Thousands of spectators and fans are expected to line the shores of Lake Banook in Dartmouth, N.S. this weekend for the Canadian Sprint Canoe-Kayak Championships.
“Sporting events like this create a great buzz and increase the vibrancy of our communities,” Mayor Mike Savage said during the opening ceremonies Tuesday.
“Paddling events are very special here, we have a long and proud history of paddling in a community that’s rich in culture, and family and tradition.”
The event runs from August 30 to September 3 and is expected to give Dartmouth’s economy a boost.
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“There are various estimates, but somewhere up to about $7 milllion possibly. The hotels are full, if you wanted a Dartmouth hotel for your contingent from Montreal or Toronto you had to get on that a year ago,” said Bob Russell, co-chair of the host organizing committee.
Dartmouth Centre councillor Gloria McCluskey is hoping the visitors will take advantage of the growing downtown Dartmouth business community.
“Portland Street is thriving again, so I hope they’ll go down and visit the shops there and check out other parts of the metro area,” McCluskey said.
The championship attracts a diverse range of world class and national athletes. Nine of this year’s competitors have competed in the Olympics.
“As you know, many world class paddlers call this lake home, they’ve trained here since childhood and this place and this event is especially exciting for those who get to showcase their skills off in front of family, friends and fans,” Savage said.
The races kicked off August 30 and over 1,000 athletes will be hitting the water before the event finishes on Saturday, September 3.
“We expect about 1,400 competitors here throughout the week and they’re accompanied by parents and siblings and so it has a big impact on the community as well,” Russell said.
For more information on the Canadian Sprint Canoe-Kayak Championships you can visit their website.
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