That was Interesting

Heatstroke had an interesting day. For the first time, Heatstroke received a phone call from the head of a sports organization regarding the accuracy of an article. The individual in question was Lorraine Lafreniere - Director General of Canoe Kayak Canada who questioned the accuracy of a blog written on October 25, 2009.

The blog itself questions Canoe Kayak Canada's hiring of Lafreniere to replace the outgoing Anne Merklinger. Merklinger you see was the standard bearer in how one should run a sports organization. The organization had won 5 Olympic medals from 2004 through to 2008, with the creation of a development system that was the envy of many in Canada's sports community. Meanwhile, Lafreniere despite having been employed in amateur sport for 15+ years had yet to lead an able body NSO to the Olympic podium. Furthermore, her employment in sports had largely been restricted to the area of marketing. Interesting enough under Merklinger's leadership Canoe Kayak Canada qualified 18 athletes for the 2008 Olympics. As for Lafreniere? Canada has qualified only 8 athletes for the 2012 Games despite having benefited from millions of dollars in sports funding from Own the Podium.

Article aside, one has to question what Lafreniere is doing? Heatstroke doubts that Bill Bellichick - arguably the best coach in the National Football League (NFL) - is calling bloggers who question his decisions. Similarly - is Brian Burke GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs calling bloggers who question his trades? Or how about Stephen Harper - Prime Minister of Canada - is he calling bloggers who question his trade policy? Likely not.

Since day one Heatstroke has simply asked that Canada's amateur sports community professionalize itself. Lafreniere's actions - confirmed that despite overseeing one of Canada's most successful amateur sports organization she is in fact truly amateur. Ms. Lafreniere maybe it is time that you read the book!