Pan Am Games: 4 Canadians named to canoe/kayak team
Edmonton's Ben Hayward continues legacy of his grandfather
Four Canadian canoe/kayak slalom athletes have been named to the team competing at the upcoming Pan Am Games in Toronto, the Canadian Olympic Committee and CanoeKayak Canada announced on Monday.
The four athletes include: Edmonton's Ben Hayward, Cameron Smedley of Dunrobin, Ont., Jazmyne Denhollander, of Chilliwack, B.C., and Calgary's Haley Daniels.
Hayward will compete in the men's K1 and C2 events; Smedley will take part in the men's C1 and C2 competitions; Denhollander booked her spot in the women's K1; while Daniels has her sights set in the women's C1.
"I'm really excited I get to carry on the legacy from my grandpa who competed in the Pan American Games when it was in Canada so that's a big deal for me," said Hayward. "I'm looking forward to being a part of a multi-sport Games when all of the sports come together and we get to feel the excitement of being part of Team Canada."
All four athletes secured their spots at the canoe slalom national team trials, which took place this past weekend. It's the same course in Minden, Ont., that will host the event at the Pan Am Games in July.
The canoe/kayak slalom competition will take place at the Minden Wild Water Preserve July 18–19, with five events: men's K-1, women's K-1, men's C-1, women's C-1, men's C-2.