Pointe-Claire Canoe Club Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Founded in 1989, the Pointe-Claire Canoe Club will celebrate its 20th year of existence with an afternoon of activities and fun and an evening of dancing this coming Saturday, June 13. The festivities will begin 10 a.m. at the club, before shifting to the Bob Birnie Arena for the evening, where guests will enjoy live music courtesy of the band Augie and be able to mingle in a relaxed and inviting environment.

On top of marking a significant anniversary, the club will be celebrating an exceptional year in 2008. Having never previously finished higher than third, last summer saw them earn the top ranking amongst all Canoe/Kayak clubs in Quebec. Further, decorated members Andrew Willows and Tom Hall donned Canadian colours in the Beijing Olympics, with Hall earning a bronze medal in the C-1 1000m race.

The Pointe-Claire club has long been the envy of others both provincially and nationally, holding the distinction of being the only one that is supported by their municipality as part of a recreation program. While other clubs struggle financially, especially in these uncertain economic times, the city of Pointe-Claire has been exceptionally generous, something that is not lost on club members.

According to former club Commodore Madeleine Hall, who also the Chair of the Domestic Development Committee for Canoe/Kayak Canada and is the mother of Olympian Tom, the success of the club is linked inextricably to the city’s involvement.

“Pointe-Claire is really very unique in Canada and that’s really thanks to the city,” she acknowledged. “Right from the beginning they supported us and have allowed us to prosper by affording us the opportunity to work with several distinguished coaches and use up-to-date equipment.”

She credits the current coaching staff for their guidance and leadership, singling out Julie Corbeil, Blake Dalton and Michael and Marc Creamer for their exceptional efforts. They are continuing a long tradition of success that has seen the club send young athletes to each Canada Games since 1993.

While the club’s many prominent racers may find themselves in the spotlight more often than not, the number of casual canoers and kayakers that can claim membership is steadily increasing, due in large part to a recently added dragonboat program.

Participation in dragonboating, or canoing and kayaking in general, is great way to remain active and mix with other members of the community, making it an attractive option for those looking to get in shape, stay in shape or simply meet fellow West Islanders.

Tickets for this Saturday’s event are still available and can be procured by contacting Stephanie at (514)630-1256. While the activities in the afternoon are available to all, the dance in the evening is restricted to adults only.