New paddle challenge!
In its first year, the Haweater Paddle Challenge had only a few, but eager, competitors. Organizer Steve Arthurs had 11 kayakers including himself. In the boys’ youth division Rhyis Arthurs took first followed by John Taggart. In the girls’ race Brooke Gibeault edged out Whittier Gauthier. In the 18-plus men’s category Chris Taggart took first, Eric Harper won the silver medal and Dale Jordison was third. Robyn McCauley took the women’s race all on her own! Meanwhile the Open division was won by the organizer Steve Arthurs outpacing the tandem, husband and wife pair of Mark Gibeault and Heather Pennie. Congratulations to all the participants and thanks to everyone involved volunteering.
Hit ‘er Done takes title
In its inaugural season, the Low Island Slo-Pitch League finished off their season with a nail-biter of a final game. The team “Hit ‘er Done” prevailed over the “Inglorious Batters” to hoist the trophy. The victors include: Dave Robinson, Kristen McKInlay-Bickell, Mike
McCulligh, Nicole Falla-Taylor, Barry Barnes, Chan Lillian,
Jenny Falla-Robinson, Bij Cib, Beth Armstrong and Jeremy Rody.
Adventurers all
Congratulations to Lawrence Enosse and Mary Jo Wabuno on the successful canoeing adventure known as O.A.L.E. These two leaders run the Wikwemikong Youth Centre and Health Centre respectively. Both provide activities for the youth of the community. OALE is a leadership program which involves 10 days of canoeing and camping etc. for teenagers. The trip from the French River to Wikwemikong is almost 400 kilometers. Along the way the youth learn how to be self-sufficient, helpful to others, outdoor camping, cooking etc. The program builds confidence, a sense of accomplishment, reliance on others as well as co-operation. Approximately a dozen canoes of youth completed the journey this past week. They were met by a large group of family and friends including Ogiima Duke Peltier, councillors as well as Lawrence and Mary Jo. What a great adventure/learning experience!
Beat the Heat with Summer Skating!
There is a great opportunity to get into figure skating shape coming up in a couple of weeks. The event takes place this coming August 22 – 26 in Little Current at the NEMI Recreation Centre. Power skating coach Lynne Begin with CanPower (who was the former instructor for Wayne Gretzky and the Soo Greyhounds), figure skating with Abbie Drolet, Lynne Begin, Technician Specialist, Jacob Cryderman and special guest Olympic Coach Ron Shaver! The five days has something for everyone with a CanSkate and learn to skate preview sessions. Go to scmanitoulin.uplifterinc.com for registration and full program details.
Fastball phenom
Wikwemikong’s Lyle Baibomcowai has once again proven he is a superior fastball player. This past weekend he helped the Westbank, B.C. Cardinals to the National Aboriginal Senior Men’s Fastball championship. Kyle was recruited to play catcher for the B.C. squad. He did not disappoint as he backstopped his team to an undefeated record in the Canadian Tournament. The Cardinals won going away by a 5-1 score over the Regina River Kings in the final. It is the second consecutive year that the Cardinals have been champions. The team also earned $12,000 for their efforts. Not too shabby, congrats, Lyle.
Best of luck!
Cheers to Team Manitoulin and their crew of eight who will attempt to paddle from Kingston to Ottawa in the annual K2O canoe and kayak race (http://kingston2ottawa.ca/). The 200 kilometre, non-stop race follows the Rideau Canal from downtown Kingston through Smith Falls at the midway point and finish in the shadow of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa. Part of the fun involves getting their 28 foot canoe up and around the locks and low bridges. Paddlers have to keep going pretty evenly as there are cut-off times all along the course and arriving late would force teams to resign from the K2O.
All teams are required to carry a tracking device and people can follows the progress of all the teams with updates every 10 minutes at the following website: http://www.pinnacletracking.com/live/Map.aspx?k2o
A good sport is good for sports
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