Rowing Canada Aviron (RCA) is proud to share that the National Training Centre (NTC) campaign continues to gain strong momentum, with 65% of the matching fundraising goal already achieved. Thanks to the leadership and generosity of National Team alumni Silken Laumann and Wayne Pommen, who each committed up to $100,000 towards a $200,000 matching challenge, the vision of a permanent home for Canadian rowing is becoming a reality.

The NTC Boathouse in North Cowichan is no longer just a plan; it’s happening this year. The facility will provide a world-class training environment for current and future National Team athletes, ensuring they have the resources and stability needed to compete at the highest level.

The matching program launched by Silken and Wayne means that every dollar donated now has double the impact, accelerating the final push toward the goal.

Adding to the campaign’s momentum, National Team alumni Dan O’Shaughnessy, Brad Crombie, Olympians Kay Worthington, Madison Mailey, Maxwell Lattimer, and a dozen other alumni have joined the effort to help bring the NTC to life.

Dan O’Shaughnessy, who grew up in Brockville’s strong rowing community, reflected on his motivation to get involved. “One of the reasons I’m helping with this boathouse is because you look at kids picking up rowing across Canada, wouldn’t it be amazing for them to have a great national team to look up to,” he shares. “I don’t say yes to everything, but when Wayne Pommen cares about something, the answer is always yes. It’s a big challenge to raise this money, and if I’m doing this with people like Wayne, we’ll be successful.”

Dan also spoke about the importance of maintaining Canada’s rowing legacy. “Canada has a tradition of being great at it, and we have to maintain that tradition. Part of that is having a home for Rowing Canada,” he said. “It’s not for me; it’s for the next kid up.”

Brad Crombie, who grew up and went to school in Toronto, first discovered rowing at McGill University. After completing a PhD in History, Brad began a career in financial services, but his connection to rowing remained strong. 

He emphasized that the campaign’s strength lies in collective action. “Any national team alumni can make a difference, even with a small donation. No one should feel that just because it’s not thousands, they shouldn’t bother to give,” he said. “Just the act of giving goes a long way for the athletes, and it really helps build momentum and helps keep Rowing Canada strong.”

“The reason why I got involved in this campaign was really because of Wayne and Silken. Silken is Canadian rowing royalty, and when you have someone like that helping, it adds so much.”

Olympic gold-medalist Madison Mailey and her husband, two-time Olympian Maxwell Lattimer, have also joined the campaign as donors. “Rowing has shaped so much of who I am, personally, professionally, and as an athlete,” says Madison. “I’m genuinely excited about the momentum at Rowing Canada right now. For me, giving back is about paying it forward to a community and a program that gave me so much.”

Reflecting on their time training with the National Team, Madison added, “The NTC is where I really grew up as an athlete. Maxwell and I are proud to support the new boathouse because we know firsthand how transformative a strong training environment can be on performance, well-being, and the overall athlete experience.”

Madison emphasized that the new boathouse will be transformative for athletes. “We hope our support helps create a space where the next generation can find a bit more speed, feel supported through the tough rows, and train in a boathouse that reflects their commitment.”

With the finish line in sight, RCA is calling on the rowing community to help close the gap and complete the match. The NTC Boathouse will serve as a cornerstone for athlete development, a hub for excellence, and a symbol of national pride.

As Dan put it, “We need Canadians to step up in the biggest way they can to make sure the next generation is loaded with the best equipment, the best attributes, and the best place to succeed. Alumni have an opportunity to help. Anyone who can, should give in a big way, and anyone can help in any way they can.”

“The new boathouse at Quamichan Lake is an amazing opportunity to support the next generation of athletes, and thank Canadian rowing for everything it’s given me,” shares Maxwell.

Those interested in joining the campaign or learning more about the NTC project are invited to contact RCA’s NTC Campaign Lead, Jennifer Blunt, for questions or HERE TO GIVE TODAY!