Oct 8 - Victoria dragon boaters are world champions

Good morning !

Tasting Victoria has compiled a list of fall-themed food events in Victoria this month, and I’ve got Thanksgiving on my mind after reading it. I’ve always spent it with my family, but will be unable to this weekend and I’m interested in checking out Thanksgiving meal options in restaurants.

— Robyn

Today’s approx. read time: 4 minutes

🌡️ Weather Forecast

Today: 🌧️ 14 / 9

Tomorrow: 🌦️ 14 / 9

Thursday: 🌤️ 14 / 10

NEWS

Victoria club victorious at world dragon boat championships

An Island club, with members from Victoria, is a global dragon boat champion after an impressive performance at the Club Crew World Championships in Italy.

The Gorging Dragons ladies’ premier small boat team took gold in the 200 and 500m races and grabbed silver in the 2,000m race at the 14th edition of the prestigious event, held Sept. 3-8.

“It's a pretty amazing feeling for our women to know that our program, and they as individuals, are now world class,” coach Tom Arnold tells Capital Daily.

The Club Crew World Championships are a massive competition involving the best club teams in the world.

Teams had to finish in the top five in their respective countries to qualify for the event which drew 7K+ athletes representing 500 clubs from 50 nations.

“It was absolutely amazing to see our women have that kind of success on the world stage,” said Arnold, pointing out that the relatively small VI Paddling club was in deep against larger Canadian, European, and Asian clubs.

“It’s kind of a pinch-yourself sort of moment to say, like, you know, hey, we're not even the biggest club in Canada in terms of people, but we're punching way above our weight, and here we are at the top of the podium,” he said.

The Gorging Dragons, who train out of the VI Paddling (VIP) club—which draws paddlers from across the Island—were making a return to the manmade Standiana Regatta Course in Ravenna, two hours’ drive south of Venice. A decade ago, the club placed as high as eighth on that course. The difference, Arnold says, is experience.

“Paddling is a very technical sport, and so it takes several years of dedication to really pay off.” 

The Gorging Dragons feature three returnees from that last trip to Italy: Andree St. Denis, Andrea Smith, and captain Tina Watson-Michaels, all of Victoria.

“A lot of it's just that belief—believing that you can do something, and how that carries you through your training and your races,” he said.

VI Paddling hit the water in 2012, has docks on the Gorge, in Nanaimo and Comox, and has 400+ members from teens to octogenarians.

⚠️ Capital Bulletin

Missing person found: Sevina (Moxie)—who has been missing since August—has been located, according to VicPD.

NEWS

October is full of foodie events

Victoria may be known for having plenty of events during the summertime, but the fun is continuing well into the colder days. October marks a few different autumnal holidays—Thanksgiving, Halloween, and harvest celebrations from multiple international cultures. 

So it’s no surprise that there are lots of events happening in the city this month—and they’re fit for the foodies in your life. From wine festivals and dinner pairings to cooking classes—and even a chocolate-tasting event (sign me up!)—taking place. 

Check out Tasting Victoria’s list of October food fun.

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⭐️ Capital Picks

🐦 Big bite: A gull’s eyes may have been bigger than its beak when choosing a shelled snack. [Facebook photo]

🍿 Catch a screening of 22 new analogue short films by local participants at the One Take Super 8 on October 18 and 19.*

📺 Televised BC election debate. [Tonight 6:30-8pm]

🌱 When opportunity appears, be ready! Grow your career through practical programs, expert-led courses and essential skills with Continuing Studies at UVic.*

🤝 Now hiring: Rink Attendant at The Butchart Gardens

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🗞️ In Other News

Another local Order of Canada recipient: Dancer & choreographer Crystal Pite
A reader flagged yesterday that Pite, a world-renowned contemporary choreographer, grew up in Victoria in the 1970s & ‘80s. She began dancing here at age 4 and trained at Victoria's Pacific Dance Centre before moving to Vancouver for the bulk of her storied pro career. Last week's Order ceremony listed these four Victoria recipients.

Man faces multiple weapons charges after late night disturbance in Oak Bay
Police say they received a call about a man screaming loudly for 15 minutes on Cadboro Bay. He was arrested for disturbance and refusing to identify himself to police, and upon searching him, OBPD say they found an axe and a knife in his possession. He was later identified and found to be on probation, which prohibits him from possessing such weapons. He received charges for four offences total.

Langford-based national women’s rugby team beats Ireland 21-8
The win in Langley is the second of the WXV 1 tourney; next they play world #1 England this Saturday in Vancouver. Sooke's Rori Wood made her international debut. [Rugby Canada]

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🗓️ Things to do

👠 Rocky Horror Picture Show Screenings: The cult classic will begin screenings this week at Vic Theatre, with more to come throughout the month. Fri. 9:30pm. [Info]

Looking for something to do this weekend? Subscribe to This Week In Vic to get the full list of what’s on this week.

👀 In Case You Missed It

Monday’s headlines: Victorians invested into Order of Canada; Bluebird vows changes after man in wheelchair left rideless; Victoria Yacht Club sailor off to ‘Super Bowl of sailing’; And more. [Oct. 7]

5 tasty Victoria Public Market spots to try. [Tasting Victoria]

Tour de Rock raises $800K for cancer research, kid support. [Nanaimo News Bulletin]

Diamondback tritonias spotted by snorkeller. [Facebook photos]

That’s it!

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