NorthWest International Rowing Association

The 105th NWIRA Championship Regatta kicks off this July weekend on Rabbit Lake in Sunset Country, Kenora, Ontario!

The hardworking volunteers of the Kenora Rowing Club have arduously prepared for the arrival of their friends from across the NWIRA. Eleven
(11) rowing clubs (Regina, Saskatoon, Winnipeg, Rochester, Pinawa, Minneapolis, Thunder Bay, Twin City Youth Rowing, St. Paul, Kenora, and
Duluth) with 297 rowers will be participating in 114 races.

Rabbit Lake has played host to the Championship regatta 8 times in the last 20 years, scenic cottage country of Northwest Ontario continues to capture the hearts of rowers from the shores of the Great Lakes to the wheat fields of the Prairies. Minneapolis Rowing Club won 7 of these regattas broken only by the Winnipeg RC's historic win in 1991, ending their 30 year drought - and breaking the floor at the local legion during the post-regatta dance party.

Gold medals and Silver trophies will also be captured though this year's competition shall prove tough! Many clubs are bringing a gaggle of juniors as our new July weekend captures more high school students. The defending Champs from the Paris of the Prairies, the Saskatoon RC, will be battling hard to hold on as reigning cup holders in the Junior, Men's, Women's and Grand Aggregate Trophies. Duluth RC, Kenora RC, and Twin City Youth all have designs on having their names engraved as the Junior Aggregate winners. The Grand Aggregate - the Sir Thomas Lipton Cup - will be up for grabs as many clubs field strong crews especially in the 'tops and bottoms' events that may sweep the big city crews from Winnipeg and the Twin Cities to become the 'Champions of the Northwest'!

On behalf of the NWIRA Executive, may all rowers, officials and volunteers making their journeys from the down the street, from the Great Lakes, from the banks of the mighty Mississippi River and from the heart of the Canadian Prairies, please have a safe journey - your camaraderie, friendship, respect and desire to compete for club honours infuse our regatta with true sportsmanship and community.

Thanks to our gracious hosts the Kenora RC for what promises to be a memorable event - broken floor or not - - and for those visiting the Lake-of-the-Woods for the first time - - enjoy your stay in this summer playground!

John Wintrup, Vice-President
NWIRA