I have known Igor Renkas for about 10 years now, we first met at Toronto Windsurfing Club in year 2000 and have been good friends since then.
Igor is well-known among people involved in various water and winter sports here in Ontario and outside of the province as an avid sportsman.
Igor is probably one of the most popular members of the TWC because he is always ready to help others with advice and has some unique skills in board (and other equipment) repairing, a great chunk of the entire windsurfing board fleet of Ontario went through his creative and capable hands.
Very often Igor is the first in and the last out of the clubhouse and in my opinion he definitely deserves the MVM (Most Valuable Member) award for all the improvements he implemented at the club.
Outside of the club I know Igor as a dependable and hard-working person, good at his occupational activity as he helped me on numerous occasions with some general household repairs, and just a nice person with tremendous sense of humor.
I've met Igor Renkas soon after I've joined Toronto Windsurfing Club in 2002 and he helped me a lot in mastering my windsurfing skills with friendly advices - those were really helpful based on his unbelievable windsurfing expertise. He is always ready to help others not only sharing his knowledge, but also repairing boards on professional level and virtually free - his prices are a way lower than you can expect.
Igor is also well known between a people doing winter windsurfing/kiting here in Ontario and outside.
Igor is helping with a lot of improvements in TWC - virtually all year around - he often stays late and this definitely helps in providing protection of the TWC properties..
He is hardworking and real handyman - helped me a lot in my house repairs.
He's one of the few I've met in my life which I can depend on if needed.
Igor is a very down to earth and kind individual. If one would try and find fault with him, they would be trying for a very long time unsuccessfully.
Ever since I have met Igor, I have seen him do things for people I have never seen before. Igor helps with windsurfing tips, helps members fix their equipment and even makes major repairs for less than minimum wage.
I once saw Igor charge someone $20 to fix their windsurf board which was enough to cover the costs of materials he used. That person was so grateful/insulted that he gave him more than he asked for.
I have seen him help some of my friends with difficult tasks in their homes free of charge. When he was offered money for his help, he refused and the friends insisted. Seems this is the only time he gets into arguements is when he is offered money to help someone.
He works tirelessly for the Club and has repaired the facilities and equipment an none or nominal cost.
I am not sure what the windsurfers in Ontario would do if they didn't have Igor to help fix their damaged equipment.
I am proud to have Igor as a friend and wish our society had more people like Igor. We are very blessed to have him at the Club and as a friend.
I've known Igor for several years now. I met him at the Toronto Windsurfing Club. He has helped members of my family with their equipment, and we have tandem windsurfed around Toronto Island in a regatta twice (we even won once). He is a remarkably affable and kind person, always willing to engage people in conversation about his favourite topics, and willing to help those in need of aid. In many ways, I've come to see Igor as an indispensable part of the club. The club without him just wouldn't be the same.
I have known Igor Renkas for close to 10 years. He is a very honest, helpful, hard working and down to earth individual. He has been active with Toronto Windsurfing Club for a number of years helping the Club with his technical skills in maintaining and fixing windsurfing equipment as well as the club facilities. He is a very dependable person and always ready to offer help to whom ever might need it. If he were not around, the Club, its members and other people who know him would be in serious trouble by missing his expertise and technical knowledge, his dedication, helpfulness and friendship. The world would be a better place if there were more people like him around us. Jan Wroblewski
Once upon a time while racing(~~,FD) i saw a few sailing clubs from inside. It looks like that each other florishing sailing club have(must have) a few persons which may be called as "team souls". Those are not managers, racers, team leaders.
They just live in the sailing and "infecting" others around with the spirit of those oldy times when people used to say "Navigare necesse est, vivere not est necesse", when a certain Mr./Don Giovanni Caboto discovered what was later named Newfoundland, when sails were huge and white.
So in order to be short let me just say - "to saling!", "to Igor!".
I first met Igor Renkas at a volunteer run not-for-profit windsurf club in Toronto.
Mr. Renkas is honest, sincere, hard-working and contributes to our Club and to the sport of windsurfing in numerous ways. In fact, Igor contributes so much to the Toronto Area Winsurfing Community, that quite frankly, many of us would be very adversely affected without Mr. Renkas around – we’d feel a great sense of loss without him.
For example, just try to get a knowledgeable person to help you fix your windsurf equipment. Ask the most windsurfers and they’ll send you to Igor – and there aren’t too many people around with his capable expertise and willingness to lend a hand.
Igor’s enthusiasm for the sport is unsurpassed and infectious – we all enjoy windsurfing that much more when Igor is around.
It doesn’t end there. Igor tirelessly contributes to the maintenance and well-being our Club. So much so that his countless volunteer hours might even surpass those of all our other members combined!
But most importantly, one cannot know Igor for very long without recognizing this man’s honesty, integrity and goodwill towards others. Always there to lend a hand, someone who will stand behind you in tough times and someone who is always looking out for everyone – I’ve met few people in this world whom I am more privileged to call a friend.
I believe that Igor is exactly the kind of person we should strive to keep in our community.
If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
It has saddened me to learn that Igor may be required to leave our wonderful city, province and country due to our current political system.
Igor is a wonderful example of the colour, personality and flare our country has risen to the top of the world's stage to welcome and call home here in Canada.
I was introduced to Igor several years ago. He is an admired asset of the Toronto Windsurfing Club. I have come to know him not only as an extremely sincere, enthusiastic and honest volunteer at the club, but also as a significant contributor to the atmosphere of the not-for-profit organization.
He brings a skill set to teach others the challenging techniques of windsurfing complimented with his skills of equipment repair which he offers both of with infinite patience and selflessness.
We should only be so lucky to welcome more people with the integrity and morals that Igor brings to our community.
Warmest regards, Jason Mednick jason@wireballcreative.com
During the last seven years of my involvement in Toronto Windsurfing Club operation, I got a chance to know closely Igor and to learn what a great athlete and exciting person he is. His expertise in mechanics, equipment repair, facilities maintenance and sailing is bringing tremendous value to our club. As a true windsurfing ambassador and a role model for other members he helped tremendously to our participants from the beginners to experts teaching and guiding them from safety and basics, to racing and tuning tips.
He is also one of the pioneers bringing us the ice and snow sailing and extending club activities from the short seasonal to all year round proving on the best way his creativity and unstoppable passion to explore and know more. I had many, many times, faced Igor’s incredible work ethic, his real unselfish character and willpower to do the right thing when most needed.
We all value his special qualities and effort invested in our every day’s challenges, and thankfully look forward to share his spirit and determination.
It has been my pleasure to know Igor Renkas for 10 years. As a member of the TWC, I have watched him share his expertise and his time with member after member. His taciturn nature belies a generosity of spirit that enrich us all. Canada and our club would benefit from welcoming more people like Igor.
I know Igor for almost 4 years. He is the one of the first people I met in the windsurfing club and he is the first person who introduced me to windsurfing. Igor has been supporting me in my first steps in windsurfing. He was fixing my boards and suggesting right equipment for me. If I have a question or I need help Igor would be the first person I ask. He is a great guy and excellent windsurfer.
