Akkada is an athletic club based in Campbellton, dedicated to the love of dogs and the sport of long-distance mushing. Founded by a couple with a passion for canine companionship, the club boasts a pack of around thirty dogs that compete in various national and international competitions each winter. The name Akkada Mot MicMac, meaning abundance, harks back to the origins of Acadia and is situated atop the renowned Upsalquich hill in the New Brunswick Appalachians.
With a successful 2018-2019 season under their belt, including participation in the Yukon Quest and a podium finish in the Can-Am-Crown 250, the focus of Akkada has shifted towards aiming for the podium at the Yukon Quest. They plan to participate in the race every odd-numbered year until 2029, allowing a year in between each attempt to fine-tune their canine team and select the best dogs from their up-and-coming generation.
To achieve their goal for the Yukon Quest 2023, Akkada must compete in several preliminary races, including the John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon in Duluth, the Canadian Challenge International Sled dog Race in Ek Ridge, the Can-Am Crown 250 in Fort Kent, and the Chics-Chocs race in New Richmond. These races serve as a training ground for the dogs and a test of their abilities before taking on the ultimate challenge of the Yukon Quest.
Akkada acknowledges that achieving their objectives would not be possible without the support of financial partners who believe in their mission of developing and nurturing their canine athletes and striving for excellence in the sport. Contributions help cover the costs associated with training, equipment, and travel, enabling Akkada to continue promoting their passion for sled dogs on a regional, provincial, national, and international level.
If you are interested in supporting Akkada or would like more information about their projects, feel free to contact the founders, Rmy Leduc, Katherine Langlais, or Sylvain Lebel. Your encouragement and support are greatly appreciated by the Akkada team as they work towards their goals and represent their province and county with pride in the world of competitive mushing.