Why did you join the board?

“I have been involved with the St. John’s Rowing Club since 2017, initially as a program participant but also as a board member, taking on the registrar and treasurer roles.  The history of the club and what it accomplishes in terms of athlete development and athletic leadership is pretty awe-inspiring for a small organization run primarily by volunteers.  I am happy to contribute to the proud history as we take on a five-year strategic plan and some new funding and EDI initiatives.”

What does rowing mean to you? 

“Rowing is a great example of a sport that demands fitness and technical finesse.  As an individual or team sport, rowing also brings in the element of water which can be a very special experience.  Whether it is a fixed-seat boat with the Royal St. John’s Regatta crews or a slide-seat boat with SJRC, I encourage people of all abilities to experience the joy of rowing.”

Ian Power is a lifelong athlete. He grew up around the boathouse and the hockey rink, two of his favourite places to this day. His rowing path began as a young kid rowing in the 1993 Royal St. John’s Regatta for the Smith Stockley crew. This grew into over 15 years of rowing on Quidi Vidi Lake, in both fixed and slide-seat boats. Ian enjoys rowing slide-seat with his sister Kristine who is a fellow board member and avid rower as well.

Ian is an IT Systems Analyst by trade and has a passion for web design. His love of rowing and IT skills make him a valued member of the SJRC community.

I began fixed-seat rowing in 2004, slide seat rowing in 2014 and have competed at local and Atlantic regattas. I love that this sport requires technique, strength, endurance and simultaneously allows you to enjoy nature. I believe that Quidi Vidi’s infectious rowing atmosphere promotes lifelong fitness in St. John’s. In addition to my involvement with The St. John’s Rowing Club (SJRC) and Rowing Canada, I also volunteer with Scouts Canada and Skate Canada. I am passionate about fostering positive experiences for our youth. The St. John’s Rowing Club provides valuable rowing skills, leadership opportunities and life experiences for people of all ages and I am happy to be part of the board.

What does rowing mean to you?

“Rowing is a community that is based on a shared commitment to challenge ourselves. Whether as individuals trying something new, learning a skill, maintaining fitness, or competing, or as a crew experiencing success and failure together. Rowing is universal and can be a means to connect people and provide a sense of belonging.”

Frank Norris has been rowing on Quidi Vidi since 2011. Starting with the Jr competitive slide seat team, he has competed in a number or regattas including the 2013 Canada games in the 2-, 4- and 8+. He then went on to coach several club and provincial programs, including an assistant coaching position for the 2017 Canada games team. Frank also has a passion for the Royal St John’s Regatta where has competed in 10 championship races.

Outside of rowing, Frank is a graduate of Memorial University and an active CPA. He currently works with Intact Financial Corporation as a Financial specialist within the budgeting team for the Canadian insurance operations.

Kristine Power has been a rower for 25 years. She grew up watching her dad – hall of fame rower Ken Power – row the Royal St. John’s Regatta multiple years running. She learned to row at Carleton University in 1997 and was on the varsity team for two years. Kristine hasn’t stopped rowing since then and has competed in various regattas, including the Royal St. John’s Regatta. She has been very lucky to row with some amazing teammates and have some incredible experiences thanks to the sport of rowing. Her brother, Ian Power, is also a rower and fellow board member so you could say it is a family affair.

“I joined the Learn to Row program in 2008 and fell in love with rowing. I’ve participated in all levels of rowing within the club as well as coaching on an introductory and competitive level. Some of my proud rowing moments are competing at Canada Games in 2013, coaching competitive athletes, and winning the Royal St.John’s Women’s Championship in 2013 and 2014. After taking a break from rowing in 2016 to begin my career with Easter Seals NL, I rejoined the Board of directors in 2022 with the hope of bringing my two passions together and assisting to develop Para-Rowing in our province.”

My passion for rowing began in 2011 when I joined the high school rowing program, shifting into the Jr. Development program, then onto the Competitive team. The highlight of my participation in the sport came when I had the opportunity to compete in the 2013 Canada Games in Sherbrooke, Quebec. My respect for the sport and its athletes has continued to grow through the years as I have transitioned between fixed and slide seat rowing, taking on roles as rower, coxswain, and coach. Drawing from my background in HR, my goal as a member of the board is to view things with an HR lens to help provide members of SJRC with the best experience possible.

Claudette Marie joined the Adult Learn to Row Program with SJRC in the summer of 2022, to rekindle her love of rowing. She has been a member of the LabWest Regatta Association, rowing slide seat in Labrador West at Jean Lake from 1995 into 2005 holding various championships over the years, with a return to the water in July 2022 for Wabush’s 50th Regatta to win the Masters Women’s Championship. She has joined the fixed seat rowing community this year, competing in the Long Course Women’s Division of the Royal St. John’s Regatta. 

Claudette brings her love of being on the water along with her energy and enthusiasm to help grow the love of the sport of rowing, as one of SJRC’s newest board members. 

Cherie’s love of rowing started in 1988 with fixed seat rowing in the St. John’s regatta. She was a member of the OZfm ladies team winning several championships with them. She and the 1994 OZfm crew were inducted into the Royal St Johns Regatta Hall of Fame for being the first female crew to break 5 minutes for the short course. Cherie was also on the National Bobsleigh team for 4 years, and made the 2002 Olympic team, while living in Alberta and was an active member of the Alberta Bobsleigh Board until 2021.

Cherie has worked in NL, Alberta and BC for the last 25 years as a Health and Safety professional, and is now working for the Govnt of NL as a Senior Health & Safety Manager.

Cherie loves the teamwork, camaraderie and the competitiveness of rowing and is excited about working with the rest of the board to continue promoting sliding seat rowing in St.Johns.