I have known Igor since he came to our Windsurfing Club some 10 years ago. He is a hard worker who is always willing to help a friend in need. He has helped me on numerous occasions with his knowledge, tools and skills to fix things I could not do by myself. He even helped me fix my old van a few times! He is an excellent sailor, cheerful and a great guy to have around. Canada has been built by people of his caliber and we should welcome him and people like him at any time to enrich our country. I hope that the Immigration Review Board takes good character in consideration and lets him stay with us.
Igor is an asset to our community, our country and our windsurfing club. He is friendly, has a great sense of humour and is always willing to help. He has many, many friends who stand behind him and support him unselfishly through his immigration process. He poses no threat to our economy or national security, and he should be given an every opportunity to establish himself as a landed immigrant. I would hope that Immigration Canada would have some decency on a humanitarian level to allow Igor to remain in Canada.
I know Igor for 3 years. He is a great windsurfer and helpfull and open person. Igor have to stay in Canada. Cheers, Elena Kuznetsova elena.kuznetsova@gmail.com
I know Igor for 5 years. He is a good man. He helps without waiting anything in return. He helped me a couple of times, once when I was struggling with the storm and when my daggerboard was stuck. He is a well experienced trades person in a much needed industry and contributes to the Canadian Economy. I have always admired Canada for it's inclusion of hard working people that makes a difference. Igor is one of them. Savas Alic savasalic@gmail.com
No one in our area has the knowledge and technical skills regarding windsurfing equipment to fill Igor's shoes. Igor is a valuable member of our community. He would leave an enormous void in our club if he was to deported.
Since relocating in Keswick, Igor often comes by and visits on his way to the lake to go icesurfing. His company is always welcome with our family. He is often insightful with plenty of inovative ideas as well as his keen sense of humor.
When Igor is at the Toronto Windsurfing Club, and he is not sailing, he is busy helping members with equipment problems, offering sailing tips and encouragement, all with a ready smile. I've always felt welcomed by him when my family and I are there.
Igor is a respected member at the club as his knowledge and experience is highly regarded. He is always trusted to give honest advice along with tried and tested techniques to help improve the enjoyment of the sport.
Who could fill his shoes at the club if Igor were to leave?
I can't think of a better candidate for Canada to allow official immigration status. I knew Igor from 1997 to 2005 while I was a club member. I have worked with Igor numerous times doing various volunteer jobs at the club. I have sailed with him and admire his talent. I've socialized with him and found him to be friendly and good to talk to. He is a geniunely nice, considerate, helpful, positive, and reliable person. As others have commented he does great repair work on equipment and is extremely fair with what he charges. I do not know the criteria for immigration status is but if it has anything to do with a person making a difference, being self employed, being a good person, and having a great work ethic then Igor should be approved. Sincerely Scott Marshall
Igor Renkas has been a tremendous resource to us at Silent Sports especially for board repairs which are performed efficiently and economically. Igor is an honest, hard-working and helpful member of our society who provides unique services to the windsurfing community. Bruce Johnston bruce@silentsports.com
When I started sailing from the Cherry Beach Windsurfing club, I had no instruction and needed help. Igor helped me so much that I assumed that was his job as an employee of the club. That assistance made me much more comfortable with my problems and caused me to join the club. I found out later that he was just being helpful and not an employee of the club. Igor is frequently working hard repairing boards or anything else that needs repair. He has repaired my board; I would have been at a loss for repair without him. His presence is of great benifit for the approximately 500 members of the club. This last summer I introduced both of my children to sailing from the club. Being able to consult an experience and capable person such as Igor increased my confidence. An honest person with a good civic sense and an great work ethic that automatically finds a productive place in a community helps build the type of society that Canada should strive to build. Canada needs many more people like Igor. The loss of Igor would be a loss to the many people of the club and a loss to Canada. Sincerely, Jack Feder, Professional Engineer
I feel privileged to call Igor my friend! I've known him for ten years and got to know him well. He is the type of individual whom any country should be proud to call its citizen. I sincerely hope that he gets a well deserved chance to continue to build our country! Regards, Tibor
Igor is an outsatnding individual. He is couragous, thoughtful, and viryuous. I have known Igor for nearly 20 years and I will vouch for his character. He is industrious, and sadly for me, hard to beat on the race course. We do NOT want to lose Igor. Please make sure that he can stay in Canada. He is an example of someone that you want to have around. William Tuthill,President, W.I.S.S.A. The World Ice and Snow Sailing Association
I have known Igor for about 4 years, he is well-educated, professional windsurfer, great coach and excellent friend as he always trying to assist in learning windsurfing, fixing boards, sails and other equipment and he spends a lot of time in windsurfing club like a security guard to protect club's premises. I think Igor is very valuable member of windsurfing club and deserves to be considered as candidate for land-immigrant visa status.
I have known Igor for about 7 years, and he is one of those people who you want to have in your community. He's integrity, honesty, good attitude to life in general is matched by his skills of being able to fix anything. He is the perfect Customer Service/Self Employed person who we want and really need.
Igor did a lot of good volunteer work for the Club, without expecting anything in return. I hope that he will be able to stay in Toronto permanently, without the fear that he has to leave behind the place that he called home for over 7 years.
I have known Igor for 5 years while being an instructor for the Toronto Windsurfing Club. He is a vital part of the windsurfing community as well as a wonderful social member. For a growing olympic sport within Toronto his board repair skill is irreplacable, from new beginners trying to keep their costs low in such an expensive sport to avid enthusiasts who need their favorite board fixed before the next windy day.
He also epitomises what a good citizen should be; outgoing, cheerful and responsible. He offers help or advice to anyone on the beach and is able to make a good joke or just the right conversation. He's also been great security at the club as he is often the last to leave and makes sure that peoples equipment is safely locked away.
I hope that Igor is given the chance to become a Canadian, I know we could use many more just like him.
John Darling said As a long-time past president and Board member of Toronto Windsurfing Club, I am appalled by the lack of effort of Immigration officials to grant Igor landed immigrant status. He has proven over the last decade to be a valuable member of the club and citizen of this country. He comes from a background of training Olympic windsurfers in the Ukraine and is thus well qualified to instruct at our club; he is also an expert on-side equipment repair person and as such is an invaluable member of our club. His contribution as a vital element in Canada's population would be a big plus for this country.
Igor is a kind, honest, helpful and reliable person. I have hardly ever seen him resting. When he is not sailing, he is always repairing boards or building some other original equipment. His contribution to the Toronto Windsurfing Club and the whole windsurfing community in Ontario is priceless. He well deserves to stay in Canada.
Igor is a great person, good friend and a big time specialist in a field of windsurfing. He does not say to anybody. He is always there for you. An A+ person with great hands and good heart Would not Canada be better if everybody was like him?
