Spirits fell in the winter of 2023 when the annual Beavertail Ice Boat Race was cancelled because of poor conditions on the Rideau Canal Skateway.
But one team didn’t let it get them down when the race — which features large, canoe-like boats and crews using poles to push the vessel across the ice — was called off.
Members of Showboat, a recreational co-ed paddling team from Ottawa’s Chinatown neighbourhood, are known for their high energy and positive attitude toward every competition season.
Last year’s disappointment, when the Rideau Canal remained closed for skating all winter for the first time since the skateway was launched in 1971, didn’t get the team down. And when warm winter temperatures resulted in the cancellation of the Ice Boat Race again this year, the team’s resilient attitude was no different.
The Showboat crew members remain committed to team spirit — and raising funds for a good cause.
“We’re not about winning first,” said Richard Martin, team captain of Showboat. “The more important thing is how do we empower potential paddlers.”
The team got its start when Martin began looking to assemble crew members who weren’t all about competition and winning. The result was Showboat, a team solely focused on fundraising and fun.
Throughout the team’s time together, they have raised about $250,000 for local charities.
We’re all disappointed that the Ice Festival didn’t happen but the fundraising still worked well — we placed first in the fundraising category. It’s a team effort, and we’ve got some good people on the team, and they’re really committed to the community.
Richard Martin, captain, Showboat ice dragon boat team
The funds raised go to the Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation, which in turn spreads the money around to a multitude of charities.
This includes Ausome Ottawa — an organization that supports autism-related causes — the CHEO Foundation, the Chelsea Foundation, which supports community sport development, and 72 more.
When asked how fundraising would continue after the latest cancellation, Martin said he had no doubts that the team will find ways to keep raising money for the causes they have supported in the past.
“We’re now just coming off a big fundraiser that one of our dragon boat paddlers participated in — it’s called Curling for a Cause.”
Curling for a Cause, run by Showboat member Andy Church, has helped the team raise thousands of dollars despite the cancellation of the past two races.
And Showboat raises money for other ODBF causes all year round.
“We’re all disappointed that the Ice Festival didn’t happen but the fundraising still worked well — we placed first in the fundraising category,” said Martin. “It’s a team effort, and we’ve got some good people on the team, and they’re really committed to the community.”
Shelley Freake, director of fundraising for ODBF, showered praise on the team for what it’s done for the foundation.
“They are extraordinary,” says Freake. “I’ve known the team from the very beginning because they just stand out.”
“Racing is, dare I say, almost secondary to them because it’s all about community and teamwork. The heart of that team is community for sure.”
They are extraordinary. I’ve known the team from the very beginning because they just stand out.
Shelley Freake, director of fundraising, Ottawa Dragon Boat Foundation
Freake said people are drawn to Showboat’s energy and spirit, and want to support whatever the team is trying to accomplish.
Godfrey Joekumar, the outreach and social media coordinator for Showboat, agrees.
“When you join a team like (Showboat), you become a part of their family,” said Joekumar.
He offered insights into why Showboat has won the race’s Team Spirit Award multiple times.
“Yes, we do a lot of fundraising, but we also have a lot of fun,” said Joekumar. “What makes us stand out in the dragon boat community is we love to dress up.”
Joekumar said the team works together to create and bring to life many fun costume ideas they wear to events. This brings them together as a team and brings joy to others.
Given the ongoing impact of warming temperatures on the canal, the future of Winterlude and events such as the Ice Boat Race are in some doubt. But Showboat’s commitment to supporting good causes doesn’t appear to be melting away.
“We really aim to support the community, and the community is always struggling,” said Martin. “There’s so many groups out there and people are suffering. The foundation can make a big difference to help out. When you support them, the charity wins, and the community wins.”
