Dragon Boat Captain to Be Inducted in Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame
The family of the late Daniel Strain during his dedication at the Inlet Spring Regatta on April 27. He will be inducted into the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame on June 20. (Photo: Joep Olthuis /Inlet Spring Regatta)
The Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame committee states that their Hall of Fame" “welcomes a superb class of inductees from a variety of sports – names synonymous with perseverance and commitment.” We are proud to announce that the 2018 Class of the Coquitlam Hall of Fame will posthumously induct the late Daniel Strain for ‘Multi Sport’ on June 20 in Coquitlam.
The last Inlet Spring Regatta held on April 27, (the second annual) was dedicated to his memory. Dan was a founding member of the Nothin’ Dragon Masters and held the captain’s position for many years. Dan’s family attended the opening ceremony, and Dan’s son, Kenny Strain provided words which can be read in entirely HERE., stating, “He would be so proud for the honour and also of all of you racing in his memory today. He was very proud to be a member of this team and to take on leadership roles like team captain or dry-land training coach and steersperson. It invigorated him to know you were all working together towards a common goal and the spin-off effects are physical fitness, well-being, a sense of belonging, and most of all friendship.”
Opening the morning was guest speaker, Carleen Thomas of Tsleil-Waututh Nation who offered poignant words of welcome touching on the spirit of the eagle, which seemed quite appropriate as the team cherishes the photo below taken of Dan sitting in the coach boat before one of his last dragon boat trainings.
The newest additions to the Coquitlam Sports Hall of Fame will be celebrated with a gala induction ceremony on Thursday, June 20, 2019, at the Poirier Sports and Leisure Complex (633 Poirier St., Coquitlam). Reception at 6:30 pm, event at 7 pm. The ceremony is open to the public, but due to limited seating tickets should be ordered and/or purchased in advance.
Dan’s obituary in the Vancouver Sun HERE
Read our follow-up article on Dan’s induction into the Coquitlam Sport Hall of Fame
Dan and the eagle. (Photo by Denise Nelson)
Kenny, son of the late Dan Strain speaks at the opening ceremony as relatives look on. (Photo: Joep Olthuis)
Dan Strain (front right) at the head of the charge in the stroke position. (Photo: Laura Leyshon)