I was working on a letter of reference for Igor and have included some of this here. I thought I may have overdone the magnitude of his helpfulness to others, until I read this blog. It seems he has contributed even more time than I wrote about, as clearly pointed out here by others, so I will just confirm what you say and not include the lengthy but repeated details. It is refreshing and inspirational to see both the extent of his helpfulness to his fellow man and the extent of the efforts of many here who are trying to help him. What a great example he and you set for the world!
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I have been a Windsurfing instructor at the Toronto Windsurfing Club since 2007 and during this time I became very familiar with Igor Renkas, who spent a lot of time at the club. Igor always greets people with a smile and goes out of his way to help newer members with windsurfing knowledge. In addition, he offers to help all members repair and maintain their boards. He spends enormous amounts of time doing this and on almost any evening you can find him working on a board at the club.
In addition to all that he does for others, as so well detailed here by many of you, it is his ability to repair boards with materials and designs spanning 30 years, that makes him unique. Obviously having the board repaired at the club saves the member both cost and time for all boards. However, on the older boards Igor’s ideas and skills are unique. He is able to fix or modify boards that would be either impossible or far too costly to fix by those offering these services.
Igor is the kind of person that improves the quality of life for those around him and would be an asset for any community. He has a unique set of skills that cannot be replaced. One cannot have a better neighbour than Igor.
I have dealt with hundreds of staff from various countries via my company and hundreds of others, as I was a sailing and swimming instructor in my younger years. I have had the joy of experiencing many great people. Igor stands with the best of these.
Having been a member at the Toronto Windsurfing Club here in Toronto since 1983, I first met Igor approximately 8 or 9 years ago there. This would have been in Spring of either 2000 or 2001. We soon became friends, and since that time have sailed together frequently at the windsurfing club and in the winter on local frozen lakes with various type of equipment.
When our club has needed construction improvements to existing structures, storage requirements, and related repairs, Igor has always been the man asked to do the job. He has never failed to not only take care of any problems but to do it willingly & skilfully. As a result he become a respected and valued individual by the Club directors & members alike for his dedication, ideas and tireless efforts in completing any task asked of him. Asking nothing in return for his efforts, anything as a way of thanks coming his way has always been merely arbitrary.
Igor has always been innovative; over the years I have seen him enthusiastically at work on creative ideas with regards to windsurfing boards and winter-related snow and ice sailing gear. This interest is pursued not only for his own use...he has been always been keen on getting others to participate with him in a tandem experience on a windsurfer, one of which he funded out of his own pocket just for that purpose. No one else has put forth this idea in all the years I've been a club member. As a result any club member invited by Igor to sail tandem with him have thoroughly enjoyed it, as have I. It's easy to appreciate this, as from what's been shared with myself and others, his world and love of outdoor activity has for at least 2 decades been focused on wind sports (on the water or snow and ice) whether on equipment he has had to build by hand because of lack of production gear availability when still in the Ukraine...and even now, when he has hand-built all his own winter-related gear.
Igor has always been quick to help not only myself personally on occasions where some damage has occurred to one or another piece of sailing gear, but as well has never failed to help any other individual in need of some gear repair. In no case that I know of has anyone ever not been totally satisfied and pleased with the quality of his workmanship, dedication and diligence getting a job done ASAP. As I see it Mr. Renkas has established himself admirably well here in Canada; and frankly, I know many would agree wholeheartedly that Canada is the better for having him a citizen. He is known to be always reliable and can be counted on to tackle any repair job request. Yet, probably most importantly in my estimation is that his primary concern is ever the welfare of his family back in the Ukraine...as a provider for whatever their needs (inasmuch as he is able to tangibly extend himself given the physical distance between he and they) and he has never faltered in this regard, at least during my connection with him. On that note, when it comes to 'family', Igor treats not only his blood-family with dedication but also in a broader context...those he has come to know as friends here in Canada. One can only respect a man with such inborn sensibility, dedication and commitment.
Besides his dedication to excellence, it has become universally obvious that he is well-liked by those that have come to know him...he is quick to volunteer his time and knowledge to anyone who asks. Besides his devlish sense of humor, he is also extremely thoughtful, considerate of others, ever-ready to rise to the occasion when needed. Igor's English has improved greatly since I first met him, and he's always eager to learn, willing to stand corrected re 'meanings' of things, spelling etc. Humble. Steady as a rock. And hard working is a gross understatement. A definite asset to any group or community of which he is a member. I'm fortunate to be his friend, (and hough once my 'wife' as a TWC family member, I now consider him as my brother :)
If you wanna learn how to windsurf go to the wind surfing club on Cherry Beach and find Igor.That is what I was told and thats what I did.That is also how I met Igor who became my teacher and my friend.In a few short months I went from not standing on a board to actually surfing.Igor is a great teacher who is living and breathing windsurfing.If you have a question about equipment,windsurfing,or even something you lost on the beach-I bet you Igor has the answer.He is kind and patient and without him the club will never be the same. THank you Igor for giving me the gift of windsurfing
I've known Igor since I started to learn Snowfering-sailing on snow and ice. I always see him when me and my friend Charles sail in Lake Simcoe by Keswick.
Igor is good friend of mine, he was teaching me windsurfing, he fix few boards of mine and also always helped with any advice related to home renovation. He is very kind and helpful person. It would be a shame if Igor has to leave Canada..
Although I only became aware of Igor about five years ago, I have found him to be a warm, friendly, reliable and helpful friend at the Toronto Windsurfing Club.
He demonstrates an enviable work ethic in all his projects either personal or to assist others. He has helped me on several occasions to understand the more subtle controls on my race-board.
And he is an excellent and exciting wind/ice surfer.
In the few years I have known Igor, I have noticed a great improvement in his English capabilities.
I believe that Igor should be allowed to go through the immigration process without having to leave Cananda and officially become the Good Citizen that he actually is. Barry Holtzkener P.Eng. (retired)
I have known Igor since the spring of 2006 when my husband and I joined the Toronto Windsurfing Club. Since then, I have come to know Igor quite well. Igor is a caring, compassionate individual, always prepared to help others. So many times, my husband and I came back from an early spring or late fall kayaking/windsurfing afternoon to find a warm fire burning in the club house - thanks to Igor. He is dedicated to this sport and discipline as well as being very skilled at it. Igor's contributions to this growing sport and club are countless. He is a good role model and teacher for all newcomers to this club and sport; and Igor is always eager to share his knowledge and passion for the sport. I've observed him, many times, showing a less advanced windsurfer how to improve her/his skills. He is not only an excellent windsurfer, but he is also skilled at repairing and fixing all windsurfing equipment. He has, on many occasions, volunteered to repair my husband's boards and equipment, a service that is not readily available in our area and is greatly needed. Igor is a very hard worker and is not afraid of hard work; he does not hesitate to put aside his "fun time" to do whatever needs to be done around the club. Whenever something needs to get done, you can count on Igor,that it be chopping firewood for the avid winter surfers, cleaning the club, etc. On another level, I've also observed Igor working really hard to improve his communication skills,his English skills. Over the past two years, Igor has made great efforts to improve his spoken English. He encourages everyone to guide and correct him, and as a result, has shown greater confidence in his ability to communicate. And last, but not least, Igor's sense of humour and his ability to laugh at himself, constantly cheer up all club members, visitors, etc. Igor is always the first one to tell a good joke. In summary, I have no doubt that Igor has all the qualities and traits we so often refer to as Canadian. There is no doubt that Igor, if given the permission and all rights to become a full contributing member of our Canadian society, would not disappoint. He would become a model Canadian citizen. I am saddened to know the torment and anguish that Igor must be going through right now as he is facing this life changing decision which will be made for him. I remain hopeful that the right decision, the compassionate decision, the most Canadian one, will be made and that Igor will be able to continue contributing greatly to our community and be given a chance to experience being a rightful Canadian. As a naturalized Canadian myself, for many, many years, I truly know what this would mean.
