CKO Sprint’s Annual General Meeting (AGM)
CKO Sprint is hosting our AGM on November 2, 2021, 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm virtually.  To register for the event please visit the following link. 
 
Canoe Kayak Ontario’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Summit
CKO is hosting its AGM & Summit on November 13, 2021, virtually.  The summit is scheduled for 9:00 am – 12:00 pm.  This year’s theme is ‘Supporting the Whole Athlete & Healthy Club System’ with sessions for club administrators/volunteers and coaches/athletes.  The CKO AGM is scheduled for 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm.
 
To register for either event please visit the following link.  Do not forget to provide your ideas for summit topics during the registration process. 
 
CKO Sprint’s 2022 High Performance & Development Training Camps
We are extremely excited to provide athletes with the opportunity to participate in either our High Performance or Development Training Camps next year.  Using current public health guidelines, we have developed COVID-19 protocols to ensure safety measures are in place to protect camp participants.
 
The High Performance Camp is scheduled for March 13th to April 9th (two, three and four week options available) in Palm Coast, FL.  The Development Camp is scheduled for April 16th to 24th in Welland, ON.  Interested participants must complete an online camp application by November 8, 2021.  Application approvals will be confirmed by November 12, 2021.
 
Information packages and application forms for both our High Performance and Development Camp can be found at the following link. 
 
Interested in being part of the coaching team at either of the camps?  Please email ryan@ckosprint.ca the camp(s) you would like to attend and the number of weeks by November 8, 2021. 
 
CKO Sprint’s High Performance Apprentice Coach Program (ACP)
The ACP’s objective is to enhance coach development for coaches working with LTAD Training to Train (T2T) and/or Training to Compete (T2C) stage athletes by providing accelerated professional development opportunities to the coach candidates.  The 2-year program provides mentorship from expert coaches, access to sports science/sports medicine professionals, coach education support, provincial, national, and international training and competition opportunities, and a learning plan to address identified gaps in the coach candidate’s knowledge and experience. 

Interested coaches should submit their application to ryan@ckosprint.ca by Monday, November 15, 2021.  Full program details can be found here. 
 
Draft 2021/2022 CKO Sprint Event Schedule
A draft schedule of events for 2022 and the remaining events in 2021 can be found here.  Note a number of events still need to be confirmed as well as any selection criteria tied to each event.  

September 23, 2021

To assist clubs in your vaccination policy implementation, please review the Ontario Human Rights Commission's policy statement on COVID-19 vaccine mandates and proof of vaccination certificates.  This policy statement provides some much-needed clarification for organizations who are challenged with decisions around vaccination policies, and their duty to accommodate those who are not vaccinated for medical reasons. 

September 17, 2021

The Ontario government has released a Guide to support businesses and organizations in implementing proof of vaccination requirements which take effect on September 22, 2021.  Clubs are encouraged to review their local municipalities regulations to determine if additional requirements are in place in their region. 

Places Where Proof of Vaccination is Required
Effective September 22, 2021, patrons seeking access to indoor areas of facilities used for sports and recreational fitness activities, including gyms, pools, sporting events and personal fitness training must show proof of identification and proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 before they can enter the area, with limited exceptions.  Note:  The final dose of COVID-19 vaccine must have been received at least 14 days before providing proof of being fully vaccinated. 

Exemptions
There are limited instances where people will not be required to provide proof of identification and proof of vaccination against COVID-19.  These exemptions are summarized below. More detailed information is provided in the Guide.  Note:  All other public health and workplace measures in O. Reg. 364/20 remain in effect including capacity limits, patron screening, masking, physical distancing, and collection of patrons contact information where required. 

• Workers, volunteers, or others who are entering the facility for work purposes and not as patrons (e.g., coaches, officials, event volunteers).
• A patron who is entering in indoor area solely for the following purposes:
  • to use a washroom;
  • to access an outdoor area that can only be accessed through an indoor route;
  • to make a retail purchase;
  • while placing, paying for, or picking up an order;
  • to purchase admission; or
  • as may be necessary for the purpose of health and safety.
• Children under 12 years of age.
• Patrons under 18 years of age who are entering the indoor premises of a facility used for sports and recreational fitness activities solely for the purpose of actively participating in an organized sport, including training, practices, games, and competitions.
• Patrons who provide a written document, completed, and supplied by a physician or by a registered nurse in the extended class stating the individual is exempt for a medical reason from being fully vaccinated and the effective time-period for the medical reason.  Patrons with a medical exemption document are also required to present identification. 

Download Your Vaccination Receipt
You can print or download your vaccination receipt from the provincial booking portal.  An enhanced vaccine certificate and verification app will be made available by the Ontario government by October 22, 2021.

Athletes, Coaches & Clubs
 
Please see CKO Sprint’s events and program updates below.
 
2021 Ontario Championships
461 athletes from 17 canoe clubs competed at the 2021 Ontario Championships on August 14-15, 2021, in Welland, ON.  Congratulations to the Rideau Canoe Club for being the U12/U14 Overall Champion and the 2021 Grand Champion.  For a complete list of burgee points and results please go to the following link. 
 
We are also happy to announce that $460 was raised for MCC’s Erica Scarff’s foundation, Erica’s Wish Blanket Program.  The foundations’ goal is to raise awareness of childhood cancer.
 
Thank you goes out to the many event volunteers for their efforts and support in hosting the championships.  To help us improve the event for next year, please complete a 5-minute feedback survey here by Monday, September 20th. 
 
