Day 5: Last Chance for Glory!

Saturday was quite simply a spectacular day of racing on Panuk / Lake Banook. For our Canadian paddlers, racing in your home country, for most, is a once in a career opportunity.  Tension and emotions were running high for these amazing athletes and spectators who flocked to Prince Albert Road to cheer for our Canadian paddlers.

Of course, this is the World Championship, and the international field is full of stars and world champions. Poland, Spain and Hungary showed their power, pace and prowess, topping the medal standings with 2 gold medals each. Meanwhile, Great Britain has raked up an impressive 10 medals in the paracanoe disciplines.

Sunday is the last day of competition at Canoe ’22, and what a day of races it will be! Hours of athlete training and preparation have been logged, and Sunday is their last chance for glory.  Nothing will be left in the tank by these impressive paddlers. With a total of 23 races, Sunday’s draw includes 18 A Finals. Canada has qualified entries in all but a few A Finals.  Here are some of the key races to watch:

Canadian Star Katie Vincent will contend for gold in three races: 11:11 am in the C1 200m, 1:11 pm she teams up with Connor Fitzpatrick in the C2 Mix 500m, and 3:50 pm in the C1 Women 5000m

11:44 am: Sophia Jensen will fight for the podium in the C1 Women 500m

12:21 pm: Hometown boys Craig Spence of Dartmouth and his partner Bret Himmelman from Hammonds Plains will look for a legacy performance in the C2 1000m

The race schedule will culminate with four 5000 Metre Races. Unlike the traditional lane racing format, these races feature a dockside mass start. Athletes will complete 5 small laps, seeking to use a “wash ride” strategy similar to drafting used in cycling. To make matters even spicier, paddlers will exit the water twice mid-race for a portaging/dry-land segment. Lake Banook is sure to be a spectacular venue for these intriguing races.

The Festival will again run along Prince Albert Road, with food vendors, a kids zone and local retailers. The licensed zone will serve up drinks from our event partners, Nine Locks, Coldstream, and Lake City Cider. Our Festival has been a huge success, and we thank all our vendors and partners for making the fan experience special.

The Live Broadcast includes an exciting pay-by-play race call. In addition to fixed camera angles, the drone footage of the races is spectacular. Come out and watch in-person & live on your smartphone by tapping the Watch Live links on our website. Please take note there is free WIFI available at the Canoe ’22 venue.

Sunday attendance is sure to be significant with a fifth straight day of beautiful weather forecast. The international athletes and delegates must think Halifax’s weather is always this amazing.  To help plan your trip, please check our website for details on Getting To The Event.