Igor is a good friend of mine that I have known for over 5 years. He is always there for myself and everyone at the TWC, known as the "handyman." I am very proud to know him, he has tought me a lot. He has a kind heart and loves this country and certainly belongs here.
In echo of the many previous comments I know Igore as: friendly, out going, a great help, and selfless member of the club. As a director of the club I know that the TWC could not function without the countless hours volunteered by Igore. Also, as a beleiver that this club provides access to windsurfing to the entire community his expertise is greatly needed.
Igor Renkas is a tremendous person with a zest for life and talents this country needs. It would be a shame to lose a great person and team member to the trappings of the bureaucratic process. Igor is skilled, kind, self sufficient and has a colorful personality which could only enrich the lives of other Canadians. Shame on us as a country if we cannot find a way to keep a great person like Igor Renkas.
Am I ever glad I met Igor Renkas about 10 years ago, he introduced me to the windsurfing on the ice, an amazing sport, I thing is one of the best, if not the best. He is a very honest and frendly person, he helps a lot with this sport, his hands are like gold, he is amazing in bulding the different type of boards for the ice and in fixing the boards for the water, it will be a big lost for this sport that it is starting to grow. We also partecipate in one of the world icesurfing competition in 2004 on lake Couchichin. Canada needs people like this, windsurfing is an amazing sport that goes with the nature, we use the wind, not like the snowmobilers that pollute the hair and brake the peace of the lakes and nature, not to mention the axcidents that they caused from their speed and creziness. In conclusion we need Igor to stay with us to helpthis sport grow and instead send away all the snowmobilers. Thank you Igor you are grate
IMHO we need to promote the web-page http://igorrenkas.blogspot.com/. b'se Google does not reference it. I tried to google "igor renkas blog". The results do not contain "http://igorrenkas.blogspot.com/". As i heard Google includes a link in its database if the link is refernced on some other web-pages ( 10 or so ar least). If somebody has own web-site it would be nice to put on a start page the link to "http://igorrenkas.blogspot.com/".
I know Igor for almost 10 years. He is the one who give me lessons on windsurfing. Very good teacher. Clear visual explanation helped me to understand how wind, board and sail works together. Club needs more teachers like him. I hope that Igor is given the chance to become a Canadian, I know we could use many more just like him.
I know Igor for about ten years as an honest, hard working, down to Earth man. The lack of valid papers has separated him from his family for all this time. I wish him luck with his immigration process.
Igor is an invaluable member of TWC who is always willing to help to anyone making his first steps in sport or improving his skills. He is the only true handy man out there who does repair on all windsurfing gear with high professionalism and quality. Being a remarkable sportsmen for many many years he actively promotes new flavors of water and ice sports among community members. Toronto windsurfing community depends on such people! Beside this Igor is just a charismatic person and everybody is glad to meet him and chat occasionally.
I met Igor about 7 years ago, shortly after I joined the Toronto windsurfing Club. He helped improve my windsufing greatly, providing knowledgable advice and encouragement while I was on the water. Igor has has provided technical assistance to me on many occasions, helping repair my windsurfing boards, and passing on knowledge about board building and fiberglass construction techniques.
In 2008, when I was building a kitesurfing board, Igor provided me with detailed instruction on the selection of materials, where to purchase them, and most importantly how to build the board. I learned alot from this experience, and used what I learned from Igor in my profession. I work as a Research Medical Physicist, and used the board building techniques that I learned from him later on to build a foam shaped, fiberglass MRI compatible patient support table.
Igor is a smart, knowledegable, an inavaluable member of our club. He is a hardworking individual and the type of person that makes our society better.
Marcel Bradette St-Augustin de Des Maures Québec Canada
I know Igor Renkas since six years. He is a very good man and it is a very dedicated person, easy to get along with and very help-full. He is a very good citizen and canadian.
I know about his immigration situation and I still beleive he is a very good Canadian.
I asque you to help him to become officialy a true Canadian as he is already
Igor is a lot more than just a windsurfer. He is extremely talented designer. His award for best sled design at this years World Championship in Sagueney is the best proof of that. As a perfectionist he does his very best at design, manufacture, repair, and racing (without forgetting the most important, teaching the juniors).
As a Finnish citizen I may be a wrong guy to say that, but in my oppinion Canada would loose its best winter sailing equipment designer - at the times when the sport is growing as an alternative to poluting snow mobiles and giving reason for many people to travel north. I do not think that Igor would have such an excellent chance to create his wonderfull works as he does in Canada.
I sicerely hope to have a chance to continue competing against him in order to develop the sport further.
Feodor Gurvits FIN-413 Head on Union of Finnish Wintersailors
Igor is a good man!
ReplyDeleteHe has also fixed my board. It looks like brand new now. He is also the best equipment tuning and sailing tips advisor.
ReplyDeleteI have known Igor Renkas for about 10 years now, we first met at Toronto Windsurfing Club in year 2000 and have been good friends since then.
ReplyDeleteIgor is well-known among people involved in various water and winter sports here in Ontario and outside of the province as an avid sportsman.
Igor is probably one of the most popular members of the TWC because he is always ready to help others with advice and has some unique skills in board (and other equipment) repairing, a great chunk of the entire windsurfing board fleet of Ontario went through his creative and capable hands.
Very often Igor is the first in and the last out of the clubhouse and in my opinion he definitely deserves the MVM (Most Valuable Member) award for all the improvements he implemented at the club.
Outside of the club I know Igor as a dependable and hard-working person, good at his occupational activity as he helped me on numerous occasions with some general household repairs, and just a nice person with tremendous sense of humor.
I've met Igor Renkas soon after I've joined Toronto Windsurfing Club in 2002 and he helped me a lot in mastering my windsurfing skills with friendly advices - those were really helpful based on his unbelievable windsurfing expertise. He is always ready to help others not only sharing his knowledge, but also repairing boards on professional level and virtually free - his prices are a way lower than you can expect.
