Head of the Trent Expected to Draw Thousands to Peterborough This Weekend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Trent University Homecoming Event Runs September 29 to October 1 and attracts $500,000 in economic benefits to the community

Friday, September 29, 2006, Peterborough

Exciting plans are in place at Trent University from September 29 to October 1 as it prepares to host the annual Head of the Trent rowing regatta and alumni homecoming.  This significant event is expected to attract more than 5,000 people to the Peterborough area, creating an economic impact to the region valued at $500,000.

Renowned as North America’s largest single-day rowing regatta, the Head of the Trent involves more than 2,000 rowers racing along the Trent Severn Waterway from Parkhill Road to the Faryon footbridge on Trent’s Symons Campus.  Competitors from across the United States and Canada will travel to Peterborough to take part in this long-standing Trent event.  A number of varsity athletic events and alumni gatherings are also planned throughout the weekend, including an Alumni Reunion BBQ, an evening concert hosted by the Trent Central Student Association, and several family activities.

“The grace and excitement of rowing makes the Head of the Trent such a wonderful celebration of Trent’s school spirit, and I look forward to reconnecting with our alumni,” says Bonnie Patterson, president of Trent University. 

According to Tony Storey, Director of Alumni Affairs, the Head of the Trent routinely draws more than 1,000 alumni back to the campus each fall, and this year, some will be travelling from as far away as Japan to join the festivities.  The event is also open to the general public.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, September 29, 2006

7:00 p.m. – Women’s Varsity Rugby: York vs. Trent 
T.C.S.A. Concert Friday evening in the Great Hall at Champlain College (details to be announced)

Saturday, September 30, 2006

9:00 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. - Head of the Trent Regatta (last rowing race at 5:15 p.m.)
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. – Trent Co-ed Soccer Alumni Game
10:00 a.m. – Trent Alumni Men’s Volleyball Game
10:30 a.m. - Trent University Alumni Association Annual General Meeting in Alumni House, Champlain College
12:00 p.m.  – Trent Alumni Women’s Volleyball Game
12:00 p.m. – Men’s Varsity Soccer: Nippissing vs. Trent 
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. – Open House in new Alumni House (formerly Master’s Lodge, Champlain College)
1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.- children's activities - balloons, face painting, video feature presentation at the Champlain College Great Hall Riverside lawn.
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. – Traditional Alumni Homecoming and Family Gathering: cash bar and barbecue, Champlain College Great Hall Riverside Lawn
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. - Trent Rowing Club beer garden Bata Library Parking Lot
2:00 p.m. – Women’s Varsity Soccer: Nippissing vs. Trent 
4:00 p.m. – Varsity Swim Meet: Trent, Queen’s, University of Ottawa and York
5:00 p.m. -  Men’s Varsity Rugby: Laurier vs. Trent

Sunday, October 1, 2006

12:00 p.m. – Men’s Varsity Soccer: Laurentian vs. Trent 
2:00 p.m. – Women’s Varsity Soccer: Laurentian vs. Trent
Since its beginning in 1970, the Head of the Trent has evolved into a lively event showcasing Trent athletes in their pursuit of excellence at the varsity level.  With the freshly built athletic fields set against Trent’s stunning natural scenery, this year’s homecoming promises to be an exciting combination of camaraderie and competition.
For further information on alumni events, visit http://www.trentu.ca/alumni/headofthetrent.php.

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For further information, please contact:

Tony Storey, Director, Alumni Affairs, (705) 748-1599 (Head of the Trent, alumni homecoming)

Bill Byrick, Director, Athletics, (705) 748-1252 (athletic events)