At last year’s world championships, Halifax kayaker Mark de Jonge helped Canada qualify for an entry to London’s Olympic games when he came 6th in the K1 200 m event. Mark then went on to claim a bronze at the London Olympic Games test event, and earlier this year won the 2012 Nelo Winter challenge in Portugal.

Canadian kayaker Mark de Jonge with silver medalist Adam van Koeverden and bronze medalist Mark Oldershaw.

Then, in April, he broke his finger, which sidelined him for quite some time. But in June, Mark took the last qualifying spot for the Canadian Olympic team. In that trial Mark’s time broke the international record by 0.176 seconds.

Kirkor Architects is delighted to sponsor Mark in his impressive endeavors. I have personally spent many hours on the water paddling in various disciplines (when not tied down to the office desk!) and I certainly recognize Mark’s achievements balancing work as an Intern Engineer at Stantec, and his energy and drive toward achieving his athletic goals in London.

We are proud to have helped alleviate any strain that Mark may have felt in regards to monetary support, allowing him to maintain the singular focus required in London and to achieve his ultimate goal.

Here’s an article from the Globe and Mail on de Jonge.

Go Mark go!

- David