Queen’s Rowing has been selected to take part in the new joint ‘Pond to Podium’ program with Rowing Canada Aviron.
Queen’s and the Kingston Rowing Club will run the Eastern Talent Development Centre starting next month.
“We are now positioned as a key participant in a program that is linked to rowing’s long-term athlete development model,” says Leslie Dal Cin, Director of Athletics & Recreations. “The integration of elite level coaching into our program as well as having the opportunity for our student-athletes to train alongside provincial-level rowers is a tremendous opportunity.”
John Armitage, head coach of Queen’s Rowing and the Kingston Rowing Club, says there are immediate benefits for both the club and the university.
“We believe this is an integral component in continuing our tradition of excellence within both programs.,” says Mr. Armitage.
Queen’s is a long-time provincial and national contender at the university level, having won 14 Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships and one national title.
Former Queen’s rowing coach Robert Watering will be the Eastern Canadian Talent Development Centre Coach. Queen’s Athletics and Recreation Centre (ARC) will serve as the Centre’s headquarters and be used for the rowers’ off-water training.
“Partnerships such as this that have direct and tangible benefits for our programs are an important part of our new model for competitive sports at Queen’s,” said Mr. Dal Cin. “Our vision is to become the leading athletics and recreation program in Canada. This type of program is another step towards fulfilling that vision.”
