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Laplante named to National Sprint Team

Local paddler Zaffia Laplante has been named to Canoe Kayak Canada’s National Development team for the 2014-2015 season.

Local paddler Zaffia Laplante has been named to Canoe Kayak Canada’s National Development team for the 2014-2015 season.

She is a four-time National champion and competed Internationally this summer as a member of Canoe Kayak Canada’s U17 Team.  Selections are based on results of the 2014 competition season as set out in CKC's selection criteria.

“These athletes have worked hard throughout the entire season to earn their positions and I to congratulate everyone selected as well as those who have supported their efforts to get there,” said Scott Logan, CanoeKayak Canada’s High Performance Director.

“We have a strong National Team and a promising contingent on our Development Teams. Our senior athletes are focused on Olympic qualification in 2015 and our developing athletes know that with continued hard work, they can become our next generation of Olympians.”

Laplante says she is humbled about the nomination as she prepares for an upcoming camp this week (Oct. 22nd to 26th) in Halifax.  

"It will be a strength, endurance and power camp with some cutting edge science and physiological analytics," she said in a media release.  

"The sport has really started to focus on analyzing a paddler’s physiological profile and in between workouts on Lake Banook in Dartmouth N.S. we will be spending some time in Halifax at the Canadian Sports Centre -Atlantic for some physical testing and video analysis."

In terms of off season goals, the grade 12 student at Ecole Secondaire Algonquin is clear that school is a priority.  She is also deeply appreciative of the support and assistance that the teachers and administration have given her along the way – especially the principal Greg Lefebvre.

“Grade 12 is a big year," she said.  

"You want to do well so you can move on to post –secondary opportunities and pursue your dreams (like the Olympics).  Monsieur Lefebvre and the entire staff at Algonquin have been instrumental in my sister Zeyana and I being able to succeed academically and win National championships.  It’s hard to find adequate words to express our gratitude.  The 2016 Olympics are coming up soon but so is 2020 – who knows maybe we’ll have a chance to say thanks to them from some place far away on top of a podium.”