Saanich’s Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence was presented with the John Anderson “Corporate Partner of the Year Award” from Rowing Canada Aviron.
“I was honoured to present this award on behalf of RCA, recognizing PISE’s significant contribution to the para-rowing program,” said Donna Atkinson, Rowing Canada Aviron CEO. “Due to a loss of program support, only a few years ago it seemed like the RCA – para-rowing program and its aspirations would go unrealized. With no actual performance history – only verbal reassurances and athlete test scores – RCA asked PISE to take a risk and support what we believed was a boat capable of qualifying for the Paralympics and medalling at the World Championships. PISE stepped up, and with their full support, Canadians will now be cheering on our para-rowing athletes in Rio.”
PISE CEO Robert Bettauer said it was an honour to receive the award.
“We couldn’t be more delighted to see the success of the para-rowing team and to have played a key role in the establishment of the program, and the support to the athletes,” said Bettauer. “It is part of our mandate to help develop and support high-performance sport in our region, levering our resources with great partnerships such as with Rowing Canada towards collective goals of excellence.”
In operation since January 2015, the National Para-Rowing Training Centre provides a centralized centre for up to 10 para-athletes. The training centre was made possible in large part by the support of PISE. The contribution includes world class training facilities and access to experts in the areas of strength and conditioning, medical and athlete services, and amounts to $50,000 worth of support to the aspiring Paralympic rowers. With the support of PISE, along with funding from Sport Canada, Own The Podium, CSI Pacific and sponsor, Pride Mobility, the new National Para-Rowing Training Centre in Victoria has already gone a long way to helping the athletes reach their potential, resulting in the ultimate goal of competing in Rio.