Highlighting Kamloops Water Ski Club’s EDI Initiatives: A Summer of Inclusion and Empowerment
This summer, the Kamloops Water Ski Club (KWSC) brought the community together through a series of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives supported by Sport Canada and Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC). KWSC hosted three exceptional programs that celebrated diversity and empowered participants from all walks of life. These programs demonstrated the power of sport to create opportunities, foster community, and break barriers. Here’s a recap of three remarkable events this summer:
Adaptive Water Ski Clinic
This year marked KWSC’s 11th annual Adaptive Water Ski Clinic, featuring warm weather, calm waters, and an environment of encouragement. The event welcomed participants with a range of experiences, from first-timers to seasoned adaptive skiers. The event offered participants of all abilities the chance to learn, grow, and connect on the water.
Participants received expert coaching from Rob Gosse, a member of the Canadian National Adaptive Water Ski Team, whose guidance helped everyone improve their skills and achieve impressive milestones. A standout moment was a first-time skier who achieved an unassisted start by the end of the weekend, a testament to the supportive environment and Rob’s coaching!
Beyond the water, the event offered a true sense of community, with participants camping on-site and sharing meals together. The clinic underscored KWSC’s commitment to inclusivity and providing opportunities for athletes of all abilities.
Indigenous Water Ski Camp
This summer, KWSC hosted its first-ever Indigenous Water Ski Camp in partnership with a local school and Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc, offering an unforgettable day on the water for 12 Indigenous students.
The day began with a land acknowledgment and a presentation by a local elder about the historical significance of the area. The students then had the opportunity to try water skiing and enjoy boat rides, many experiencing these activities for the very first time.
Lunch featured traditional Indigenous dishes, adding a cultural and culinary highlight to the event. The smiles, laughter, and excitement of the students were contagious, and many expressed their eagerness to return next year. The camp demonstrated how sport can bridge cultures, foster connections, and inspire a new generation of water skiers.
Ladies’ Water Ski Clinic
KWSC continued its tradition of empowering women in waterskiing by hosting its annual Ladies’ Water Ski Clinic at Shumway Lake. Supported by WSWC and Sport Canada’s EDI Grant, KWSC offered this clinic at a reduced cost, breaking down financial barriers and encouraging participation. This weekend was dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive environment for women to explore the sport.
The clinic was led by KWSC member and Junior National Team Athlete Kate Pinsonneault, who delivered personalized coaching tailored to each participant’s skill level. From first-timers to competitive skiers, every woman on the dock felt supported and encouraged. The participants cheered each other on with enthusiasm, creating an empowering atmosphere that radiated camaraderie and positivity.
One unique aspect of this clinic was its all-female volunteer team, who handled everything from driving the boats to coaching and meal preparation. The weekend exemplified the strength and resilience of women in water skiing, breaking stereotypes and proving that gender roles have no place in this sport.
The Kamloops Water Ski Club is immensely thankful for the EDI Grant from Sport Canada and Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. Their support not only enabled these programs to happen but also reinforced the belief that water skiing is a sport for everyone.
Whether through adaptive clinics, partnerships with Indigenous communities, or initiatives that empower women, KWSC is committed to creating opportunities that celebrate diversity and inclusion. These programs are more than just events, they are steps toward building a stronger, more connected water skiing community.