ReplyDeleteIgor is also well known between a people doing winter windsurfing/kiting here in Ontario and outside.
Igor is helping with a lot of improvements in TWC - virtually all year around - he often stays late and this definitely helps in providing protection of the TWC properties..
He is hardworking and real handyman - helped me a lot in my house repairs.
He's one of the few I've met in my life which I can depend on if needed.
Igor is a very down to earth and kind individual. If one would try and find fault with him, they would be trying for a very long time unsuccessfully.
ReplyDeleteEver since I have met Igor, I have seen him do things for people I have never seen before. Igor helps with windsurfing tips, helps members fix their equipment and even makes major repairs for less than minimum wage.
I once saw Igor charge someone $20 to fix their windsurf board which was enough to cover the costs of materials he used. That person was so grateful/insulted that he gave him more than he asked for.
I have seen him help some of my friends with difficult tasks in their homes free of charge. When he was offered money for his help, he refused and the friends insisted. Seems this is the only time he gets into arguements is when he is offered money to help someone.
He works tirelessly for the Club and has repaired the facilities and equipment an none or nominal cost.
I am not sure what the windsurfers in Ontario would do if they didn't have Igor to help fix their damaged equipment.
I am proud to have Igor as a friend and wish our society had more people like Igor. We are very blessed to have him at the Club and as a friend.
Alex G.
It was Igor who involved me into the amazing world of windsurfing. He helped me a lot while I was learning how to sail.
ReplyDeleteOleg O.
I've known Igor for several years now. I met him at the Toronto Windsurfing Club. He has helped members of my family with their equipment, and we have tandem windsurfed around Toronto Island in a regatta twice (we even won once). He is a remarkably affable and kind person, always willing to engage people in conversation about his favourite topics, and willing to help those in need of aid. In many ways, I've come to see Igor as an indispensable part of the club. The club without him just wouldn't be the same.
ReplyDeleteI have known Igor Renkas for close to 10 years. He is a very honest, helpful, hard working and down to earth individual. He has been active with Toronto Windsurfing Club for a number of years helping the Club with his technical skills in maintaining and fixing windsurfing equipment as well as the club facilities. He is a very dependable person and always ready to offer help to whom ever might need it. If he were not around, the Club, its members and other people who know him would be in serious trouble by missing his expertise and technical knowledge, his dedication, helpfulness and friendship. The world would be a better place if there were more people like him around us.
ReplyDeleteJan Wroblewski
nick antvch said:
ReplyDelete================
Once upon a time while racing(~~,FD) i saw a few sailing clubs from inside. It looks like that each other florishing sailing club have(must have) a few persons which may be called as "team souls". Those are not managers, racers, team leaders.
They just live in the sailing and "infecting" others around with the spirit of those oldy times when people used to say "Navigare necesse est, vivere not est necesse", when a certain Mr./Don Giovanni Caboto discovered what was later named Newfoundland, when sails were huge and white.
So in order to be short let me just say - "to saling!", "to Igor!".
To Whom It May Concern:
ReplyDeleteI first met Igor Renkas at a volunteer run not-for-profit windsurf club in Toronto.
Mr. Renkas is honest, sincere, hard-working and contributes to our Club and to the sport of windsurfing in numerous ways. In fact, Igor contributes so much to the Toronto Area Winsurfing Community, that quite frankly, many of us would be very adversely affected without Mr. Renkas around – we’d feel a great sense of loss without him.
For example, just try to get a knowledgeable person to help you fix your windsurf equipment. Ask the most windsurfers and they’ll send you to Igor – and there aren’t too many people around with his capable expertise and willingness to lend a hand.
Igor’s enthusiasm for the sport is unsurpassed and infectious – we all enjoy windsurfing that much more when Igor is around.
It doesn’t end there. Igor tirelessly contributes to the maintenance and well-being our Club. So much so that his countless volunteer hours might even surpass those of all our other members combined!
But most importantly, one cannot know Igor for very long without recognizing this man’s honesty, integrity and goodwill towards others. Always there to lend a hand, someone who will stand behind you in tough times and someone who is always looking out for everyone – I’ve met few people in this world whom I am more privileged to call a friend.
I believe that Igor is exactly the kind of person we should strive to keep in our community.
If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact me.
Niv Froehlich
nivf007@yahoo.ca
To whom this may concern,
ReplyDeleteIt has saddened me to learn that Igor may be required to leave our wonderful city, province and country due to our current political system.
Igor is a wonderful example of the colour, personality and flare our country has risen to the top of the world's stage to welcome and call home here in Canada.
I was introduced to Igor several years ago. He is an admired asset of the Toronto Windsurfing Club. I have come to know him not only as an extremely sincere, enthusiastic and honest volunteer at the club, but also as a significant contributor to the atmosphere of the not-for-profit organization.
He brings a skill set to teach others the challenging techniques of windsurfing complimented with his skills of equipment repair which he offers both of with infinite patience and selflessness.
We should only be so lucky to welcome more people with the integrity and morals that Igor brings to our community.
Warmest regards,
Jason Mednick
jason@wireballcreative.com
During the last seven years of my involvement in Toronto Windsurfing Club operation, I got a chance to know closely Igor and to learn what a great athlete and exciting person he is.
ReplyDeleteHis expertise in mechanics, equipment repair, facilities maintenance and sailing is bringing tremendous value to our club. As a true windsurfing ambassador and a role model for other members he helped tremendously to our participants from the beginners to experts teaching and guiding them from safety and basics, to racing and tuning tips.
He is also one of the pioneers bringing us the ice and snow sailing and extending club activities from the short seasonal to all year round proving on the best way his creativity and unstoppable passion to explore and know more.
I had many, many times, faced Igor’s incredible work ethic, his real unselfish character and willpower to do the right thing when most needed.
We all value his special qualities and effort invested in our every day’s challenges, and thankfully look forward to share his spirit and determination.
Ivan Dimic,
Learn to Windsurf Coordinator
It has been my pleasure to know Igor Renkas for 10 years.
ReplyDeleteAs a member of the TWC, I have watched him share his expertise and his time with member after member. His taciturn nature belies a generosity of spirit that enrich us all. Canada and our club would benefit from welcoming more people like Igor.
I know Igor for almost 4 years. He is the one of the first people I met in the windsurfing club and he is the first person who introduced me to windsurfing. Igor has been supporting me in my first steps in windsurfing. He was fixing my boards and suggesting right equipment for me. If I have a question or I need help Igor would be the first person I ask. He is a great guy and excellent windsurfer.
ReplyDeleteI have known Igor since he came to our Windsurfing Club some 10 years ago. He is a hard worker who is always willing to help a friend in need. He has helped me on numerous occasions with his knowledge, tools and skills to fix things I could not do by myself. He even helped me fix my old van a few times!
ReplyDeleteHe is an excellent sailor, cheerful and a great guy to have around.
Canada has been built by people of his caliber and we should welcome him and people like him at any time to enrich our country.
