Dragon boat festival offers fun for everyone
There was an energetic atmosphere at Mooney’s Bay June 17-19, when Ottawa’s 18th annual Tim Horton’s Dragon Boat Festival hosted an estimated 70,000 spectators.
The festival featured on-site entertainment activities such as multicultural performances, live music and a beer garden. Of course, these were sideshow attractions to the main event, which saw over 190 teams paddle dragon boats in a race against one another.
Ottawa awarded NASL franchise
A professional soccer franchise is on its way to the nation’s capital.
The North American Soccer League (NASL) announced June 20 that the City of Ottawa would be getting an expansion franchise, owned by the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group (OSEG).
“Ottawa is a natural market with a vibrant business community, large soccer fan base and an exceptional ownership group,” said league commissioner David Downs in a press release.
Shaver, Scrubb named to Team Canada
Two members of the Carleton Ravens men’s basketball team are set to represent their country in the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championships, which start this week in Latvia.
Second-year guard Philip Scrubb and recruit Justin Shaver are among 12 young Canadians who make up this year’s Junior Men’s National Team.
Canada qualified for the tournament, which will be held in Liepaja and Riga, Latvia, after claiming the bronze medal at the 2010 FIBA Americas U18 Championship for Men.
Commentary: Vancouver cleans up city, reputation
One day after Vancouver hockey fans rioted in protest to the Vancouver Canucks loss in the Stanley Cup final, over 10,000 people gathered downtown to help clean up the damage.
According to city officials, 29 businesses suffered damage, 15 vehicles, including several police cruisers, were set aflame, and multiple portable toilets and trash cans were burned.
Looters took advantage of shattered store windows, prompting police to use tear gas to contain the masses. In total, over 100 people were arrested according to the CBC.
Pankhurst drafted by the Ottawa 67s
A local goalie has been handed a huge boost in his pursuit of a professional career after being drafted by the Ottawa 67’s in the May 7 Ontario Hockey League (OHL) priority draft.
Karsten Pankhurst, a goaltender who trained with the Carleton Ravens last year, was selected by the 67’s in the 15th and final round, in his last year of eligibility.
“I’m really excited to be handed such a great opportunity in Ottawa,” Pankhurst said in a phone interview from his summer cabin in the Muskokas.
