Powell River Outrigger Canoe Society (PROCS) has endured a quiet couple of years due to the suspension of all group activities because of COVID-19.
In addition to local activities, the 2020 International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Elite and Club Sprint Championships, scheduled for Hilo, Hawaii, were cancelled, so the club was unable to defend its 2018 title on behalf of Canada. However, the club is now “back with a vengeance,” according to coach and racing coordinator Michael Matthews.
“Thanks to a generous grant from Powell River Community Forest, we have acquired a pair of new six-person canoes, which have helped achieve impressive results in the truncated local racing season,” said Matthews.
This week eight local paddlers will leave for the UK, where they will represent Canada in the 2022 IVF World Sprint Championships, to be held at the Olympic Rowing Centre in the shadow of Windsor Castle from August 8 to 16.
“Thanks to the interruption, plans to launch a major recruitment initiative were put on hold,” explained Matthews. “But those are now back on track for autumn, so anyone who is interested in joining this fun sport, whether for recreation, exercise, or competition, should look out for the announcements.”
For more information, go to the PROCS web page at powellriveroutrigger.weebly.com.
