Ross Phillips (Cross Canada Canoe Odyssey)
Hometown: Lumsden, Saskatchewan
Six paddlers from across the country set forth on a journey to make a difference: to bring attention to the importance of Canada's waterways. Led by University of Saskatchewan hydrology student Ross Phillips, the Cross Canada Canoe Odyssey team (Ross along with Stephanie Robertson, Whitney Vanderleest, Nathalie Brunet, Shane Ringham and Abby Lewis) embarked on a remarkable five-month trek across Canada by boats of all sizes, paddling and portaging from the Pacific Ocean in Vancouver British Columbia to the Atlantic Ocean in Saint John New Brunswick.
As the 2011 Royal Canadian Geographical Society's Expedition of the Year, the team set forth to educate and encourage Canadians to protect their local bodies of water while experiencing and enjoying them in sustainable ways. The trek spanned more than 7000 kilometres through lakes, reservoirs, large rivers and small streams through seven provinces.
The Cross Canada Canoe Odyssey team ran their segment of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay on October 5, 2011 (day 43) in Saint John New Brunswick. The team represents one the Relay's 7,000 difference maker stories from across the country inspiring Canadians in a positive way towards a healthier and more inclusive Canada.
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