Northwest Celebrities Lined Up for Trans Canada Trail Relay 2000

A number of recognizable names and faces participated in the Trans Canada Trail Relay 2000 when it came to Northwestern Ontario in July. Thunder Bay’s cross-Canada wheelchair venturer Dave Shannon, Mayor Ken Boshcoff, runner Sue Kainulainen and Old Fort William’s Simon Fraser were among the official Relay 2000 water carriers. Curling champions Heather Houston and Al Hackner participated in Red Rock and Nipigon respectively. In Schreiber, Olympic Boxer Domenic Filane and Mayor G.H. Robert Krause were among the carriers. Three-time Olympian and Canadian decathlon record-holder Michael Smith served as a water carrier in his hometown of Kenora as will the Honourable Bob Nault, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Mayor Dave Canfield. Andy Higgins, who coached Smith, participated in Dryden, as did Terry Robinson who competed in the Paralympics twice. Elinor Barr and Betty Dyck, co-authors of the history book Ignace: A Saga of the Shield, were carriers in Ignace along with Carol Berglund. Youngster Jerrold Bouchard of Pays Plat First Nation carried the ocean waters in his community. Terrace Bay Special Olympians Shannon Moquin and Chris Ballentine made their town proud as official carriers. In Marathon, Shelley Buffitt, an up and coming country singer took part as did hockey standout Trevor Halverson and Helen Kozak in White River.

On the morning of Friday, July 14th Relay 2000 came to Kakabeka Falls Provincial Park. Guided hikes, a barbecue and entertainment were the highlights there. Following Kakabeka Falls, the Relay made its way to Old Fort William where a colourful entrance by voyageur canoe and special activities took place from 1 to 4 p.m. These included “Relay Games” featuring Voyageur Relay, Ferkin Rolling, Dress the Tardy Voyageur and Voyageur Wrestling/Cat and Mouse Wrestling. Children’s crafts and guided nature trail tours helped make July 14th a fantastic day to visit Old Fort William.

On Saturday, July 15 Boulevard Lake was the place to be for Relay 2000 and fun for the entire family. Events included the official designating of the City’s completed portions of the Trans Canada Trail, a Sand Castle Contest, entertainment including the Kam Valley Fiddlers and Fringe Festival performers, a skateboard area, face painting and a Kid’s Passport Challenge. Activities were free and ran from 12 noon until 4:00 pm.

The Canada Trust Friends of the Environment presented a cheque for $3,000 to the Thunder Trail Committee, the local Trans Canada Trail group, to assist with their “We’re Building a Legacy” Campaign. The City of Thunder Bay, the Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation, the Chronicle-Journal, Thunder Bay Television, 580 CKPR and Shaw Cable were all recognized for their support.