Ontario Long Distance Regatta/Pre-Canada Summer Games Training Camp
We will be hosting a long-distance regatta on Sunday, October 3rd in Ottawa, ON.  Events will include U16, U18, Open, Masters, Para, and Special Olympics 10km and 5km races.  Event details, including the entry form and results can be found on the Ontario Cup – Long Distance Regatta event page here. 
 
CKO Sprint will also be hosting a Pre-Canada Summer Games (CSG) crew boat training camp in Ottawa, ON October 1-2, 2021.  The training camp is targeted towards potential 2022 CSG team members.  Invited athletes will receive specific camp information shortly. 
 
CKO Sprint’s 2022 March Training Camp
We are currently reviewing multiple training camp locations for our 2022 camp.  Full details will be provided by the end of the month.
 
CKO Sprint’s 2021-2022 Ontario Team Nominations
Nominations to our 2021-2022 Ontario Team are based on nominations to CKC’s national regatta teams, and performance results at the Ontario Championships and National Championships.  Due to the unique criteria for this year’s ranking list, a complete ranking list will be published after CKC publishes their National Team nominations in October.  A list of athletes who received bonus points at the Ontario and National Championships will be available next week. 

CKC’s National Regatta Team Nominations
We would like to congratulate the many athletes from Ontario who were nominated to present Canada on the international stage.  Congratulations also goes out to their coaches, clubs, and families.  Go Canada!  See the complete list of athletes here.

Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) is pleased to announce the 2021 Sprint World Championship teams – Senior, Under 23, Junior and Olympic Hopes.

Following a week of exciting racing at the 2021 Sprint National Championships at the Rideau Canoe Club, athletes were selected based on their performances in their respective events throughout the week.

“It was very exciting to see so many talented paddlers back in action here in Canada following such a long hiatus,” said Chief Technical Officer, Graham Barton. “It will be great to return to international competition with many of our Tokyo Olympians and future 2024 and 2028 Olympic hopefuls in action. We are confident our COVID safeguards, combined with the host organizing committee protocols, will offer a safe environment for all of our travelling teams.”

For more information on the upcoming ICF events, click here

Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint is proud to share that 33 Ontario athletes have been named to the Olympic Hopes, Junior, U23, and Senior World Championships. Ontario team members are listed below.

Clubs,
 
On Friday, July 9, 2021, the provincial government announced that Ontario will be able to move to Step 3 in the Reopening Plan effective Friday, July 16, 2021, at 12:01 am.  Full details on the Regulation 520/21 rules for Step 3 can be found here.  Specific details on facilities for outdoor sports can be found in Schedule 2, Section 16.  Details on Camps for children can be found in Schedule 2, Section 19.
 
Key highlights in the new Regulation that impact Clubs include:

• The capacity limit for outdoor settings is 75 per cent capacity, or 5000 persons, whichever is less.  This number is determined by taking the total square metres of area accessible to the public, divided by 1.33, then rounding the result down to the nearest whole number.
• The capacity limit for indoor facilities is 50 per cent of maximum occupancy of the facility (based on Fire Code) or 1000 persons, whichever is less.  Physical distancing of at least 2 metres must be maintained.  Note exceptions under the Ontario camp guidelines.
• All crew boats during training and competitions are permitted, including war canoe and dragon boat.
• Face covering is not required for participants outdoors while maintaining 2 metres of physical distancing, nor when engaged in an athletic or fitness activity.
• Face covering and eye protection is required for staff who come within 2 metres of physical distancing of participants. 
• Face covering is required for indoor settings. 
• Day camps continue to be able to operate according to the Ontario camp guidelines published by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. 
• A safety plan is required for all training and competition sites, including:
  • Information on how you will prevent crowds and gatherings.
  • How you will mitigate risk associated with any interactive activities you will be undertaking:
    • Flow of participants to and from activities
    • Screening process
    • Face covering requirements
    • Plan for cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects
  • Note: you are not required to submit your safety plan to the Ministry. However, the plan must be in writing and available for review on request. 
• Participant screening and contact tracing is required, including:
  • Daily screening of all participants before entering a business or public place.  The Ontario government has developed a screening tool for you to use. 
  • Clubs must record the name and contact information of participants and maintain the records for a period of at least one month.
• Clubs/competition sites are required to post signs at all entrances to the premises that informs participants on:
  • How to prevent the spread of COVID-19
  • Screening process
  • Face and eye-covering requirements
  • Maximum capacity limit for the site (see bullet 1 & 2)
  • Copy of the site’s safety plan

Clubs,
 
On Thursday, June 24, 2021, the provincial government announced that Ontario will be able to move to Step Two in the Reopening Plan effective Wednesday, June 30, 2021, at 12:01 am.  Full details on the amended Regulation 263/20 rules for Step Two can be found here.  Specific details on facilities for outdoor sports can be found in Schedule 2, Section 19(7).  Details on Camps for children can be found in Schedule 2, Section 21.
 
