::RAD CANADIANS::

[POST 4.0]

You might have thought Rad Canadians was gone forever, and you might have had good reason to believe that, since there hasn't been an entry in quite a few months. Simply put, Rad Canadians don't come round every day, and I feel that the genuine authenticity of Rad Canadians is somehow diminished if I scour the headlines on a weekly basis for the next one, instead I just wait until I hear about someone who is especially rad.

And Brian McKeever is certainly rad.

Brian is the first athlete EVER to be named to both the Paralympic, and Olympic teams. He's a legally blind Cross-Country Skier, he's a 7-time Paralympic Medallist with his brother Robin who was his guide (Robin skied for Canada in Nagano as well), he's from Canmore, Alberta where there is clearly something in the water that makes you want to be awesome at wicked sports like XC-Skiing. Robin will be joining Brian once again for the Parlympic games, but he'll ski solo in the Olympics, relying on other skiers, his familiarity with the course, and his limited vision which he describes in an ultra-Canadian way as "like seeing the doughnut but not the timbit".

Brian is a huge inspiration, I got all emotional reading the paper this morning and then seeing he and his team on tv. Way to go Brian, you're super rad and I'll be cheering for you in Van!!
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::HAITI RELIEF::

Wondering how you can make a difference for those affected by the earthquake in Haiti? Make a donation to the Canadian Red Cross and Prime Minister Harper will match your donation. Click on the icon above to make an online donation to the Canadian Red Cross, it only takes a moment, and every little bit supports those who are working to help those in need in Haiti.

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::IAN MORTIMER - CAPITAL MAN OF THE YEAR::

My great friend and teammate, Ian Mortimer has been named Ottawa Male Athlete of the Year for 2009! With the 2009 Female award going to Olympic Silver Medalist, the Vancouver bound Kristina Groves, and the 2008 Men's award split between Rhys Hill and Ian's little bro Angus Mortimer - Ian sure is in good, friendly company. It's a huge honour for Ian and his family, and a very deserved feather in the cap of the one and only Rideau Canoe Club.

Congratulations Ian, this is certainly a great start to your 2010 season!!

(Ian pictured above 1. in his extreme close-up for Vanity Fair last year, 2. very happy, beside a lake)()

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::OLYMPIC TORCH RELAY::

It was so incredible to relay the Torch at home in Oakville today, made even sweeter running around the Burloak Canoe Club portaging a kayak, and torching off to John Wood, 1976 Olympic Silver Medalist in C1 500m (and a Pan Am bronze in Sailing!)...

Thanks to everyone who joined us in Oakville for the relay!
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::SWEDE STYLE::

Going nordic skiing with a Swedish European Champion... (in kayaking). Better than a Swedish meatball? Swedish Chef? Chocolate Moose, Chocolate Moose... Oh Muppetshow!
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