OVA News

Caleigh Whitaker and Dianne Burrows, Adam Podstawka and Reid Hall, will represent Ontario at the 2009 Canada Games in Prince Edward Island this August.

The women’s final was a tightly contested match played in front of a large crowd on centre court at Ashbridges Bay, Toronto. After winning the first set, Whitaker-Burrows began the second set on a mission and continued their steady play. It appeared the match would end on a hard driven ball to the corner. But challengers Rebecca Crosier and Kate Eckhardt made their last stand. Kate miraculously lunged toward the ball and made a superb dig. This was the shift in momentum and Crosier and Eckhardt tied the match at 20. Borrows-Whitaker, after several more exciting rallies, scored the final point and were crowned champions.
“I am really excited to get a chance to represent Ontario at the Canada Summer Games, and am especially honoured given all of the great athletes that we had to compete against to get here,”Burrows said.
“I’m absolutely thrilled and honoured to have qualified to represent Ontario at the 2009 Canada Games in PEI,” said Whitaker.

Laura Inward, the head coach of the Women’s Onatrio Team, had this to say, “Working with these 12 athletes for so many weeks in preparation for this event, I developed a connection with each one of them.  In the end, it is akin to watching one of your children play against the other. Ultimately you hope for a good match and that each competitor can feel good about their performance. For me, that sums up this weekend. Every one of the athletes played well, fought hard and improved significantly over the process.  I am proud of every one of them. A special thank you for all the support we received on the weekend from the OVA staff, the referees and the beach crew.”

On the men’s side, Adam Podstawka and Reid Hall defeated Sam Schachter and Eric Simon in two straight in the final. The second set was tight but some timely serving and great transition play separated the champions from their challengers. Both Adam and Reid will be returning to Canada Games after participating in the event in 2005 as indoor athletes.
“Canada Games means a lot to me,” said Reid. Adam was quoted as saying, “This is a great opportunity to participate in Canada Games again.”

The road to PEI started in early May with a tryout followed by several consecutive weekend training camps. The Men’s Provincial Team head coach, Jason Hubbard, had this to say about the lead up to the tournament.
“All the athletes should be commended for their hard work and dedication during this process.” When asked about participating in Canada Games Jason said, “It is a privilege to represent Ontario.”

JT