Young Centennial athletes Stephanie Kaziuka, second from right in the front row, and Julia Campbell, second from right in the second row, were part of the team that represented Canada at the World Championships in Dragon Boating in Thailand this summer. Photo credit: Laura Campbell
By Vivien Boyd
Two athletes from the Centennial community represented Canada as a part of the Canadian National Junior A Dragon Boat Team in Thailand this summer. Over the last year, 47 junior athletes were selected from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario and Quebec to represent Canada at the World Championships in Dragon Boating.
Currently paddling with the Pickering Dragon Boat Junior Team out of Frenchman’s Bay, Stephanie Kaziuka and Julia Campbell were selected to represent Team Canada from August 20-25 in Pattaya, Thailand. According to Campbell, “competing in Thailand was an incredible experience because I was able to paddle with like-minded athletes from around the world.”
Demonstrating their hard work, athleticism and determination, both young women contributed to the success of the team by winning five silver world medals and three bronze world medals for Canada. “Being able to represent Canada and bring back medals truly makes you appreciate being Canadian,” said Campbell.