I hope that the Immigration Review Board takes good character in consideration and lets him stay with us.
Igor is an asset to our community, our country and our windsurfing club. He is friendly, has a great sense of humour and is always willing to help. He has many, many friends who stand behind him and support him unselfishly through his immigration process. He poses no threat to our economy or national security, and he should be given an every opportunity to establish himself as a landed immigrant. I would hope that Immigration Canada would have some decency on a humanitarian level to allow Igor to remain in Canada.
ReplyDeleteI know Igor for 3 years. He is a great windsurfer and helpfull and open person. Igor have to stay in Canada.
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Elena Kuznetsova
elena.kuznetsova@gmail.com
I know Igor for 5 years. He is a good man. He helps without waiting anything in return. He helped me a couple of times, once when I was struggling with the storm and when my daggerboard was stuck. He is a well experienced trades person in a much needed industry and contributes to the Canadian Economy. I have always admired Canada for it's inclusion of hard working people that makes a difference. Igor is one of them.
ReplyDeleteSavas Alic savasalic@gmail.com
No one in our area has the knowledge and technical skills regarding windsurfing equipment to fill Igor's shoes. Igor is a valuable member of our community. He would leave an enormous void in our club if he was to deported.
ReplyDeleteSince relocating in Keswick, Igor often comes by and visits on his way to the lake to go icesurfing. His company is always welcome with our family. He is often insightful with plenty of inovative ideas as well as his keen sense of humor.
ReplyDeleteWhen Igor is at the Toronto Windsurfing Club, and he is not sailing, he is busy helping members with equipment problems, offering sailing tips and encouragement, all with a ready smile. I've always felt welcomed by him when my family and I are there.
Igor is a respected member at the club as his knowledge and experience is highly regarded. He is always trusted to give honest advice along with tried and tested techniques to help improve the enjoyment of the sport.
Who could fill his shoes at the club if Igor were to leave?
Dina Brands
dnabrand@uniserve.com
I can't think of a better candidate for Canada to allow official immigration status. I knew Igor from 1997 to 2005 while I was a club member. I have worked with Igor numerous times doing various volunteer jobs at the club. I have sailed with him and admire his talent. I've socialized with him and found him to be friendly and good to talk to. He is a geniunely nice, considerate, helpful, positive, and reliable person. As others have commented he does great repair work on equipment and is extremely fair with what he charges. I do not know the criteria for immigration status is but if it has anything to do with a person making a difference, being self employed, being a good person, and having a great work ethic then Igor should be approved.
ReplyDeleteSincerely Scott Marshall
Igor Renkas has been a tremendous resource to us at Silent Sports especially for board repairs which are performed efficiently and economically.
ReplyDeleteIgor is an honest, hard-working and helpful member of our society who provides unique services to the windsurfing community.
Bruce Johnston
bruce@silentsports.com
When I started sailing from the Cherry Beach Windsurfing club, I had no instruction and needed help. Igor helped me so much that I assumed that was his job as an employee of the club. That assistance made me much more comfortable with my problems and caused me to join the club. I found out later that he was just being helpful and not an employee of the club.
ReplyDeleteIgor is frequently working hard repairing boards or anything else that needs repair. He has repaired my board; I would have been at a loss for repair without him. His presence is of great benifit for the approximately 500 members of the club.
This last summer I introduced both of my children to sailing from the club. Being able to consult an experience and capable person such as Igor increased my confidence.
An honest person with a good civic sense and an great work ethic that automatically finds a productive place in a community helps build the type of society that Canada should strive to build. Canada needs many more people like Igor.
The loss of Igor would be a loss to the many people of the club and a loss to Canada.
Sincerely, Jack Feder, Professional Engineer
I feel privileged to call Igor my friend! I've known him for ten years and got to know him well. He is the type of individual whom any country should be proud to call its citizen. I sincerely hope that he gets a well deserved chance to continue to build our country!
ReplyDeleteRegards, Tibor
Igor is an outsatnding individual. He is couragous, thoughtful, and viryuous. I have known Igor for nearly 20 years and I will vouch for his character.
ReplyDeleteHe is industrious, and sadly for me, hard to beat on the race course.
We do NOT want to lose Igor. Please make sure that he can stay in Canada. He is an example of someone that you want to have around.
William Tuthill,President, W.I.S.S.A.
The World Ice and Snow Sailing Association
I have known Igor for about 4 years, he is well-educated, professional windsurfer, great coach and excellent friend as he always trying to assist in learning windsurfing, fixing boards, sails and other equipment and he spends a lot of time in windsurfing club like a security guard to protect club's premises. I think Igor is very valuable member of windsurfing club and deserves to be considered as candidate for land-immigrant visa status.
ReplyDeleteI have known Igor for about 7 years, and he is one of those people who you want to have in your community. He's integrity, honesty, good attitude to life in general is matched by his skills of being able to fix anything. He is the perfect Customer Service/Self Employed person who we want and really need.
ReplyDeleteIgor did a lot of good volunteer work for the Club, without expecting anything in return. I hope that he will be able to stay in Toronto permanently, without the fear that he has to leave behind the place that he called home for over 7 years.
Andrew
I have known Igor for several years now. He is a great man and valueable member of society.
ReplyDeleteHe is always willing to help anyone who requires help.
I have known Igor for 5 years while being an instructor for the Toronto Windsurfing Club. He is a vital part of the windsurfing community as well as a wonderful social member. For a growing olympic sport within Toronto his board repair skill is irreplacable, from new beginners trying to keep their costs low in such an expensive sport to avid enthusiasts who need their favorite board fixed before the next windy day.
ReplyDeleteHe also epitomises what a good citizen should be; outgoing, cheerful and responsible. He offers help or advice to anyone on the beach and is able to make a good joke or just the right conversation. He's also been great security at the club as he is often the last to leave and makes sure that peoples equipment is safely locked away.
I hope that Igor is given the chance to become a Canadian, I know we could use many more just like him.
John Darling said
ReplyDeleteAs a long-time past president and Board member of Toronto Windsurfing Club, I am appalled by the lack of effort of Immigration officials to grant Igor landed immigrant status.
He has proven over the last decade to be a valuable member of the club and citizen of this country. He comes from a background of training Olympic windsurfers in the Ukraine and is thus well qualified to instruct at our club; he is also an expert on-side equipment repair person and as such is an invaluable member of our club.
His contribution as a vital element in Canada's population would be a big plus for this country.
Igor is a kind, honest, helpful and reliable person. I have hardly ever seen him resting. When he is not sailing, he is always repairing boards or building some other original equipment. His contribution to the Toronto Windsurfing Club and the whole windsurfing community in Ontario is priceless. He well deserves to stay in Canada.
ReplyDeleteIgor is a great person, good friend and a big time specialist in a field of windsurfing. He does not say to anybody. He is always there for you.
ReplyDeleteAn A+ person with great hands and good heart
Would not Canada be better if everybody was like him?
