May Newsletter

Posted byAdministratorPosted inMember Information

Once again, there are plenty of updates and good news to share this month. Therefore, let’s jump right in: 

Message from Row Ontario
Row Ontario is thrilled to announce that it has accessed and reviewed the newest Regulations amending Regulations 82/20 that govern what is permitted to be open in the province. These newest regulations permit Boating Clubs to be open and are effective as of Saturday, May 22, 2021. It is important to note that the Stay-at-Home Order remains in effect. Individuals should ensure they are following all current, overarching regulations despite the flexibility seen to Boating Clubs and Boat and Watercraft launch openings. 
     
Please be assured the GRC Board and Rowing Committee are determining how GRC can be opened safely and quickly. Please remain patient and regularly check your email for important updates.

Gate Passes
GRC members who have registered and paid for a rowing program this year (recreational, masters, senior competitive, learn to row) or have been assigned to the Coach Role can pick up their 2021 season pass to Guelph Lake Conservation Area at the gatehouse.

Jumpstart Follow Up
A follow-up to last month’s newsletter, and continuing the theme of good news, GRC’s Jumpstart Grant was featured in The Wellington Advertiser. Thank you to all those who contributed to the article. If you are interested in reading about the grant and our amazing young athletes click here. The article begins on page 20 and continues on page 32.

Introducing Sydney Drygala: New GRC Coach 
GRC is excited to introduce Sydney Drygala as the newest member of the coaching team. Sydney is pursuing a degree in Second Language Teaching at the University of Ottawa, in which she is a competitive member of the varsity rowing program. Her love of rowing was first inspired at age 11 after watching the Olympics for the first time. Until entering university Sydney rowed recreationally. Interest in coaching was brought on by wanting to engage in the rowing community even more and see the sport from a different perspective. In addition, she says it’s a great reason to be out on beautiful Guelph Lake more often. Sydney started with Guelph Rowing Club last summer after the Kitchener Waterloo Club shut down. Welcome Sydney, we look forward to seeing you around the boathouse this season!

ParticipAction 
As an effort to keep motivation and spirits high as we eagerly await to get back on the water, the GRC will be hosting a ParticipAction event from June 1st-June 30th. Appealing to the competitive nature of many of our members, there will be a friendly competition between the men and women of the club. Each week will have a different theme, and be tracked via google sheets or posting on social media to gain extra points. The winners will receive “medals” for their efforts. Participants can form teams or enter individually.

For the full description and more details click here. For the tracking sheets please click the following link.
 

Dock Installation 
Row Ontario advised that rowing clubs could prepare for opening and put in docks if the Provincial Stay at Home Order, Public Health Orders, and all COVID-19 protocols were followed.  Adhering to this, the GRC Dock Team was able to successfully put in the docks while upholding safety as the number one priority.
   
A special thank you to the Dock Team for their outstanding dedication and hours of volunteering to ensure this crucial step in the GRC opening was completed. This is an exciting step towards being ready for the rowing season when it is safe to commence. Sincere thank you to:

  • Mike Atkinson
  • David Barker
  • Nicole Bellefleur  
  • Dave Leger
  • Bill Mullin
  • Bob Richardson  
  • Joanne Ryks  
  • Abby Smith
  • Kurtis Sobkowich 
  • Mark Teeter
  • Pat Weir 
  • Pat Weir’s brother
  • Vlad Zulinov  

  
  

“No one [person] can make the boat go faster by [themselves].”

Harry Parker, Olympic Rower

With this in mind, we are hopeful that soon we will be able to resume rowing together and further foster the great sense of community here at GRC. Thank you for your patience and kindness during these times of change and updates.