Canada’s new National Champion could use your immediate assistance

Julian Potvin-Bernal's damaged boat as received in Vienna
The airline has been outstanding with their customer support

Prague, Czech Republic: On Sunday, August 7th Julian Potvin-Bernal of Chelsea, Quebec qualified as the National Champion in men's solo whitewater canoe (C1M) in Chilliwak, BC. It was a formidable race with seasonally higher than normal water levels. Julian pulled through with a clean run, clearing all course gates. Julian has been in the sport for 9 years and like many of Canada's amateur athletes, doesn't have regular funding. Even though Julian has been on the Canadian National Team for more than a year he does not currently receive any funding. And as Julian attends University of Ottawa enrolled in their Mechanical Engineering program, he has to raise what little
funds he can to attend the school.

None of this is new to athletes in this county. But Canadian's want success and this was exhibited in fine fashion at the 2010 Winter Olympics. But something happened today as Julian travelled from Vancouver to Vienna immediately after winning gold at the National Championships. His new custom fitted canoe was destroyed in transit. Julian and his teammate are in Prague to compete at the final world cup race to prepare for the World Championships in September. The September race will determine Canada's eligibility to be represented in this discipline in the next Olympic games.

Julian's support network is working feverishly at this time to raise sponsorship and funds to replace his boat. The good news is that the manufacturer (1 of three in the world) is located in Prague and have agreed to work with Julian to "see what they can do" to replace the boat on short notice. We are reaching out to Canadians to assist Julian to help fund his campaign for Gold. The air carrier is cooperating as quickly as they can to assist with replacement of the boat but much relies on the manufacturer and the time available. The support team and the companies are doing all they can to get Julian back to training.

Travelling with a racing canoe is difficult at best and certain airlines do all they can to accommodate Canada's National team. Julian's group have contacted two airlines to support the design of a solution for a racing boat that can be broken down for travel and put together to endure the rigours of competition. This would create a world-wide, synergistic solution for airlines and competitors. Julian worked this summer as an engineering student intern with DW Canada - an Ottawa-based product design firm. Consequently the team has discussed with DW Canada about getting involved in a design solution that can assist the airlines in keeping with their high customer service standards while getting Canada's athletes and their equipment to and from international competitions.

If you would like to participate with these Canadian companies in this sport and
innovation challenge while helping Julian with his Olympic dream we welcome your financial support.

Donations can will be accepted by contacting change@limelight.org. We will also be setting up arrangements to receive donations at a local bank.