After months of training and fundraising — and facing uncertainty due to visa delays — a group of young Cowichan paddlers made it to the 2025 IVF World Distance Outrigger Championship, held Aug. 13–31 in Brazil.
The youth were part of Team Canada, which sent a contingent of 32 paddlers to Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, for the international event.
The junior 16 women’s V6 crew raced 16 kilometres and placed fourth, with the help of a Brazilian paddler named Laura, who filled in after Danielle Edwards was unable to attend. Edwards was the only Canadian paddler that couldn’t make the trip, so Brazil stepped in to help Canada field a complete crew.
The V6 team included: Phoenix Elliott (Cowichan), Sarah Elliott (Cowichan), Maleah Harris (Ladysmith), Keira Seward, Vivianna Thomas, and the Brazilian fill-in.
Seward, 13, also competed in the junior 16 women’s 12-kilometre V1 race, placing seventh.
"From the shores of Vancouver Island to the waters of Brazil — our small-town Indigenous youth carried not only their paddles, but the strength of their ancestors and teachings," said Rhonda Elliott, the parent of Cowichan paddler Sarah Elliott. "A heartfelt thank you to Jordana Seymour and the Rainbow Canoe Club for guiding and inspiring our youth — not only through international competitions but also through weekly canoe races that keep our teachings of water, unity, and perseverance alive.
"These young paddlers show what it means to walk in balance: with discipline, dedication, and heart. This journey was more than a race — it was about building memories, carrying teachings, and weaving connections across the world," Elliott said.
The master 60+ women’s V6 crew — which included Cowichan’s Heather Taylor — also placed fifth. Taylor earned another fifth-place finish in the master 60+ women’s V1 event.
Team Canada finished third in the gold medal count with four golds. The team earned seven medals overall, including one silver and two bronze, finishing sixth in total medal standings.
