The following story was published in the Peak in July of 1997.
Four Canadian Championships and a World Championship were determined at the 1997 Powell River Logger Sports last weekend.
Roger Briscoe from Burnaby won the novice springboard Canadian title with a time of 1:30:12, seven seconds faster than Lance Houpapa from New Zealand.
In the intermediate section, the Canadian underhand chop title was on the line and the four fastest choppers squared off in a final showdown. Dave MacLeod (Campbell River), who had done well all weekend, beat out Houpapa by a second and a half to win the final.
MacLeod also competed in the springboard chop for the Canadian title and came in second behind winner Harry Starrett.
The open category featured the 100cc Powersaw Canadian Championship, which Brad Laughlin won over Starrett.
Powell River's top logger was Tom Christensen, who acquired the highest number of points among locals.
Sportsmen awards went to: Vivianne Meunier (ladies) of Powell River; Gordon Mauhl (open) of Grant's Pass, Oregon; Herb Wahl (intermediate) of Gibsons; and Dennis Yarjau (novice) of Campbell River.
All-round logger in the open category was David Bolstad of New Zealand while Briscoe of took the novice honours and MacLeod was top intermediate. Brenda Boyko of Port Alberni was the all-round lady logger.
Chair carving is not really a known sport but the world championship in any sport is a treat to see. This year Paul MacKenzie beat out Mauhl and MacLeod for the world carving title.
