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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