Emma Gordon's Team Canada Fundraiser

Hello, my name is Emma Gordon. I am 17 years old. I started Dragon Boating with the Stratford Juniors in 2017 when I was 11. I honestly, had no idea what I was getting myself into! From that very first practice, I fell in love with the sport. I stuck with it throughout the season and I never looked back. Others came and went through the seasons but there was no changing my mind after my coach mentioned Team Canada and travelling the world in competitions, I knew that one day that had to be me. I trained season after season in the summer on the water and during the winter in the gym with my coach, Ken, building strength and technique. Things went sideways when my sister became sick and was hospitalized for 8months. I took the winter off in 2018, but I was positive I would come back to it in the summer when my sister returned home. I trained hard, constantly improving until 2019 when I signed up to try out for Team Canada. I trained through COVID and was so excited for this possibility; until it was cancelled due to the Pandemic. This year I am ready. I have pushed myself more than I thought I could and am determined to do my best to earn a spot to represent Canada. Dragon Boating has given me more than I ever imagined it would. It has given me an outlet to push through all life has thrown at me. I am so grateful for this. I have amazing coaches who have helped me be better than I even thought I could be. I am now pursuing a nursing degree at Trent University in September and believe I would not be in this same place without everything Dragon Boating has taught me about setting goals and pushing yourself through anything life throws at you.