Gabby Smith and Julia Vander Hoeven

From 2016

Gabby Smith and Julia Vander Hoeven, who have trained all spring and summer here in  Knowlton, leave us, this Thursday August 11, 2016, to go to Rotterdam where they will compete in the World under 23 Championship. Their event is the double sculls. Here is the page for the championship so that you can follow their progress.

Gabby Smith, the stroke, is 21 and is studying Cellular Biology at McGill. Looking ahead next year, her choice is to go into a Masters’ program or to train for 4 more years to compete in the 2020 Olympics.

Julia Vander Hoeven, bow, is 20 and is a full time undergraduate of Berkley University.

Rowing Canada kindly assists the rowers in part, but they still have to raise or borrow about $5,000 to cover their costs of going to Rotterdam. We can help them here.  The link will take you to a Gofundme campaign to help with their travel expenses.

Their coach and Knowlton full-time resident, Gavin McKay, will be posting updates throughout the tournament. You can follow these updates on Tempo’s Facebook page.

“This is a great start for our rowing program here in Knowlton.” said Gavin. “Each month now 20 rowers come here for the weekend and we also have the core group who have been here all summer.”

Gavin would like to thank all the locals who have been such a help. These include, Athletica and Alan Gauthier, Knowlton Academy and Principal Renalee Gore, The Knowlton Marina and Gerry Moar, Susan and David Kininmonth who stored boats and Mary White and the Knowlton community who have provided lodging.