art Smith Endowment Grant provides financial assistance to provincial athletes who have shown an ability to compete at the next level.
Jarvis Chantler – was the recipient of the Bob Freeze Sport Grant which is provided annually by the Calgary Booster Club. The Bob Freeze grant provides financial assistance to athletes up to the ages of 16 years old who have demonstrated success at a provincial or national level competition.
Curtis Ames – was recognized by Rowing Canada in a facebook post for his participation in the BC Cancer Foundation Workout to Conquer Cancer. Curtis was part of Team Hot Tam Summer (honouring former Gymnastic Canada athlete Tamara O’Brien) which raised over $60,000.
Lisa Kates – Lisa was selected amongst a strong contingent of candidates to coach Team Canada at the 2020 Can-Am Ex Regatta and as well the 2020 FISU regatta. Unfortunately, both regattas have been cancelled on account of COVID-19 but Lisa’s achievements have not been forgotten.
Congratulations to all athletes and coaches.
CANADA SUMMER GAMES
The ARA hosted a Zoom session on Thursday May 29t with former ARA athletes Curtis Ames and Nicole Hare. Both Curtis and Nicole spoke of their experiences at the Canada Summer Games with Team Alberta and the impact it had on them as they moved on with their careers with the Canadian National Rowing Team. Thank-you to both Nicole and Curtis.
The ARA is hosting another Zoom session on Wednesday June 17th, 2020. The second Zoom session, will be with Perri Ford who was a mental trainer at the 2019 WCSG. The ARA encourages all CSG athletes to attend the session on June 17th. Additional details will be provided in the coming week.
Moving forward we are hopeful that athletes will be able to return to the water in June of 2020. It is the intent of the ARA to organize a series of camps immediately after obtaining confirmation that on-water activities can resume.
Upcoming Events
On Water Rowing – Soon!