2008 World Agility Championships

AKC/USA World Agility Championship Team
Helsinki, Finland
Day Three - September 24, 2008

Wednesday was another amazingly beautiful day in Helsinki. The Team had the day off and many took part of the day to finally get to tour a bit of Helsinki and environs.

While the team was off relaxing AKC Agility Director, Andy Hartman and Sr. Agility Field Rep, Carrie DeYoung spent the day at the first FCI Agility Judges Seminar. It was an excellent opportunity to become more familiar with the FCI Agility regulations and Guidelines. The most valuable part of the day was the time they spent in the working groups discussing current agility issues. The groups worked on developing course design guidelines, recommendations for the health & safety of dogs competing, changes to the FCI Regulations and Guidelines, and future judges education. The day proved that as much as things seem different, agility across the world is very similar and is what has helped to drive the growth of this contagious sport worldwide.

The evening brought the Supporter’s Dinner. This was a chance for the Team to thank everyone who will be cheering them on all weekend. AKC Agility Director Andy Hartman and retired AKC Agility Director Sharon Anderson thanked the many people who helped to make this weekend possible and will continue to be there every step of the way for the rest of this week. They were Team Coach, Nancy Gyes; Asst Coach Kathy Leggett; Team Veterinarian, Jean Lavalley; and Team Manager (and Tour Director Extraordinaire!), Toni Osojnicki.

Sharon also introduced Kimberley Foley from the team’s sponsor I Love Dogs, Inc. who arrived this afternoon in Helsinki to help cheer on the AKC team. There were a few more special guests recognized this evening, Bob McKowen and his wife Lee were recognized for 13 years of travelling with the AKC World Team as supporters. Liam Deacon was recognized as our youngest supporter at 3 years of age. The team thanked all the supporters with special pins designed to commemorate the event.

After dinner the team retired to the hotel for a quick meeting with Coach, Nancy Gyes. They will need to leave the hotel by 6:50 am to catch the tram or walk up to the stadium for their vet check at 8 am. Then they will proceed to their final team practice from 9:12 am to 9:30 am. That is 18 minutes they have to give the dogs a look at the equipment, flooring and stadium before Friday morning’s runs begin.

Thanks to team members Marcy Mantell and Dee Anna Gamel for supplying some of the pictures for this report.