Canoe Niagara 2013 ~ An Incredible Event – A Humbled Thank You to the Many Helping Hands that Made it Possible ~ August 7th, 2013
For a World Championships to take place it involves a whole community of staff, volunteers and supporters. Canoe Niagara 2013 was no exception. Hosting 63 countries and more than 1,000 participants over the course of two weeks was no small feat and there are so many individuals who deserve to be recognized for working so hard, donating so much, and for making the World Championships a success. I am humbled to have worked beside so many incredible individuals.
On behalf of the Steering Committee of Canoe Niagara, we recognize the wonderful sight of the dedicated staff of the WRCC and City working hand in hand with the over 250 committed volunteers from around Welland/Niagara, from across Canada, and from around the World, to deliver Canoe Niagara. The success of the World Championships was due to the countless hours contributed by these individuals. While this was a four day event, volunteers have been assisting staff for months leading up to the event and have traveled from all over Canada and the World to allow Canoe Niagara 2013 to reach its fullest potential. We appreciate the guidance and leadership of our Coordinating Chairs and their dedication to our dream and to canoe sprint: Elly, Katherine, Tracey, Anna, Amber, Christy, Mary, Mike, June, Melissa Y, Courtney, Kim, Matt, Alfred, Allison, Jamie H, Melissa T, Brittany, Shari, Sue, Don, Rick, Mark, Fred, Dach and Madison, thank you.
To managers Chris Paley, Erin Terreberry, Richard Dalton and Sarah Smith, you have demonstrated qualities and characteristics that define you as leaders and make you role models to staff and volunteers. Your work ethic and commitment has positively impacted an entire community.
A very large thank you must be extended to the WRCC staff of the WIFC for their contribution to all the lead up events this season and especially Canoe Niagara. These individuals: Max, Austin, Evan, Aidan, Colin, Eric, Luke and John have spent numerous early mornings and late nights preparing the venue and facilities on and off the Waterway. The physical work you deliver is felt most directly by the athletes and your attention to the technical components of the course is what allows the ICF to make the statement “incredibly flawless organization”. To my fellow Steering Committee Members, Frank Garner, Bob Mahler, Michael Petrachenko, and Chris Helyar, thank you for your expertise, guidance, care, countless hours and dedication. It has been a pleasure to serve and work with yourselves and the members of the WRCC Board of Directors to bring about this direction and vision. Combined, the collective optimism and belief in flatwater sports has been essential in hosting Canoe Niagara 2013.
Thank you to all of our sponsors who supported hosting the world. Contributions from Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, Tourism Partnership Niagara and a significant group of corporate supporters helped make this happen. To our corporate community partners Serianni Construction, Design Electronics and SkyComp Solutions, without you we could not have astounded the ICF and the Canoe World. And to the City of Welland management and staff for their support of this incredible undertaking; your combined encouragement and contribution allowed for a lasting impression of our City for all those involved in these Championships.
Last, but certainly not least, thank you to the spectators, cultural halls, fans of Canoe Niagara 2013, and the supporting community at large. Your enthusiasm, passion, and excitement resonated in each and every race and each and every interaction. Your hospitality in welcoming and hosting countries from around the world did not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated.
Each and every individual who contributed to Canoe Niagara 2013, a heartfelt thank you. You have helped shape the history of Welland and the WIFC and have had an impact on a global scale right here in our hometown.