More than a thousand high school athletes are gearing up for fierce competition this weekend as the 77th Canadian Secondary Schools Rowing Association Regatta kicked off in St. Catharines on Friday.
Rowers came in from across the continent for their shot at the gold. Sunshine and calm waters made for perfect conditions on day one.
READ MORE: Sneak peek at our Fall 2024 programming at CHCH TV
Nearly 1,600 students from 139 schools across the continent descended on St. Catharines this weekend and as the president of the rowing association says, for some, this is the biggest event of the year.
CSSRA president Mike Purcer said, “this is the premiere event of their school season. They come from all over, a lot of crews from B.C., 25 different schools from the states, 139 schools in all, one school is actually from the Bahamas. This is sort of the end, the peak of their school season.”
There were 42 races on Friday in a wide range of rowing events including singles, doubles, and groups of four and eight, all over a 2,000 metre distance.
Racers with the top times will be invited to compete on Saturday, and then in the finals on Sunday.
READ MORE: Local man crafts custom guitars in east Hamilton
Niagara region schools, including St. Francis Catholic Secondary School have been training all year for this.
Coach Liz Iannizzi said, “the commitment is big. We’re on the water six days a week, weather permitting, which is big. Sometimes you have to give up other things for this, but once you get into this I think it’s pretty addictive, and you just keep coming back.”
Nearby Niagara West Secondary School is also looking to advance in men’s doubles, and women’s eight.
Later this summer, St. Catharines will also host the World Rowing Championships.