The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

4 - PORT PERRY STAR - Wednesday, August 4, 1999 By Chris Hall Port Perry Star ith a provincial title already in hand, Dave Mann went into this weekend with his sights set on capturing a national waterski- ing crown. He wasn't disappointed. Mr. Mann came up with a great perfor- mance in the Eastern Canadian Championship, finishing first among a field of five competitors to win the event. He now qualifies for the nationals, taking place later this month in B.C. During the provincial competition held more than a week ago in Welland, the 46-year-old Port Perry resident grabbed first place in his age category during the slalom event, as well as the second highest score over all for the day, including all events. "I was one ball short of setting a new Canadian nation- al record, and that's what I'm shooting for this weekend," the 26-year Durham Regional Police veteran said last week, a few days before heading off to Safari Lake near Milgrove for the Eastern Canadian Champions, a qualifier for the nationals. At Milgrove, he matched his performance at the provin- cials, one ball short of a record. At the competitions, participants must slalom their way around six floating balls set out in a course. Each time the course is completed the boat speed is increased, and the length of the pull rope is shortened. Mr. Mann started off the event at 34 mph, and finally lost his balance four passes and 53 balls later at 36 mph. That score, however, was good enough for first place in the Mens' 4 division (ages 46-53) and a berth in the Eastern Canadian event. There were eight other competitors in his age bracket at the provincial event. Mr. Mann began skiing competitively more than two - years ago when he entered in the 1997 Police Olympics in Calgary. "I'm really hoping to do well at the Eastern Canadians," he said in anticipation of this past weekend's competition. "I'm the top seed in my category which means I get to ski last and I'm really looking forward to it." His finish allows him to travel to Abbottsford, British Columbia later this year to compete in the nationals. Waterskiing is also a family affair for the Mann family; his nine-year-old son Michael accompanied him to the Eastern Canadian event last weekend where he competed in the Boys' 1 division. And guess what? The younger Mann also won his divi- sion. Mr. Mann is sponsored by ICONN and Mica Sport Canada. He's seeking more sponsorship to help with the cost of the trip this month to B.C. Meanwhile, he and wife Cathy have begun a business 'venture, CJ Family Watersports, selling skis, life jackets, wet suits and other equipment. Call 433-7489 for more information. Lindl Cathy Mann, drives their ski-boat during competitions for husband Dave.