Key highlights of changes in the new Regulation that impact Clubs include:

• Cohorts for training and competitions have been removed.  The capacity limit for all activities is based on how many people your space can accommodate while maintaining the 2m physical distancing requirement.  The capacity limit is determined by taking the total square meters of the entire site, divided by 16, then rounding the result down to the nearest whole number.
• Crew boats during training and competitions are permitted, provided there is no likelihood of physical contact between participants.  We are excited for the opportunity to participate in doubles and fours.  For larger crew boats, programming must be modified to avoid any contact.
• Face covering is not required for participants outdoors while maintaining 2 meters of physical distancing, nor when engaged in an athletic or fitness activity.
• Face covering and eye protection is required for staff who come within 2 meters of physical distancing of participants. 
• Day camps are able to operate according to the Ontario camp guidelines produced by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health. 
• All surfaces and objects (equipment) are to be cleaned and disinfected as frequently as is necessary to maintain a sanitary condition.
• A safety plan is required for all training and competition sites, including:
  • Information on how you will prevent crowds and gatherings.
  • How you will mitigate risk associated with any interactive activities you will be undertaking:
    • Flow of participants to and from activities
    • Screening process
    • Face covering requirements
    • Plan for cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces and objects
  • Note: you are not required to submit your safety plan to the Ministry, however, it must be in writing and available for review on request. 
• Participant screening and contact tracing is required, including:
  • Daily screening of all participants before entering a business or public place.  The Ontario government has developed a screening tool for you to use. 
  • Clubs must record the name and contact information of participants and maintain the records for a period of at least one month.
• Clubs/competition sites are required to post signs at all entrances to the premises that informs participants on:
  • How to prevent the spread of COVID-19
  • Screening process
  • Face and eye-covering requirements
  • Maximum capacity limit for the site (see bullet 1)
  • Copy of the site’s safety plan

Clubs

Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint is excited to announce new funding available to support Ontario clubs return to paddling, and to provide a safe environment for all participants. 

CKO Sprint and Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) will be providing $47,464 to Ontario clubs in COVID-19 Relief funding based on either their 2019 or 2020 registration numbers submitted to CKO.  All eligible clubs will receive $500 each if they were registered with Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) during the 2019 or 2020 season, and an additional $500 for the 2021 season. 

After the above funding is determined, we will be using a variable funding formula to distribute the balance of the COVID-19 Relief fund.  The variable formula is based on Competition membership and Participant (non-competitive, recreation, camp, etc.) numbers submitted to CKO in either 2019 or 2020, whichever is higher.  67% of the remaining fund will be divided by the total Competitive membership to determine the per Competitive member allocation.  The remaining 33% of the funding will be divided by the total Participant numbers to determine the per Participant number allocation.

In addition to the COVID-19 Relief funding, CKO Sprint will be providing $12,000 in funding to support Safe Sport screening requirements, as per CKC’s Safe Sport Policy.   Eligible expenses include up to $28/Level 2 Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC) screening, and up to $60/Level 3 E-PIC and Vulnerable Sector Check screening. All Clubs & Divisions requesting funding must provide proof of Safe Sport eligible expenses by September 30, 2021. An application form will be developed to facilitate the claim process.

Similar to the COVID-19 Relief funding model, all eligible clubs who are registered with CKC in 2021 will receive up to $300.  The remaining funding will be divided by the total combined CKO Sprint Competitive and Non-Competitive memberships* submitted to CKO Sprint by September 30, 2021, to determine the per member allocation.  Please note, up to $750 per Division is allocated to cover Divisional BODs and Officials expenses.  Funding to clubs will not exceed submitted expenses.

*CKO Sprint is currently developing an updated definition of Competitive and Non-Competitive membership for 2021 which will be distributed to clubs in July.

To be eligible for both the COVID-19 Relief and Safe Sport training funding, clubs must be registered with CKC for 2021 by this Friday, June 25, 2021, and offer programming for the 2021 season.
​
CKO Sprint would like to congratulate all Clubs, Coaches, and Volunteers for their tremendous efforts in providing high quality programming to their membership and we hope the COVID-19 Relief and Safe Sport training funding will assist you in continuing to provide such programming for years to come. 

Paddling Community

Please see CKO Sprint's 2021 Program Overview here.  The document outlines our targeted areas of support and programs for the 2021 season, as well as additional information on Ontario's reopening plan.  If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know.

I wish everyone the best with your summer programming and hope to see you in-person soon.

Ryan Blair, ChPC
Technical Director, Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint
ryan@ckosprint.ca
www.ckosprint.ca
T 647 505-9476

On Thursday, May 20, 2021, the Ontario government has released its Roadmap to Reopening, a three-step plan to safely reopen the province and gradually lift public health measures based on the provincewide vaccination rate and improvements in key public health indicators (ICU #’s, hospitalization, etc.). 

In addition, the government has updated its current Regulation 82/20 (Stay-at-Home Order) to include pre-Step One activities.  After consulting with the government and legal counsel, CKO Sprint assessed that member clubs may operate, in a limited capacity, under Section 4(2)(20) of the updated Regulation.

We are excited the provision allows clubs to operate effective Saturday, May 22, 2021, in a limited capacity.

Some important considerations as you plan your reopening:

Pre-Step One

• Sport training is not allowed until Step One of the reopening plan, (target start date of June 14, 2021, subject to confirmation), with the exception of those athletes and coaches training for the Tokyo Olympic/Paralympic Games, under the HP exemption.
• Only singles are permitted at this time unless a crew boat is made up of members of the same household.
• Physical distancing must be maintained with a minimum of 2 meters distancing.
• Recreational paddling with group limits to a maximum of 5 people may take place.
• The only portions inside of clubs that may be used by members are washrooms, first aid areas or spaces to access these specific areas.  Staff should bring all equipment outdoors for members to use each session.
• Safety boats should be on-water for each paddling session and all CKC Code of Safety requirements must be in-place and followed.  Safety boats are to provide a safe paddling environment only; no sport training/coaching can be provided during this pre-Step One phase.

