Ontario led the way today at the 2005 Canada Games rowing regatta with six medals. However, home province favorite Saskatchewan didn't disappoint, winning five medals, and traditionally strong British Columbia also made it to the podium five times.
"We expected to be on the podium, but we don't take anything for granted," said Ontario coach Carol Love. "Saskatchewan has been on a roll in the last couple of years, and the other provinces have been working very hard. There was some great racing today."
In the first race of the afternoon, Ontario took the lightweight men's four event in 3:01.96, with New Brunswick picking up silver in 3:03.25 and British Columbia getting the bronze in 3:05.06 over 1000 metres.
The men's single saw Fraser Berkhout of St. Catharines, Ontario take gold, followed by Morgan Kirzinger of Regina and Benoit Morency of Quebec. The winning time was 3:31.88.
The women's pair event winners were BC's Stephanie Morrison and Stephanie Connolly, both members of Canada's 2005 Under-23 team. Newfoundland, winning its first medal since the 1989 Games, won silver and Saskatchewan picked up bronze.
"This is so special," said Paul Power, Newfoundland's coach. "They've all been working so hard for this and this is a huge boost for rowing in Newfoundland. We're one team and it's all heart and guts out there."
In the women's quad, Ontario won in 3:22.00, followed by Alberta in 3:23.48 and Saskatchewan in 3:24.46.
In the men's pair, Under-23 World bronze medallists Blake Pucsek and Chris Aylard of B.C. can add a gold to their collection from these Games. Quebec's pair picked up silver, followed by Ontario.
The men's quad event saw Ontario recover from a catching a crab early in the race to win gold. Saskatchewan finished in second, and BC was closed behind in third.
British Columbia's women's eight dominated their race this evening in 3:10.85, followed by Ontario in 3:14.55, just edging out Saskatchewan (3.15.61).
"We trained hard and had high expectations, said Saskatchewan's coach, Siobhan McLaughlin There's a lot of support here at the course from friends and family, and that makes a difference."
For official results see, http://www.2005jeuxducanadagames.ca/