Tony Bailey:
ReplyDeleteI was working on a letter of reference for Igor and have included some of this here. I thought I may have overdone the magnitude of his helpfulness to others, until I read this blog. It seems he has contributed even more time than I wrote about, as clearly pointed out here by others, so I will just confirm what you say and not include the lengthy but repeated details. It is refreshing and inspirational to see both the extent of his helpfulness to his fellow man and the extent of the efforts of many here who are trying to help him. What a great example he and you set for the world!
-------------------
I have been a Windsurfing instructor at the Toronto Windsurfing Club since 2007 and during this time I became very familiar with Igor Renkas, who spent a lot of time at the club. Igor always greets people with a smile and goes out of his way to help newer members with windsurfing knowledge. In addition, he offers to help all members repair and maintain their boards. He spends enormous amounts of time doing this and on almost any evening you can find him working on a board at the club.
In addition to all that he does for others, as so well detailed here by many of you, it is his ability to repair boards with materials and designs spanning 30 years, that makes him unique. Obviously having the board repaired at the club saves the member both cost and time for all boards. However, on the older boards Igor’s ideas and skills are unique. He is able to fix or modify boards that would be either impossible or far too costly to fix by those offering these services.
Igor is the kind of person that improves the quality of life for those around him and would be an asset for any community. He has a unique set of skills that cannot be replaced. One cannot have a better neighbour than Igor.
I have dealt with hundreds of staff from various countries via my company and hundreds of others, as I was a sailing and swimming instructor in my younger years. I have had the joy of experiencing many great people. Igor stands with the best of these.
Having been a member at the Toronto Windsurfing Club here in Toronto since 1983, I first met Igor approximately 8 or 9 years ago there. This would have been in Spring of either 2000 or 2001. We soon became friends, and since that time have sailed together frequently at the windsurfing club and in the winter on local frozen lakes with various type of equipment.
ReplyDeleteWhen our club has needed construction improvements to existing structures, storage requirements, and related repairs, Igor has always been the man asked to do the job. He has never failed to not only take care of any problems but to do it willingly & skilfully. As a result he become a respected and valued individual by the Club directors & members alike for his dedication, ideas and tireless efforts in completing any task asked of him. Asking nothing in return for his efforts, anything as a way of thanks coming his way has always been merely arbitrary.
Igor has always been innovative; over the years I have seen him enthusiastically at work on creative ideas with regards to windsurfing boards and winter-related snow and ice sailing gear. This interest is pursued not only for his own use...he has been always been keen on getting others to participate with him in a tandem experience on a windsurfer, one of which he funded out of his own pocket just for that purpose. No one else has put forth this idea in all the years I've been a club member.
As a result any club member invited by Igor to sail tandem with him have thoroughly enjoyed it, as have I. It's easy to appreciate this, as from what's been shared with myself and others, his world and love of outdoor activity has for at least 2 decades been focused on wind sports (on the water or snow and ice) whether on equipment he has had to build by hand because of lack of production gear availability when still in the Ukraine...and even now, when he has hand-built all his own winter-related gear.
Igor has always been quick to help not only myself personally on occasions where some damage has occurred to one or another piece of sailing gear, but as well has never failed to help any other individual in need of some gear repair. In no case that I know of has anyone ever not been totally satisfied and pleased with the quality of his workmanship, dedication and diligence getting a job done ASAP.
As I see it Mr. Renkas has established himself admirably well here in Canada; and frankly, I know many would agree wholeheartedly that Canada is the better for having him a citizen. He is known to be always reliable and can be counted on to tackle any repair job request.
Yet, probably most importantly in my estimation is that his primary concern is ever the welfare of his family back in the Ukraine...as a provider for whatever their needs (inasmuch as he is able to tangibly extend himself given the physical distance between he and they) and he has never faltered in this regard, at least during my connection with him. On that note, when it comes to 'family', Igor treats not only his blood-family with dedication but also in a broader context...those he has come to know as friends here in Canada. One can only respect a man with such inborn sensibility, dedication and commitment.
Besides his dedication to excellence, it has become universally obvious that he is well-liked by those that have come to know him...he is quick to volunteer his time and knowledge to anyone who asks. Besides his devlish sense of humor, he is also extremely thoughtful, considerate of others, ever-ready to rise to the occasion when needed. Igor's English has improved greatly since I first met him, and he's always eager to learn, willing to stand corrected re 'meanings' of things, spelling etc. Humble. Steady as a rock. And hard working is a gross understatement. A definite asset to any group or community of which he is a member. I'm fortunate to be his friend, (and hough once my 'wife' as a TWC family member, I now consider him as my brother :)
Byron
Tatiana Seniv,
ReplyDeleteIf you wanna learn how to windsurf go to the wind surfing club on Cherry Beach and find Igor.That is what I was told and thats what I did.That is also how I met Igor who became my teacher and my friend.In a few short months I went from not standing on a board to actually surfing.Igor is a great teacher who is living and breathing windsurfing.If you have a question about equipment,windsurfing,or even something you lost on the beach-I bet you Igor has the answer.He is kind and patient and without him the club will never be the same.
THank you Igor for giving me the gift of windsurfing
I've known Igor since I started to learn Snowfering-sailing on snow and ice. I always see him when me and my friend Charles sail in Lake Simcoe by Keswick.
ReplyDeleteVery nice person to know and a true sportsman.
Susan
susan@snowfer.com
Igor is good friend of mine, he was teaching me windsurfing, he fix few boards of mine and also always helped with any advice related to home renovation. He is very kind and helpful person. It would be a shame if Igor has to leave Canada..
ReplyDeleteArthur Markovsky
Although I only became aware of Igor about five years ago, I have found him to be a warm, friendly, reliable and helpful friend at the Toronto Windsurfing Club.
ReplyDeleteHe demonstrates an enviable work ethic in all his projects either personal or to assist others.
He has helped me on several occasions to understand the more subtle controls on my race-board.
And he is an excellent and exciting wind/ice surfer.
In the few years I have known Igor, I have noticed a great improvement in his English capabilities.
I believe that Igor should be allowed to go through the immigration process without having to leave Cananda and officially become the Good Citizen that he actually is.
Barry Holtzkener P.Eng. (retired)
To Whom it may concern:
ReplyDeleteI have known Igor since the spring of 2006 when my husband and I joined the Toronto Windsurfing Club. Since then, I have come to know Igor quite well.
Igor is a caring, compassionate individual, always prepared to help others. So many times, my husband and I came back from an early spring or late fall kayaking/windsurfing afternoon to find a warm fire burning in the club house - thanks to Igor.
He is dedicated to this sport and discipline as well as being very skilled at it. Igor's contributions to this growing sport and club are countless.
He is a good role model and teacher for all newcomers to this club and sport; and Igor is always eager to share his knowledge and passion for the sport. I've observed him, many times, showing a less advanced windsurfer how to improve her/his skills.