Step One

• Clubs are able to resume operations with training opportunities in groups of 10 people max, with 3 meters distancing.
• Day camps are able to open based on guidance from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.  More details will be provided when available regarding camp restrictions and safety measures. 
• Due to the restrictions in Step One, CKO Sprint is not able to host our in-person HP Regattas on July 3, 2021.  Instead, we will host a virtual event at individual clubs based on CKC’s Team Red guidelines.  More details to follow. 

Step Two

• Training opportunities continue to be open.  The maximum group size has yet to be provided.
• Competitions (regattas) can resume.  Full details regarding the restrictions will be provided when available. 

Each step will last a minimum of 21 days, based on the provincewide vaccination rate and key public health indicators.  Additional information will be provided when the new order is published. 

We are encouraged by the opportunity to resume training and competitions this summer and strongly encourage everyone to get vaccinated to allow the province to move through the reopening process as quickly as possible. However, we would like to emphasize the importance of strictly following the directives in place for each step in order to optimize our chances of a return to normal training and competition as soon as possible.

Paddling Community

In alignment with CKO Sprint's Strategic Plan, we're pleased to announce a new initiative that aims to bring programs and awareness of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to our sport.

With support from CKO Executive Director, Orest Stanko, and the CKO Sprint Board of Directors, the committee is led by Kerri-Ann Redwood, Chair and Ryan Blair, Technical Director.  

The larger team of provincial volunteers consists of those with a broad range of experience, including:

Alessandra Iozzo
Keir Johnston
LA Schmidt
Mitchell Barran
Ian Zeng
Reid Farquharson

The committee meets quarterly to discuss equity, diversity, and inclusion sport specific puzzles, and to propose grassroots programs for clubs, coaches, and administrators.  This includes content for the Coaching Pathway, awareness content for our clubs, as well as programs for our young membership who are learning about this topic in a thoughtful way.

As a key step, CKO Sprint has partnered with the MLSE Foundation and their launch of the Change the Game Research Project.  The project is an Ontario-wide youth sport census to understand sport/recreation access, engagement, and equity issues in Ontario.  

We are looking for our membership, ages 6-29 to participate in the project by completing this 10-minute anonymous survey by Friday, May 14th.  The results will help inform important conversations on equity and sport.  

Look for communications from the Committee in the near future about what's to come, including our Equity, Diversity & Inclusion resource web page.  In the meantime, the EDI Committee is proud to announce the approval of the EDI Mandate and Terms of Reference for all to view.

If you have any questions or feedback for the committee, please contact ryan@ckosprint.ca.  

Yours in sport,
The CKO Sprint EDI Committee

Clubs

CKO Sprint published our 2025 Strategic Plan in February 2021 with a mission to provide leadership and expertise in the growth, development, and delivery of Sprint Canoe Kayak in Ontario.  Key objectives include collaborating as a paddling community and providing ongoing support to our member clubs and divisional operations. 

With that in mind and understanding the importance of strategic planning for future growth and development, CKO Sprint will be offering financial support of $500/organization, to a maximum of $6000 for our clubs/divisions to engage in their own strategic planning process. 

Those interested in applying for our strategic planning funding must complete the online application by May 14, 2021.  If more than twelve (12) clubs apply for support, completed applications will be evaluated on a first come first served basis.  To qualify for this funding, clubs/divisions must be a member in good standing with CKO Sprint, CKC and either EOD or WOD.  Note:  Reimbursement for completed services must be submitted by March 31, 2022. 
​
Clubs/divisions may use any strategic planning service that meets their needs.  To assist in the process, CKO Sprint has created a partnership with Hector Carranco and Strategic Planning Facilitation Service to provide facilitated virtual strategic planning at a significantly reduced rate.  

UPDATE April 13, 2021

Subsequent to the recent provincial government shutdown order questions have arisen regarding to what extent the order impacts training.  Ryan initiated inquiries and retained legal counsel to provide a definitive interpretation.  Attached is the legal counsel’s interpretation as well as CKC’s “Private Boat Removal and Individual Paddling Statement”.

​At this time CKO Sprint strongly urges clubs to not operate for the term of the Order, with the exception of those coaches and athletes preparing for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Your adherence to the provincial order and cooperation is very much appreciated.
 
Orest Stanko
CKO, Executive Director
 
Ryan Blair
CKO Sprint, Technical Director



April 9, 2021
 
At this point I’m sure that everyone is aware that the province of Ontario’s declaration of emergency and province-wide stay at home went into effect as of Thursday, April 8th, at 12:01 a.m.

A number of Sprint clubs have raised questions regarding whether this declaration applies to training activities. At this point we can state with assurance that both Olympic and Paralympic training is permitted to continue.  We have asked the Ministry as well as legal counsel to provide us with a formal reply and definitive statement regarding what is permissible.

Also, please be aware that the CKO liability and accident policies cover the disciplines only for supervised training activities.

Until such time as we receive relevant information from legal counsel and the Ministry I encourage everyone to adhere to the stay-at-home order.

We understand the urgency of this matter and are proceeding as quickly as possible. Your patience and cooperation is appreciated. 
 
