Current to Killarney is back!
The Little Current to Killarney Canoefest is back on again after the Covid hiatus. The 34km race is slated for July 2nd and spots are filling up fast so drag that canoe tripper friend out, your work crew, or perhaps that land-lubber who is always up for an adventure. For more information visit: currentokillarney.com
Legion Meet highlights!
It is impressive that many Manitoulin athletes didn’t stop training once their respective school meets are done. Those that didn’t quit represented the Island well at the Legion Meet in Sudbury.
Some of the highlights included: Maren Kasunich broke two meet records! One in the U17 2000m Steeplechase (her first steeplechase race)and also the 3000m run. She also took home a gold in the 1500m! Outstanding, Maren! The U15 boy sprinters were well represented with a podium sweep in the 200m. Rhyis Arthurs, Greyson Brewer-Case and Kohyn Eshkawkopgan finished 1,2,3! Rhyis also took gold in the 100m with Kohyn finishing with the bronze in a photo finish with only 0.12 seconds separating 2nd and 4th. Kohyn had his PB in long jump, 100m, and 200m, (good for three Bronze medals). Brooke Gibeault finished with a gold in shot put, a silver in the 200m, and a bronze in the 100m. Mya Balfe jumped her way to a gold in long jump and a silver in triple jump. Xavier Mara took gold, as the only one brave enough to attempt the 1500m Steeplechase, silver in the 2000m and bronze in the 1200m. Brodie Pennie finished with a gold in the 3000m, silver in the 1500m, and bronze in the 800m. Dane Gibeault finished with a silver in the 300m. Alan Wilkin had two fourths (800m, 1500m) and Madison McCarville had a 4th in the 100m. Congratulations to all participants!
Heaven’s Gate Trail grand opening!
The Escarpment Biosphere Conservancy (EBC) and the many Manitoulin fundraisers/volunteers are inviting everyone to the EBC’s opening of their largest, wilderness preserve to date, Heaven’s Gate – Kitchitwaa Shekwaandem, on July 16th. The preserve contains 2,000 acres of wilderness between the La Cloche Mountains and Killarney Provincial Park that have been permanently conserved.
Interested people are asked to meet at 1 pm for a ceremony at the trail head (Gate 3 Parking Lot). The group can then take the new trail up to the beautiful vista on Mount Arabella. The day winds back downhill to the Whitefish Falls Community Centre for a reception from 5 to 7.
Pearson Cup was back!
Mindemoya was a very busy town this past weekend as The 40th Anniversary of Pearson Cup Mixed Blooperball took place. A total of 32 teams played some amazing ball on three diamonds in Mindemoya, yep, three diamonds. A new ball field has been overhauled at Central Manitoulin Public School. Thanks to Greg Lockeyer and his workers for spearheading this project! This weekend all these diamonds will see over 400 youths playing the game of baseball!
Teams travelled from Dundock, Toronto, Sudbury and of course lots of Manitoulin ballplayers! There were three divisions—Open Division with 20 teams, 35’ers-plus Division with eight teams and 40s-plus with four teams for the total of 32 teams! It was a great weekend of catching up with old friends and meeting some new friends!
Thanks go out to the Pearson Cup Committee of Karlene Scott, Bruce Wiggins, Jeff MacKenzie, Greg Lockeyer, Joe Cranston, Shannon Drouin and Lauren Dewar. Thanks as well to Mindemoya Curling Club who operated the Beer Gardens and Dance, Greg Towns, Mark and Lynn Love and all their workers. AJ Bus Lines for organizing the bus to pick up the ball teams and bringing them safely to and from the Dance. Carmen Runnalls for being the amazing bus driver! To Kyra Lanktree for running the food booth all weekend as well as organizing all the umpires. Finally, to all of the umpires and all the wonderful fans who came out to watch!
Dance season wrap
Saraya Eshkawkogan wrapped up a fantastic Competitive Dance season this past weekend. After eight months of training, she and her team successfully competed in three competitions in Southern Ontario with nine different routines, performed at a Sudbury 5 game and finished with four performances in two days at College Boreal.
With their nine routines covering seven different dance styles (acro, ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, jazz funk/hip hop), Saraya and her team always left the audience grooving along. Their ‘Every Child Matters’ group routine didn’t leave a dry eye in crowd wherever they performed. Congratulations Saraya, good luck next season.
Pike masters!
The Wiikwemkoong Anglers hosted yet another tournament on their extensive calendar. This past weekend, Northern Pike was the target species for the virtual, catch-video-measure-release, format. Taking first with a two-fish-total length of 67 inches, netted $400 for Lorne Agawa and Alex Shigwadja, Michael Ramsdin and Jimmy Mahew were second (with 61” for $265) and the third place team of Aaron Recollet and Leslie Recollet (55.25” and $175). The next event on deck is July 2nd.
A good sport is good for sports
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