He is not only an excellent windsurfer, but he is also skilled at repairing and fixing all windsurfing equipment. He has, on many occasions, volunteered to repair my husband's boards and equipment, a service that is not readily available in our area and is greatly needed.
Igor is a very hard worker and is not afraid of hard work; he does not hesitate to put aside his "fun time" to do whatever needs to be done around the club. Whenever something needs to get done, you can count on Igor,that it be chopping firewood for the avid winter surfers, cleaning the club, etc.
On another level, I've also observed Igor working really hard to improve his communication skills,his English skills. Over the past two years, Igor has made great efforts to improve his spoken English. He encourages everyone to guide and correct him, and as a result, has shown greater confidence in his ability to communicate.
And last, but not least, Igor's sense of humour and his ability to laugh at himself, constantly cheer up all club members, visitors, etc. Igor is always the first one to tell a good joke.
In summary, I have no doubt that Igor has all the qualities and traits we so often refer to as Canadian. There is no doubt that Igor, if given the permission and all rights to become a full contributing member of our Canadian society, would not disappoint. He would become a model Canadian citizen.
I am saddened to know the torment and anguish that Igor must be going through right now as he is facing this life changing decision which will be made for him.
I remain hopeful that the right decision, the compassionate decision, the most Canadian one, will be made and that Igor will be able to continue contributing greatly to our community and be given a chance to experience being a rightful Canadian. As a naturalized Canadian myself, for many, many years, I truly know what this would mean.
Sincerely,
Christine David
Igor is a good friend of mine that I have known for over 5 years. He is always there for myself and everyone at the TWC, known as the "handyman." I am very proud to know him, he has tought me a lot. He has a kind heart and loves this country and certainly belongs here.
ReplyDeleteBest regards,
Lee Sousa
In echo of the many previous comments I know Igore as: friendly, out going, a great help, and selfless member of the club. As a director of the club I know that the TWC could not function without the countless hours volunteered by Igore. Also, as a beleiver that this club provides access to windsurfing to the entire community his expertise is greatly needed.
ReplyDeleteThanks Igore.
Rowan Cainer.
Igor Renkas is a tremendous person with a zest for life and talents this country needs. It would be a shame to lose a great person and team member to the trappings of the bureaucratic process. Igor is skilled, kind, self sufficient and has a colorful personality which could only enrich the lives of other Canadians. Shame on us as a country if we cannot find a way to keep a great person like Igor Renkas.
ReplyDeleteAm I ever glad I met Igor Renkas about 10 years ago, he introduced me to the windsurfing on the ice, an amazing sport, I thing is one of the best, if not the best. He is a very honest and frendly person, he helps a lot with this sport, his hands are like gold, he is amazing in bulding the different type of boards for the ice and in fixing the boards for the water, it will be a big lost for this sport that it is starting to grow. We also partecipate in one of the world icesurfing competition in 2004 on lake Couchichin.
ReplyDeleteCanada needs people like this, windsurfing is an amazing sport that goes with the nature, we use the wind, not like the snowmobilers that pollute the hair and brake the peace of the lakes and nature, not to mention the axcidents that they caused from their speed and creziness.
In conclusion we need Igor to stay with us to helpthis sport grow and instead send away all the snowmobilers. Thank you Igor you are grate
nick antvch said:
ReplyDelete================
hello everybody,
IMHO we need to promote the web-page http://igorrenkas.blogspot.com/.
b'se Google does not reference it. I tried to google "igor renkas blog".
The results do not contain "http://igorrenkas.blogspot.com/".
As i heard Google includes a link in its database if the link is refernced on some other web-pages ( 10 or so ar least). If somebody has own web-site it would be nice to put on a start page the link to "http://igorrenkas.blogspot.com/".
I know Igor for almost 10 years. He is the one who give me lessons on windsurfing. Very good teacher. Clear visual explanation helped me to understand how wind, board and sail works together. Club needs more teachers like him.
ReplyDeleteI hope that Igor is given the chance to become a Canadian, I know we could use many more just like him.
I know Igor for about ten years as an honest, hard working, down to Earth man. The lack of valid papers has separated him from his family for all this time. I wish him luck with his immigration process.
ReplyDelete--Alexander Kolomietz
I know him for some time - he is good guy - allways willing to help.
ReplyDeleteAndrey Chuchulo
Igor is an invaluable member of TWC who is always willing to help to anyone making his first steps in sport or improving his skills. He is the only true handy man out there who does repair on all windsurfing gear with high professionalism and quality. Being a remarkable sportsmen for many many years he actively promotes new flavors of water and ice sports among community members.
ReplyDeleteToronto windsurfing community depends on such people!
Beside this Igor is just a charismatic person and everybody is glad to meet him and chat occasionally.
I vote for Igor!
Regards,
Andy.
I met Igor about 7 years ago, shortly after I joined the Toronto windsurfing Club. He helped improve my windsufing greatly, providing knowledgable advice and encouragement while I was on the water. Igor has has provided technical assistance to me on many occasions, helping repair my windsurfing boards, and passing on knowledge about board building and fiberglass construction techniques.
ReplyDeleteIn 2008, when I was building a kitesurfing board, Igor provided me with detailed instruction on the selection of materials, where to purchase them, and most importantly how to build the board. I learned alot from this experience, and used what I learned from Igor in my profession. I work as a Research Medical Physicist, and used the board building techniques that I learned from him later on to build a foam shaped, fiberglass MRI compatible patient support table.
Igor is a smart, knowledegable, an inavaluable member of our club. He is a hardworking individual and the type of person that makes our society better.
Philip Komljenovic
Marcel Bradette
ReplyDeleteSt-Augustin de Des Maures
Québec Canada
I know Igor Renkas since six years. He is a very good man and it is a very dedicated person, easy to get along with and very help-full. He is a very good citizen and canadian.
I know about his immigration situation and I still beleive he is a very good Canadian.
I asque you to help him to become officialy a true Canadian as he is already
Tank you for you attention
Marcel Bradette
Igor is an inspiration to all of us. He is an important part of out community. PLEASE work out a way to keep him in Canada!
ReplyDeleteIgor is a lot more than just a windsurfer. He is extremely talented designer. His award for best sled design at this years World Championship in Sagueney is the best proof of that. As a perfectionist he does his very best at design, manufacture, repair, and racing (without forgetting the most important, teaching the juniors).
ReplyDeleteAs a Finnish citizen I may be a wrong guy to say that, but in my oppinion Canada would loose its best winter sailing equipment designer - at the times when the sport is growing as an alternative to poluting snow mobiles and giving reason for many people to travel north. I do not think that Igor would have such an excellent chance to create his wonderfull works as he does in Canada.
I sicerely hope to have a chance to continue competing against him in order to develop the sport further.
Feodor Gurvits
FIN-413
Head on Union of Finnish Wintersailors
I have only met Igor a few times, but I would have to agree with the above posts. Always helpful, knowledgable and friendly. Bring us more Igors!
ReplyDeleteK
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ReplyDelete