Orest Stanko
CKO, Executive Director
 
Ryan Blair
CKO Sprint, Technical Director

PDF

Paddling Community
 
Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint is excited to publish our 2025 Strategic Plan (link). 
 
Throughout 2020, CKO Sprint undertook a comprehensive information gathering process including a detailed program and services review.  The review process included interviews with athletes, coaches, officials, and club administrators.  Their input provided the framework for our plan. 
 
The strategic plan includes CKO Sprint’s vision and mission, the guiding principles with respect to our decision-making process, and our goals and objectives in the four (4) target areas of Athlete Development, Organizational Excellence, Grassroots & Growth Development and Technical Leadership.  The plan also includes strategies to help CKO Sprint reach our goals, monitor success, as well as an ongoing review process. 
 
A key strength of our sport is the passion and dedication of our community.  On behalf of CKO Sprint, I would like to thank everyone who participated in the strategic planning process and for your leadership in the development and growth of our sport.  Thank you for everything you do.   
 
#1Community1Team

UPDATE - January 21, 2021
Please note the online application dates have been postponed until after the Provincewide Shutdown measures are no longer in effect for all of Ontario (the measures are anticipated to be in place until at least Thursday, February 11, 2021).  After which, we will provide a two-week application window.  

Athletes, Coaches and Parents

CKO Sprint’s 2021 Welland Training Camps information and registration package can be found here. 

Our High-Performance Camp (April 4th – 17th, 2021) is targeted towards athletes whose training objectives and competition goals are closely aligned with performance results at the 2021 National Team Trials and Provincial Team Trials.  Our Development Camp (April 18th – May 1st, 2021) is targeted towards athletes whose competition goals are aligned with performance results at the 2021 Provincial and/or National Championships.

We will implement our CKO Sprint 2021 Welland Training Camp – COVID-19 Protocols to ensure safety measures are in place to protect camp participants and the local community. 

Interested athletes must complete an online application.  Camp applications will be open from February 1st, to February 16th, 2021.  Applications will be reviewed based on previous performances, training and competition goals and coach recommendations.  Applications approvals will be confirmed by February 22, 2021.  Priority will be given to 2020-2021 Ontario Team members. 

COVID-19 protocols and camp logistics are based on current public health guidelines.  Both our protocols and logistics will be reviewed after the current province wide lockdown deadline of January 23, 2021, and on an ongoing basis to ensure the health and safety of all camp participants.

Athletes, Coaches & Clubs,
 
Please see upcoming event and program information below.

CKO Sprint’s April Training Camp
Due to the continued travel and training COVID-19 related restrictions in place in British Columbia, we are not able to host a training camp in BC as planned.  Instead, we will be hosting two (2) training camps in Welland, ON in April, 2021. 
 
Our High-Performance Camp (April 4-17, 2021) will be targeted towards athletes whose training objectives and competition goals are closely aligned with performance results at the 2021 National Team Trials and Provincial Team Trails. 
 
Our Development Camp (April 18-May 1, 2021) will be targeted towards athletes whose competition goals are aligned with performance results at the 2021 Provincial and/or National Championships.  
 
The camp information packages will be available by December 31, 2020.  Camp registration will be open from January 4th-31st, 2021.
 
Coach & Athlete Professional Development
This month CKO Sprint’s Webinar Series is offering three (3) webinars from December 18-20th.  The sessions will feature information regarding nutrition, sleep and recovery, and an athlete development pathway review.  The sessions are open to the entire paddling community.  Full details can be found here.

December Ontario Power Ranking (OPR) Challenge
This month’s OPR challenge is a 1500m and 5000m run, roll, or walk.  Submit your club or individual results here by December 31, 2020.
 
On behalf of CKO Sprint, have a happy and safe holiday season!
 
Ryan Blair
Technical Director, Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint
www.ckosprint.ca
ryan@ckosprint.ca

Clubs, Coaches and Paddling Community

Ontario has released a new COVID-19 response framework (guidelines and proposed regulations and be found here).  

Key areas for review:

1. The framework includes an early warning system that allows the provincial government to scale up and scale down public health restrictions on a regional or community basis (p.9).
2. The framework outlines what level your region is currently in based on a colour code system (p.10).  Note:  decisions on moving public health unit regions within the framework will be reviewed weekly.
3. Specific measures for sports and recreational fitness are based on your regions current level/colour code (p14).
4. This framework should be considered a draft plan.  The final plan will be confirmed on Friday, November 6th and become effective on Saturday, November 7th at 12:01 am.
5. All clubs must also continue to follow their own regional public health regulations in addition to the provincial plan.

This new framework is a great opportunity for clubs to run their winter operations with appropriate safety measures in place.  Additional information can be found here.  If you have any questions please let me know.


Ryan Blair, ChPC
Technical Director, Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint
ryan@ckosprint.ca
www.ckosprint.ca
T 647 505-9476

Since July 27th, CKO Sprint has hosted weekly virtual challenges where clubs and individual paddlers submitted their time control results based on a set distance each week.  Those results were used to rank individual paddler performances each week, as well as the cumulative club points from all the challenges. 

After five (5) weeks of challenges, including the 2020 Ontario Virtual Championships/CCC Paddle Challenge, Rideau Canoe Club (RCC) finished 1st in the club leader board with 15602 points and is awarded the 2020 Ontario Power Ranking Challenge Burgee.  Burloak Canoe Club (BCC) was 2nd with 12266 points, Mississauga Canoe Club (MCC) 3rd with 11712 points. 

