Domestic Development

National Team Member Visits PEI to Promote Rowing

Recently RCA's domestic development program organized a whirlwind visit of PEI by Olympic bronze medalist Tracy Cameron.

Cameron was a member of the lightweight women's double at the Beijing Olympics and she brought her enthusiasm for rowing and her experience on the National Team to the Island.

Tracy's agenda was filled with activities including school visits; erg demonstrations and a CBC radio interview (shown here in the studio on the right).

"The kids loved her; she was animated and the feedback was fabulous," said one of the key supporters of rowing in the province, Stephen Murray.

Building on the excitement of last summer's Canada Games regatta in PEI, a group is in the process of forming a Provincial Rowing Association headed by Murray, President and Director of Rowing, Canoe Kayak PEI.

Cameron's visit was coordinated by Murray and one of RCA's Domestic Development Officers, Martin George.

"It is truly exciting to see a National Team athlete take the time to contribute at the grass-roots level to our sport," said George. "This connection between Olympic athlete and community is a valuable component in the growth of rowing across Canada. Tracy's visit has enabled the creation of rowing programs for the first time in PEI."

One of the school sessions included a 15-minute presentation by Scott Murray, the bow man at the Canada Summer Games for PEI, who then did Tracy’s introduction for all three session.

"Tracy spoke for about 35 minutes and then passed her medal around and got two groups of students to get on the ergs.  She showed the classes how to use the erg properly and then the race was on!" said Stephen Murray.  

Rob Redmond of Charlottetown Rural High School helped coordinate the school portion of the visit. The classes were very responsive and altogether Tracy spoke to 380 student and staff. 
 
"I believe the school will be following Tracy's journey (as an Olympic hopeful for the 2012 Games) and several have already included her on their Facebook pages!"

Photos courtesy of Stephen Murray.   For more information on RCA's Domestic Development program, please contact Martin George.