Canadian Officials to have a big presence at ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships
The International Canoe Federation has released its roster of officials for the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships and the Junior and Under 23 Canoe Sprint World Championships. Canada will have a strong representation of international technical officials at both championships.
“Volunteers are the backbone of any successful sport system,” said Lorraine Lafrenière, Director General of CanoeKayak Canada. “As one of Canada’s top performing summer sports, CanoeKayak Canada is proud to have dedicated officials making a difference at the national and international level.”
Six Canadian officials will play key roles between the championships in Duisburg, Germany and Welland, Ontario this summer. Each championship requires over twenty-five international technical officials. Canadian officials will fill four of those spots in Welland and three spots in Duisburg.
Canada will host the 2013 ICF Junior and Under 23 Canoe Sprint World Championships in Welland from August 1 to 4 and three Nova Scotian officials will play key roles. David Graham has been selected as the Technical Organiser, Mark Penfound will act as a starter and Susan Rickard will serve as a course umpire. All three started off by volunteering at competitions for beginner and developing paddlers in the Atlantic Division. Their roles have expanded to also include national and international competitions.
John Edwards, CanoeKayak Canada’s Director of Domestic Development says the commitment and professionalism of these officials goes a long way in growing the sport at both the grassroots and elite levels.
“Every summer, many officials volunteer to ensure national and regional regattas are run at a very high technical standard,” explains John Edwards, CKC’s Director of Domestic Development. “This sets the course for hundreds of athletes across the country to experience the joys of competition. We are pleased to have some of the best officials in the world representing Canada along side our top athletes.”
Dr. Don McKenzie will serve double duty as the Chief Medical Officer for both championships. McKenzie chairs the ICF’s Medical and Anti-doping Committee and is the long-time doctor of the Canadian CanoeKayak team. McKenzie did research in the late 1990s to show the benefits of physical activity for cancer survivors. His study has lead to a world-wide movement of cancer survivors participating in dragonboating know as “Abreast in a Boat”.
Frank Garner will once again be Chief Official for the ICF Canoe Sprint World Championships. Garner has been Chief Official for the last four Olympic Games and numerous World Championships. He serves on the ICF Board of Directors as the Chair of Canoe Sprint. Garner is a former National Team Coach and founder of Cheema Aquatic Club in Waverley, NS.
Mike Moir of Toronto will serve as a starter for the World Championships in Germany. Moir was a starter at the London 2012 Olympic Games and has been a long-time volunteer with CanoeKayak Canada. He is currently Chair of CKC’s Officials committee.
CanoeKayak Canada is the national governing body for competitive paddling in Canada. The organization’s vision is to be a Canadian sport for families, communities and champions. From supporting clubs to developing a competitive National Team, CanoeKayak Canada works to grow a sport which is a rich part of Canada’s heritage.