Finishing with 9208 points, Carleton Place Canoe Club (CPCC) is awarded the Excellence Award Burgee for being the top ranked club with less than 50 total participants in all the challenges.  Gananoque Canoe Club (GCC) was the next ranked club eligible for the Excellence Award Burgee with 6928 points, followed by Balmy Beach Canoe Club (BBCC) with 4304 points. 

Full Challenge results can be found here.  2020 Ontario Virtual Championships/CCC Paddle Challenge results can be found here.
​
This brings us to the end of a very unusual summer.  I would like to thank and congratulate all coaches, clubs, and volunteers for all their efforts in providing tremendous opportunities for our community to participate in the sport we all love.

Good luck during your fall paddling, be safe and have fun!

Coaches & Club Administrators

CKO Sprint is pleased to provide information on our 2020 Ontario Virtual Championships.  The competition will occur virtually across the province where participants will compete in their home club environments.  The format includes U12, U14, U16, U18, Open, Masters, Para and Special Olympic events.  U12 & U14 events will be on Saturday, August 22, 2020.  U16+ events will be on Saturday, August 29, 2020.  Race distances include 2000m, 1000m, 500m and 200m events.

Event details, including registration, results submission and posting will be available on the event page here.  Final details on event registration and results submissions will be provided by August 12, 2020.

The Ontario Virtual Championships is the final event in the Ontario Power Ranking Challenge.  Results will be based on finish times for each individual race distance.  Points will be awarded based on results from all Ontario Power Ranking Challenge events.   

To help promote the competition, CKO Sprint is looking for each club to select 1 or multiple social media ambassadors to gather content (photos, videos of races, virtual interviews, etc.) during the races at their club.  Ambassadors will receive CKO Sprint gear for their efforts.  Additional details to be provided by August, 12, 2020.

I hope everyone is enjoying the warm weather on the water.

Ryan Blair, ChPC
Technical Director, Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint
ryan@ckosprint.ca
www.ckosprint.ca
T 647 505-9476

To protect our athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and paddling community CKO Sprint has made the difficult decision to not host an in-person Ontario Championships in 2020.  Instead, CKO Sprint will be providing an Ontario Virtual Championships where paddlers will compete remotely across the province from their individual clubs.  The Ontario Virtual Championships scheduled for the August 29/30 weekend will align with a planned Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) virtual event over the same weekend. 

The goal of the event is to celebrate all things paddling and will include U12, U14, U16, U18, Junior/Open, Masters, Special Olympic and Para events with the potential for live, real-time results.

We will work with CKC and your Divisional coach representatives, Rob Stott, and Pat Lester to develop a competition format that is safe, fun, and challenging.  Full event details will be published by Friday, July 24th.

In conjunction with the Ontario Virtual Championships, CKO Sprint will also be running a weekly Ontario Power Ranking, starting Monday, July 27th.  Each week clubs/athletes can submit their time control results based on a set distance each week and compare those results from competitors across Ontario.  The Ontario Virtual Championships will be the final event in the Ontario Power Ranking.

Finally, since we are unable to provide a fair, open, in-person competition in 2020, no additional athletes will be named to the Ontario Development Team.  All 2020-2021 Ontario Team Program (OHPSI, OAAP, Development Team) nominations will be based on our current 2019-2020 nominations.  If a current nominated athlete is excluded from the 2020-2021 Ontario Team Programs nominations due to a nomination to the National Team, retires or is unable to fulfill their Athlete Agreement, the next ranked athlete will be nominated to the team based on 2019 Ontario Team selection results, using 2019-2020 Ontario Team selection criteria (OHPSI and OAAP Team only). 

Thank you for the great work clubs and coaches are doing by providing excellent programming during this new and difficult environment. 

See you at the 2021 Ontario Championships!

Ryan Blair
Technical Director, Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint

Coaches, Athletes and Clubs

Please see below CKO Sprint’s latest programs and activities update.

Leading the Way:  Working with LGBTQ+ Athletes and Coaches Webinar – Thursday, June 18th at 2:00 pm
Join us as we learn how to better support our LGBTQ+ athletes and coaches by making our sport a more welcoming place that is safe and respectful for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. 
 
Register here
 
Return to Paddling & Safe Sport Resources
We have created both a Return to Paddling and Safe Sport web page to support our members.  The Return to Paddling page is created to assist clubs in the modification of their operations to align with current public health measures in Ontario with information on paddling requirements, resources and available tools.  If you and/or your club have any best practices to share, please forward them to me.
 
Our Safe Sport page provides Safe Sport policies, tools and resources for clubs and coaches to help make our sport rewarding and enriching for all by providing safe, inclusive environments.  Training and learning opportunities are also provided to give us the knowledge and skills to create those environments by recognizing, addressing, and preventing maltreatment in sport.
 
Para and Special Olympic Return to Paddling Round Table Discussion – Tuesday, June 23rd at 7:30 pm
We will be hosting a meeting to discuss and share resources on how best to provide return to paddling opportunities for our Special Olympic and Para athletes within the current government and public health regulations.
 
Topic: Para & Special Olympic Return to Paddling Round Table Discussion
Time: Jun 23, 2020 07:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/95364797418

Due to Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint's inability to provide a fair, open and direct competition in 2020 and our athlete's limited training opportunities, CKO Sprint's 2020-2021 Ontario Team Program (OHPSI, OAAP & Development Team) nominations will be based on our current 2019-2020 nominations.  
 
