2012 Ontario Tree Climbing Championship

2012 ONTARIO TREE CLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIP
SEPTEMBER 15, LONDON, ONTARIO
The 24th Annual ISAO Tree Climbing Championship, held in Springbank Park, started with an all day rain during Friday’s setup. Thanks to those volunteers who persevered during the wet conditions, ensuring the various events were challenging, safe and fair. Luckily, the weather on event day was much better – mainly sunny skies, a temperature around 20 degrees and a light wind – perfect climbing conditions. The event was well attended by residents of the City of London, as well as by the family and friends of the climbers.

Greg Quigg, President of Stihl Ltd. (Canada), started the day off by announcing that Stihl was excited to be this year’s OTCC Official Show Sponsor and will continue in this role for both the 2013 and 2014 competitions.

Councillor Paul Hubert welcomed the competitors, volunteers and spectators to the City of London on behalf of Mayor Joe Fontana and council. Greg Quigg joined Councillor Hubert in the planting of an 80 mm sugar maple to commemorate the event.

This year, the OTCC Committee increased registration from 30 to 35 climbers by offering the women ten spots, hoping to expand the female competition. As a result, we had seven women register, which is the most in the history of the OTCC event. Thank you, ladies. The remaining three women’s spots were filled by men on the waiting list, which gave us a full 35-climber roster.

The OTCC Organizing Committee, on behalf of ISA Ontario, would like to thank show sponsor Stihl Ltd., our many other sponsors, exhibitors, judges and technicians, and the numerous volunteers who made this championship competition another huge success. A special thank you to the City of London and Andy Beaton, our local representative on the OTCC committee and his staff, who ensured that everything we needed was well looked after. Thanks, Andy!           
— Paul Kobold, OTCC Chair

The Winner's Circle
At the end of the preliminary events, Krista Strating (Arborwood Tree Service) was in 1st place and Jennifer Carroll was in 2nd (Kelly’s Tree Care). Mens' division results were as follows: 1st Sean Hoondert (City of Guelph); 2nd Ben Sauvé (Pavey Tree); 3rd Riley Brown (Kelly’s Tree Care); and 4th Cezary Szymczak (Allgreen Tree Service). Following the Master's Challenge, the women’s champion was Jennifer Carroll and Sean Hoondert was crowned male champion.
Detailed Results...

Spirit of the Competition Award
Congratulations to 2012 winner Anthony Ouwersloot of Arborwood Tree Service (pictured adjacent, OTCC Chair Paul Kobold is on the right). This award, generously donated by Arboriculture Canada Training & Education Ltd., is given to the competitor who demonstrates good sportsmanship, encourages other contestants and shows respect for the judges and volunteers throughout the event. The judges rate each climber as they compete in the preliminary events.