Paddling News

DARTMOUTH, N.S. - The federal and Nova Scotia governments have announced funding for an international canoe competition that's expected to draw competitors from more than 90 countries to a Dartmouth lake next year.

Peter MacKay, the minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, says the federal government will provide up to $2 million for the 2009 ICF World Senior Canoe Championships.

The province says it will contribute $500,000 for course upgrades at Lake Banook and a new starting system.

Barry Barnet, minister of health promotion and protection, says residents will be able to reap the benefits of the improvements long after the event is over.

The event's chair, Chris Keevil, says Lake Banook is among the best natural race courses in the world and the funding will help maintain that reputation.

Some 1,300 elite canoe and kayakers are expected to compete in the event next August.