If a current 2019-2020 nominated athlete is excluded from the 2020-2021 Ontario Team Programs nominations due to a nomination to the National Team, retires or is unable to fulfil their Athlete Agreement, the next ranked athlete will be nominated to the 2020-2021 team based on 2019 Ontario Team selection results, using 2019-2020 Ontario Team selection criteria (OHPSI and OAAP Team only).
 
Additional athletes will have the opportunity to be nominated to the 2020-2021 Development Team based on a performance evaluation at the 2020 Ontario Championships and/or additional performance indicators.  Full details to be provided by June 22, 2020.
 
CKO Sprint is committed to hosting the Ontario Championships on August 29-30, 2020, where we will celebrate the successes, determination and commitment of our athletes, coaches, clubs, and paddling community.  However, this will not be an in-person event where all of us come together in one location.  Instead, we will host the event simultaneously in multiple locations, either by Division, region or on an individual club basis with live, real-time results.  How the event will be hosted will be based on Public Health recommendations and ensuring the health and safety of our paddling community. 
 
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. 
 
Ryan Blair, ChPC
Technical Director, Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint
ryan@ckosprint.ca
www.ckosprint.ca
T 647 505-9476

Clubs & Coaches

We have some very exciting news.  Please see the reopening of limited club operations update below and supporting documents from Orest Stanko, Executive Director of Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO).  If you have any questions please let me know.
 

Wednesday May 20th
2:00 p.m.

Following is a status update pursuant to CKO’s communication regarding the May 14th announcement by Premier Ford with respect to amendments to the restrictions related to the COVID-19 State of Emergency. The Emergency Order amendment has been published and is live on e-laws. You can find the complete text of the amendment at the following link:
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r20223
 
The relevant section for CKO as well as other PSOs is referenced below:
34.4  Facilities, other than pools, that are in compliance with section 8 of Schedule 3 and that are being used by one or more of the following organizations, leagues or clubs to train amateur or professional athletes or to run amateur or professional athletic competitions:
i.  A national sport organization funded by Sport Canada or a member club of such an organization.
ii.  A provincial sport or multi-sport organization recognized by the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries or a member club of such an organization.
 
CKO has also received confirmation from the insurer that we are able to commence programs subject to adoption of the recommended CKC Return to Paddle protocols.
 
The Emergency Order amendment combined with insurance confirmation enable CKO and its disciplines to commence programming.  Please be advised that all Clubs should strictly adhere to the following requirements and guidelines:
1.     CKC Return to Paddle Guidelines – Please note: At no time should these guidelines be interpreted as superseding or providing a justification for not closely following public health directives, government regulations or further canoe kayak specific or general return to sport guidelines in a given member organization’s municipality, province or territory.
https://canoekayak.ca/paddling-covid-19-public-health-measures/

1. Local, Regional and Municipal Government of Health Authority Orders - Follow and keep up-to-date.
2. CKC Cold-Water Safety Regulations  

https://canoekayak.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/CKC-Sprint-Code-of-Safety_June13_FINAL.pdf 
4.     Ministry Workplace Safety Regulations* 
https://www.ontario.ca/page/resources-prevent-covid-19-workplace?_ga=2.57698026.1765309936.1589914814-1239180120.1589914814.
*CKO recommends that Clubs confer with their staff to ensure they are comfortable in completing their duties.
5.     CKC Release Agreement* - This explicitly states that infections such as Covid-19 are not covered by insurance. Each athlete must sign this prior to commencing training.  
*Please note that there may be updates to the CKC release agreement.
6.     Membership Status: All paddlers MUST be registered and in good standing with their club or discipline.
7.     Transport Canada requires that all safety boats* need to be on the water with mandatory equipment.  Otherwise each individual kayak canoe must have all required equipment. *Whitewater excluded.
8.     Athletes must be proficient: In order to maintain physical distancing, paddlers who are likely to capsize and need rescuing should not be on the water.
9.     CKC's COVID-19 Return to Paddling Risk Mitigation Checklist: CKO recommends that members complete the checklist to determine their readiness to commence programming.  Please see attached document.
10.  Insurer Recommendations: Clubs should adhere to standard practises     utilized by health units as items. These should include but not limited to:
●      Signage
●      Wash stations at entrance to facility(s).
●      Arrows directing flow of foot traffic.
●      Use own gear.  Wash/wipe down of shared gear or when contacted by others.
●      Disinfect contact areas and maintain record log keeping of date and time when done.
●      Have a protocol in place when people don’t follow guidelines.
11.  Additional Emergency Order requirements that all clubs should adhere to include:
Facilities for athletic training or competitions
 
8. Every person responsible for a facility described in paragraph 34.4 of Schedule 2 shall ensure that,
(a)  the only persons permitted to use the facility are athletes who are members of an organization, league or club described in paragraph 34.4 of Schedule 2;
(b)  any person who enters or uses the facility maintains a physical distance of at least two metres from any other person who is using the facility;
(c)  team sports and pool-based sports are not practised or played within the facility;
(d)  other sports or games that are likely to result in individuals coming within two metres of each other are not practised or played within the facility;
(e)  all sport activities are conducted in accordance with the rules and policies of the applicable organization identified in paragraph 34.4 of Schedule 2, including the rules and policies put in place to enable a safe return to the sport;
(f)  no spectators are permitted at the facility, other than up to one accompanying parent, guardian or other adult for each athlete under the age of 18; and
(g)  any locker rooms, change rooms, showers and clubhouses in the facility remain closed, except to the extent they provide access to a washroom or a portion of the facility that is used to provide first aid.

