Gainey’s is building relationships with a local college and its students through support of the Concrete Canoe competition.

Gainey’s recently helped fund the University of Louisiana-Lafayette team during its participation in a regional competition. Gainey’s staff members also provided technical advice as allowed under the rules.

“We wouldn’t have been anywhere near close to competing without Gainey’s help,” Louisiana-Lafayette civil engineering student Madonna Saad wrote to Gainey’s. “This chance meant the world to us, especially to my teammates who are graduating and never got the chance to compete in the past. Thank you again, and please let me know if you guys are interested in becoming our sponsors again next year!”

Gainey’s President Greg Roache said the company was happy to help.

“We got as much out of this with our sponsorship and guidance as they did,” Roache said.

The ASCE Concrete Canoe National Competition provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on practical experience while testing their skills with concrete mix designs and project management skills. Known as the “America’s Cup of Civil Engineering,” the competition combines engineering excellence, hydrodynamic design and racing technique. The NPCA Foundation, a sponsor of the American Society of Civil Engineers Concrete Canoe National Competition, provides scholarships to help teams offset the construction and travel costs.

NPCA distributes 10 $500 scholarships each year to Concrete Canoe teams. The 2023 finals are June 10-12 at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, where 21 teams will vie for the title.