CLIPPED FROM
The Ottawa Citizen
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada13 Jul 1976, Tue • Page 19
Carleton Place’s Dave Findlay is fascinated by the Canadian amateur athletes’ drive for excellence. It explains his heavy involvement with the national paddling team and why he sought and was awarded the post of general manager for the Olympic team. “I admire those kids and what they give up to strive for that excellence,” explained Findlay. “That’s one of the reasons I’m in it and don’t think the average Canadian realizes how much these kids put into it and how much they sacrifice.
I know I never really appreciated it until about five years ago.” Findlay points out that some European nations, especially the Eastern Bloc communist countries, feel Canadian amateur athletes are hampered by the lack of financial support, although it hasn’t been a major factor this year. “The Europeans have difficulty understanding the double standard professional and amateur,” explained Findlay. “If a Canadian does well at the Olympics or any major international competition for that matter, the prestige and entertainment value is the same as if it was accomplished by a professional.”
Findlay agrees with that rationale and points out the reason for it is the preoccupation with professional sports. Unlike the Europeans, Canadians have not accepted sports as an important part of their culture. “In my opinion the definition of culture is very simple the drive for excellence, he explained. So why pQp shouldn’t our amateur athletes have the same status as those in the arts . . . artists, playwrights and performers. “Pro sports can’t reach that level because it’s big business, continued Findlay. “It’s also show business.”
The former commodore of the Canadian Canoe Association also feels amateur sport must accept some of the responsibility for its continual uphill struggle for recognition with the pros. “We haven’t been articulate enough in putting our point of view across to the media, but we’re gradually awakening. The Olympics could break it wide open for us. There’s been nothing like it in Canada.” Findlay believes the amateur athlete is often taken for granted despite the fact amateurs spend more time training and developing their skills. Although Findlay is criticial of the present situation, he also admits it’s improved significantly in recent years.
“Big industry is starting to get involved and our programs are getting better every year. There’s been a lot of improvement in a short time,” added Findlay. “While , the Americans have ample funds for some sports their paddling program is where ours was 10 years ago.” He considers travelling the biggest incentive amateur sport has to offer and he was overwhelmed by the hospitality the Czechoslovakians showed the Canadians at a recent pre-Olympic regatta. “They couldn’t do enough for us,” commented Findlay. “Canadians are something special in Czechoslovakia. They arranged special bus tours for us and provided us with ample food. They gave us tickets to the theatre and the Prague Music Festival. It was tremendous.”
The most challenging problem Findlay has encountered while on the road is finding extra food for the athletes. “Generally the food is good, but these kids need high protein diets and getting extra butter and milk can be a problem,” he explained. “Really it’s a minor complaint. I just hope we can be as good hosts to the Europeans as they’ve been to us.” He expects his prime responsibilities in Montreal will be to handle the day-today details. “Food shouldn’t be a problem, but 111 have to be sure the equipment is in good shape,” he said. “I think it’s very important to provide the athletes the best of equipment and have it in good shape. Technically, it may not mean anything it’s mental aspect which is just as important. The athlete thinks he’s got the best.”
The New Carleton Place Canoe Club 1955- 1957
Ottawa Valley Canoe Association– (Carleton Place Canoe Club) and Lake Park Gala August 16 1893
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