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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 6, 2008 - 33 THANKS: Adam van Koeverden says thanks to his family, coaches, teammate and those who came to the Burloak Canoe Club Sunday to wish the club's Olympians good luck before they departed for Beijing on Tuesday. The reigning Olympic kayak champion said the club's previous Olympians, gathered behind van Koeverden, were a great source of inspiration for him and others at the club. MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVER Olympians carry on storied tradition at Burloak Continued from page 32 "Sometimes we say we want a bigger, longer river," he said, "but because of the close proximity, there's a mentoring quality that goes on. A bantam paddler can be out on the river and because it's so narrow, as they're doing their loop, they've got a world champion or Olympic paddler passing by them. If there's a 16-year-old who needs a little push, some motivation, it doesn't get any better." It's the exact effect Dorothy Jamieson was hoping for when she co-founded the club with Bill Collins. "I wanted to get young people motivated and going in the right direction," she said. "Just seeing improvement in young people. What more could you ask for?" Jamieson, now 90, is herself a part of the club and sport's tradition. She was the first woman commodore in Canada, the first to sit on the Canadian Canoe Association board of directors and the first to serve as an official at the Olympics. And while past and present were well represented, the future was not forgotten. Pictures spanning the club's lifetime were displayed throughout the clubhouse, with recent bantam champions receiving equal billing with Olympians. Among those getting autographs from the current Olympians Monday might be the next national or world champion. Ten-year-old soccer player Nadia Rupoli would like to play in the Games, though she said she would like to give paddling a try after visiting the club. Some have already taken that step. "Adam (van Koeverden) inspired me to join," said 22-year-old Daniel Halas. "Before Athens, I had no interest in it. Now I can't get enough of it." Sunday it was the community's turn to show it's appreciation as Halton residents came to wish the Olympians luck before they left for Beijing Tuesday. "The support from you guys is awesome,"Brady Reardon, said to the crowd. "Thanks to you for inspiring us by coming down to support us and to everyone who ever paddled here," said Mark Oldershaw. "You don't have to be an Olympian to inspire someone." A large `Good Luck' poster was laid out at the east end of the clubhouse for guests to sign. The wishes ranged from the practical (Stay in your lane, paddle hard) to the heartfelt (You've all made us so proud) to what just might seem creepy (We've watched you from our balcony for years), if not for the fact that the club is smack dab in the heart of Oakville, giving local residents to the opportunity to see some of the world's best athletes work toward their dreams on a daily basis. A community within a community. "This event will have an impact on their performances," national team coach Scott Oldershaw told the crowd. "When they bring back medals from Beijing, you will be a part of it." And no doubt that will continue to add to Burloak's incredible tradition. "This is not the beginning but it's still early in the process, Cain said. "This club has a vibrant, amazing future." Van Koeverden looking forward to carrying the flag for Canada By Herb Garbutt OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF In two days, Adam van Koeverden will be picking up where he left off. His last Olympic duty was to carry the Canadian flag at the closing ceremonies in Athens after he won gold and bronze medals.His next Olympic duty will be to carry the flag into the National Stadium in Beijing, China. Of course, it's not like van Koeverden has just been sitting around in the four years in between. Well, actually he has, it's just that he's been paddling like a fiend and faster than anyone in the world while doing it. His total domination on the World Cup circuit has made him the favourite to add to his medal collection and it was that status that made him a natural to lead the Canadian contingent into China. And though much has changed in four years, in some ways nothing has changed for the 26-year-old. "I'm just as nervous," he said. "I'm feeling like there's a lot of weight on my shoulders but that's OK. It's just different MICHAEL IVANIN / OAKVILLE BEAVER because I have a lot more races and experience under my belt. HIGH FIVE: Adam van Koeverden gives a fan a high five after arriving I'm four years older, four years at the Burloak Canoe Club Monday. Van Koeverden will be Canada's flag stronger." bearer and will attempt to defend his Olympic title in the K-1, 1000m He'll use that some of that strength to carry the flag but with almost two weeks between the opening ceremonies and his races, van Koeverden doesn't anticipate any adverse effects. He only sees benefits. "Carrying the flag, it's just so inspirational and so motivational. I don't know how anyone could see that as a bad thing." The inspiration began Monday for the reigning champ as he shared a war canoe with 12 former Olympians as they rowed into Monday's festivities. "I didn't really clue in at first. I was just thinking that we had too many people in the war canoe. Then it hits you and you think what an amazing cool experience." The kayaker in turn has inspired younger paddlers and his fellow Olympians. "I remember watching the 1000metre (four years ago). It was so exciting to watch," said Brady Reardon, who will join van Koeverden in Beijing. "Seeing Adam race and thinking, `I can be there.' I started four years ago to try to get there and I've been working to accomplish it." "It's cyclical," van Koeverden said. "It's an honour to hear someone say you inspired them. To hear that is really cool." PHOTO CONTEST WINNER Week 12 ­ Photo by Diane Brooks www.oakvillesoccer.ca The Oakville Beaver A Proud Sponsor of Oakville Soccer Club