NEWS RELEASE
SPORT NIAGARA
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ST. CATHARINES — As the Niagara Region prepares to host the 2024 World Rowing Senior, Under 23, and Under 19 Championships (Mega Worlds) from August 18-25, the community is invited to come together and celebrate through music and recognition. On July 26, the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre (PAC) will set the stage for "Oars & Encore: A Celebration of Niagara's Rowing Community," a special evening combining a concert headlined by acclaimed Canadian musician Steven Page with a recognition ceremony honouring key champions in Niagara’s rowing community.
This will be the second time in 3 months the Juno-award winner and former Barenaked Ladies band member will take the stage at the PAC. Page, along with Moe Berg (The Pursuit of Happiness), Chris Murphy (Sloan) and Craig Northey (Odds) are set to hit the stage for a sold out show on May 7 with The Trans-Canada Highwaymen.
To gain access to presale tickets on Wednesday, May 1, sign up for updates on the Steven Page website. Tickets will be available to the general public Friday, May 3. All tickets will be available for purchase here, and range from $60 to $75.
“The PAC is no stranger to hosting big names, but there is a unique excitement in partnering on this event as it brings the community together around celebrating our youth and our connection to the sport of rowing in St. Catharines,” says Kathleen Ross, Director of Operations at the FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre. “We believe that organizations coming together and sharingexpertise and resources to support local programs enhances our region and our position as a destination for future events on a national stage.”
Prior to the concert, champions from Niagara’s Rowing Community will be honoured during a special recognition ceremony at 6:30PM ET. Platinum Concert Tickets, which include the recognition ceremony, are available for $150 (May 1 artist presale, May 3 general public). The ceremony will shine a spotlight on individuals who have made significant contributions to the sport as Athletes, Builders, or Volunteers. Honourees of the ceremony include:
- Jim Hyman (Builder) – Niagara Falls Rowing Club
- Barb Little (Volunteer) – St. Catharines Rowing Alumni
- Rhiannon Zahorchak (Coach) – Notre Dame Rowing
- Mike Purcer (Builder) – Brock Rowing Club
- Don Baker Jr. (Volunteer) – Canadian Henley Rowing Corporation
- Susan Hazell (Volunteer) – Ridley College
- Garry Roscoe (Volunteer) – Henley Island Helpers of the St. Catharines Rowing Club
- Don McSween (Volunteer) – Ridley Graduate Boat Club
- Helen Taylor (Builder) – South Niagara Rowing Club
- Jim Minards (Posthumously) (Builder) – St. Catharines Rowing Club
"We are thrilled to host Oars & Encore: A Celebration of Niagara's Rowing Community as a precursor to the August 2024 World Rowing Championships," said Bill Schenck, Chair of the Mega Worlds. "This event not only highlights the exceptional talent and dedication within our rowing community but also provides an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate our shared passion for this sport."
“With the 2024 World Rowing Championships being hosted in St. Catharines in August, the Oars & Encore Celebration is a fitting way to celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of individuals in the Niagara Rowing Community,” said Andrew Backer, CEO of Row Ontario. “There have been many amazing contributors to the sport of rowing from the Niagara region over the years, and this group of club champions are very deserving of this recognition. It’s fantastic to see all theseNiagara-area clubs and organizations represented at the Oars & Encore Celebration and we’re looking forward to seeing them all honoured on July 26. And it goes without saying we’re very excited to see the rowing world come to St. Catharines for the World Championships in August.”
Special thanks are extended to our event community partners: Brock University, Ridley College, Canadian Rowing Foundation, Cooper Wealth and Sullivan Mahoney, whose support has been pivotal in the success of this event. For more information about the event, please visit the Mega Worlds website.
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