YOUNG ROWERS SHINE IN PORT CREDIT

Silver Lake Rowing Club’s youth rowers proved they were quick learners by winning gold in five of eight events at the 26th Annual Tops and Bottoms Regatta at the Don Rowing Club in Port Credit on Saturday.

Each summer, the Silver Lake Rowing Club operates a rowing camp for youth entering Grades 7, 8 and 9. "Our focus is to teach the basic skills and to have fun," explained coach Anna Ardiel. "They certainly had fun today. I heard the word ‘awesome’ a lot!"

For most rowers and parents, it was their first regatta. "This is a great spot to experience the sport of rowing," explained Jim Dover, the President of the Silver Lake Rowing Club. "The Don Rowing Club is one of the oldest rowing clubs in Canada, and has produced some of Canada’s best rowers including world champion Silken Lauman. I’m sure the kids were impressed by the number of plaques in the clubhouse. But they certainly weren’t intimidated!"

Competing for Silver Lake were: Nick Zuskan, Jeff Zuskan, Josh Belbeck, Mike Veltri, Kelsea Parker, Liam O’Neill, Jen Bruley, Jackie Bergie, Samy Fairley, Chantelle Lemoine, Hanna Anderson, Connor Murphy, Chaundra Manorome, Scott Fairley, Liam Ardiel, and Kirsten McKellar. "We also mixed in some of our highschool and club rowers who have been volunteering at our youth rowing camp during the summer," explained assistant coach Robbie Fairley. Volunteers included, Jeff Puddy, Terry Lovegrove, Robbie Puddy and Shannon Page