Pan Am championships coming to Lake Banook

LAKE BANOOK: Canoe Kayak Canada and the Atlantic Division CanoeKayak Canada announced that Lake Banook will host the 2018 Pan American Canoe Sprint Championships in September.

“CKC is delighted to be hosting the 2018 Pan Am Sprint Championship in Dartmouth which serves as the 2019 Pan American Games qualification regatta,” said Casey Wade, Canoe Kayak Canada CEO. “With a world class venue and top level organizers we are confident that this will be an exceptional event.”

The Atlantic Division of CanoeKayak Canada (ADCKC) learned earlier this week that the Dartmouth race course had been chosen to host the prestigious international event.

About 250 athletes representing 20 countries, and an additional 120 national team support staff, are expected to participate in the championship that will take place from September 13-16. The event will also serve as a Paracanoe championship and a Pan American Games qualifier.

“We are very excited to have the opportunity to produce a seamless competition and know all athletes, team members, VIP’s, Officials, spectators and Jury members will experience an unforgettable event,” said Joao Tomasini Schwertner, President of the Pan American Canoe Federation (COPAC).

The successful bid process was led by Olympian LA Dempster and Chris Keevill, CEO of Colour.

“This competition will create a legacy that will allow us to attract even more international events and build the sport locally,” added Keevill.

The games are being used to qualify the Canadian entries for the 2019 Games in Lima, Peru.