The Rowing Canada National Team training centre in London, Ontario, is participating in the "Spring Single Count" on Saturday, May 8, 2010.
"The 60 rowing clubs in Ontario have been challenged to launch as many singles (sculls) as they can on Saturday, capture the day in photos, and submit their totals to RowOntario," says Carol Love, VP of Coaching and Athlete Development for RowOntario. "It is exciting to know that the London training centre will also be involved on the day."
RowOntario has endorsed this initiative to promote spring rowing province-wide (more at www.rowontario.ca). 2010 is a pilot year for this program. If successful, the organization hopes to develop the Spring Single Count into a cross-country challenge.
Clubs have so far been receptive to the idea: The Ottawa Rowing Club has a photo in mind in front of the Parliament buildings. Peterborough Rowing Club scullers are joining 70-year-old Dave Lienert, the honorary chairman of the event at the club. Lienert won his first Henley regatta medal 52 years ago and continues to scull. In St. Catharines, Ont., the Head of the Martindale regatta, an annual sculling regatta hosted by Ridley Graduate Boat Club, will take place on the same day.
The photo opportunity with the London Training Centre at Fanshawe Lake, where Canada's National Team women are based, will take place at approximately 8 a.m. on Saturday morning.