The Yorkton Canoe Kayak Club (YCKC) represented Parkland Valley sport admirably at the Saskatchewan Summer Games in Estevan July 27 - 30 bringing home nearly a third of the overall team’s 32 medals.
Eight athletes from the club took 10 medals in nine events including five silver and five bronze. In the mixed K2 200m race Yorkton kayakers took both second and third place. Medal winners included Ethan Caskey (15), Kazzden Haas (13), Jaxon McLeod, Mary Pringle, Raya Cuthill(14), Josh-lynn Kohut (11), Elia Bolme (11) and Maren Caskey.
The summer games success built on a great showing at the Canada Day Regatta July 2 and 3 in which YCKC won five gold, one silver and four bronze medals.
Winners included Brysen Neufeld and Stephan Roy (8) as well as both Caskeys, Haas, Pringle, Cuthill, Kohut and Bolme.
In addition to competition, the Regatta offers participants a chance to have some straight-up fun.
“Our paddlers are sometimes put into team boats with other clubs and that’s a terrific way to make new friends at the start of the season,” said Jessica Riley, head coach.
Most recently, the team wound up its travelling for the season at the divisional competition in Regina August 6 and 7.
Roy, Haas, Ethan Caskey, Kohut, Bolme and Cuthill were medallists with a total haul of six gold, one silver and nine bronze.
“It was wonderful seeing how far our athletes have come,” Riley says, “Some paddlers began in our day camps and have now transitioned to the full racing program. We had our largest and most successful team this year and I am very proud of their success this season!
The YCKC now shifts focus to hosting its own competition this Saturday, August 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the clubhouse on York Lake.
“The Yorkton Developmental Regatta attracts beginner paddlers from around the province to compete in a fun-filled day,” a press release stated.
The club will also welcome spectators to enjoy the 3rd Annual Dragon Boat races that will also be held throughout the day.
The club is encouraging people who want to volunteer or just watch to contact yorktoncanoekayakclub@yahoo.ca for more information.