Support:
This is a new situation for us all. The CKO Board is committed to supporting member clubs as they move through this process. If you need assistance please email your questions to your discipline office or executive.
CKO will also be hosting a webinar to answer questions and provide an opportunity for clubs to share best practices.
An email will be sent to all clubs with registration details including date and time.

Ryan Blair, ChPC
Technical Director, Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) Sprint
ryan@ckosprint.ca
www.ckosprint.ca
T 647 505-9476

COVID-19 update from Orest Stanko, Executive Director, Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO)

On Thursday May 14th, 2020 Premier Ford announced amendments to the restrictions related to the COVID-19 State of Emergency. The announcement has important implications for the paddling community as we enter Stage 1 of Ontario’s re-opening. Canoe Kayak Ontario (CKO) would like to take this opportunity to provide some guidance and clarity regarding the recent announcement by the Government of Ontario.

Training for canoe/kayak as an individual sport is included in Stage 1 and MUST include a Return to Play Protocol.  Canoe Kayak Canada (CKC) has taken the initiative and prepared/published a “Return to Paddle” protocol that will serve to guide CKO and clubs in this stage of Ontario’s re-opening. 

​The Emergency Order outlining the details of Stage 1 has not been made public..  We expect the “order” will be available sometime today or over the weekend.  This information is critical to implementing a comprehensive Return to Play Protocol. For the safety and protection of all athletes, coaches and members we ask that all clubs and teams maintain the status quo until this information is made available. As there is no insurance in place it is inadvisable to undertake club activities. Insurers will only consider providing insurance coverage once the Ministry has approved the sport to resume activity. We are in a holding pattern until further notice.

It is also important to note that the return to training will be done in phases.. Clubs will need to implement public health guidelines with respect to COVID-19 into their training environment.  

In support of this planning we encourage all clubs to :
●       Complete the CSIO “Risk Assessment Tool” under on our @ HOME page here. This tool will help identify gaps in current practice and help to formulate plans to protect the health and safety of athletes, coaches and practitioners.
Clubs must:
●       Adopt appropriate risk mitigation measures to ensure a safe environment. Please see CKC’s “Return To Paddle” protocol:
https://canoekayak.ca/paddling-covid-19-public-health-measures/
The Ministry is working to share additional information related to yesterday’s announcement on Phase 1 reopening. The final details of the Change to the Emergency Order will be posted on the website below:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/emergency-information.
 
Once the details of the criteria are known CKO will support the clubs of the various disciplines as we move through the Return to Paddle process.
The choices each of us makes in the days ahead will be reflected in how the 2020/2021 season will unfold for the entire paddling community. Should you decide as an individual to paddle CKO encourages you to respect public health advisories. Stay safe and avoid burdening the emergency response system.
Canoe Kayak Ontario will update clubs by no later than the morning of Wednesday, May 20. In the meantime rest assured that we are working diligently to get everyone back on the water in the safest and fastest way possible.

Coaches, Athletes and Clubs

Please see below our latest programs and activities update.
 
CKO Fitness Challenge
CKO Challenge Round 2 started last week (club points restarting at zero) with the Colour your Calm Challenge presented by Nelo Canada.  This week’s challenge is presented by Braca Canada.  A big thank you to Nelo Canada and Braca Canada for their great prizes and support to our paddling community.

CKO Live Workouts
We are no longer hosting live athlete lead workouts; however, we are providing live yoga sessions every Saturday at 2:00 pm for the month of May.  Coach Cheyanne Farquharson will lead the live sessions on our Facebook and Instagram accounts. 

Coach Education
In partnership with CKC, CKO Sprint will be piloting virtual coach education workshops in June, including Community Stream (Canoe Kids) on June 1, 2 & 4th, and Competition Introduction (ELCC) on June 9, 11, 16, 18 and July 22.  Both workshops will be live, interactive experiences.  Registration will open for both workshops on May 7th and close on May 29th.  Workshop fee’s will be determined by May 7th.  Go to our EVENTS & RESULTS page for full details.

Professional Development
CKO Sprint Webinars - Starting this Thursday, May 7th at 2:00 pm, CKO Sprint will be running weekly coach and athlete sessions.  This weeks Sport Physiology session will be led by the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario’s (CSIO’s) Melissa Lacroix.  Description:  Energy system utilization for Canoe Kayak, and how to periodize training during the uncertain times.   Registration link: https://forms.gle/z3ijA4g8KeViqg4R8

CKC has also launched a weekly webinar series called ‘Connect with CKC’.  The first session is this Wednesday, May 6th at 2:00 pm.  Description: ‘Optimizing Sleep’, presented by exercise physiologist Sylvian Gaudet (INS Quebec).  Learn more about the relationship between sleep and performance.   Please register through CKC’s website www.canoekayak.ca. 

CKC’s support to Clubs
CKC and the Sport Law & Strategy Group have developed some greats tools for clubs to help manage any Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) support and cash flow during/post COVID-19, including the attached CEWS Calculation template, CEW – Top Up Calculations and a Cash Flow Template. 

In addition, in preparation for when clubs can open again, CKC will be providing back to paddling guidelines to assist in program planning in a safe manner.  More info coming soon.