麻豆社区

WHITEHORSE 鈥� Some paddlers stretched and others stood calmly as Yukon MP Ryan Leef addressed the vast group assembled Wednesday morning at Rotary Peace Park.

"Welcome to all our international and national visitors. Take the opportunity as you go down the river to stop and enjoy all the sites and historic areas,鈥� Leef quipped. "And Yukoners, since you've seen it, just keep on paddling hard.鈥�

Whitehorse's deputy mayor Jocelyn Curteanu said the race continues to connect the communities between Whitehorse and Dawson City.

Attracting adventurers from across the globe also helps put the city on the map year after year.

"It's so exciting that this year, 66 teams have entered the race, with paddlers from 13 countries,鈥� she said. "This is truly an international event.鈥�

With the Yukon River Quest earning recognition last year as one of the 10 toughest races in the world, the odyssey will "test the endurance and determination of these amazing athletes,鈥� Curteanu said.

Jeff O'Farrell, the territory's deputy minister of tourism, also spoke at the opening ceremonies.

"You're going to enjoy tremendous scenery as you travel down the Yukon River,鈥� he told competitors. "It's no wonder that this race attracts racers from across the world.鈥�

Original race mastermind Buckwheat Donahue was on hand for the 16th annual race start.

The Skagway resident admitted he and fellow Dyea-to-Dawson race organizer Jeff Brady didn't know what they had started in 1997.

"We had no idea that it was going to evolve into this great event,鈥� his booming voice laughed.

Following the formalities, the River Quest's largest international field in history raced across the park to the river, where they began the longest race of their lives.

By MARCEL VANDER WIER

Star Sports Editor