US. Cup #3

Sunday was a great day for Team Ontario and L’Equipe du Quebec at the U. S. Cup Race #3 held on the Kananaskis River. The Junior 16 boys did exceptionally well with J.P. Blanchette taking first place, paddling partner Francois Saint-Aubin Migneault finishing second, and Ian Williams, with a very strong second run, placing third. Thomas Weber-Boisvert finished 7th. In the KIJW, Kathleen Tayler finished third just behind Jessica Groenveld with Chinese paddler Wang Wen taking first. Thea Froelich finished 4th in the JW 16 and Alison Gifford was 7th. Michael Tayler had two very fast runs and won the KI Cadet. His combined time was very competitive with the top Junior 16’s. Coach Dita Pahl won the Open Women class. Paul Manning Hunter won the Junior men’s with Ben Hayward finishing second. Full results should be on the Whitewater Slalom Association of Alberta website.

The race was very well organized and again supported by Ontario and Quebec volunteers Christine, Glen, Jacques, and Claire serving as judges. Everyone enjoyed a pizza dinner prior to awards, and then many of the assembled began preparations for departure. The large Colorado and Chinese contingent were leaving for Yellowstone National Park. Our kids spent a lot of time with this group and became good friends over the course of the tour.

As we fly home later this afternoon, this final report from the field is brought to you from the Calgary Public Library. Additional news and photos will be posted once we return from Calgary.