18th August, 2008
The 1st International Canoeing Marathon in Kenya will be from 5-8 November, 2008 starting from Malindi to Mombasa by sea. The event which was launched in Mombasa at the Tudor Water Resort in June has already drawn a lot of international attention and will see several renowned canoeists including Italy’s World Canoeing Champion Francesco Gambella and Kenyan champion Seif Patwa go round Mombasa Island on kayaks.
The themes for this year’s race will be: “Challenge your Horizon” and “Give the Gift of Water".
The Marathon is not all adventure and ocean waves but has also a social responsibility component whereby part of the proceedings raised from the event will go towards the AMREF’s water and sanitation activities at the Coast; specifically the Malindi school health project. Speaking at the launch of the event in June this year, the team Leader of the Italian Canoeing team Mr Francesco Gambella was optimistic that the event would be successful. “I am really looking forward to a fruitful event with very good participation”, he said.
International teams from Kenya, South Africa and France are expected to participate. Corporate teams of 4 are also encouraged to register for this exciting event.
The Kenyan government has given notable support to this event with the Ministries of Sports and Tourism throwing their full weight behind it. This is a Fundraising initiative of AMREF in Italy supported by AMREF in Kenya.
Background Information:The 1st International Canoeing Marathon being held in Kenya continues to attract global attention. Preparations are in full swing in Mombasa the HQ of the Canoeing Marathon as several sponsors have recently come forward to support this Canoeing marathon in a variety of ways: Mwembe Beach Resort in Malindi will be the start of the Canoeing Marathon and participants will be accommodated for one night at the luxurious Mwembe Beach Resort. The Team Leader of the Italian Canoeing team Mr Francesco Gambella - has released the provisional list of his high powered team led by Olympic Champion Mr Danielle Scarpa who won Olympic Medals in Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996 , Fabio Columban, Alessandro Indragoli, Enrico Contu and female Kayaker, Alessandra Angioi supported by TV Crew from Rai International TV and photojournalists Alessandro Pirina, Enrico Marconi and Bruno Liconti. The final teams from South Africa, France and Kenya are expected to be made known in late August after the Olympic Games in Beijing, China where Mathews Lidaywa from Kenya is participating in the Olympic Sport of Rowing. This will be 2nd successive participation for Kenya in Rowing at the Beijing Olympic Games Supporters so far: Ministry of Tourism – Kenya, Tourism Trust Fund , Mwembe Beach Resort , Restaurant Il Covo, Restaurant Aquamarine, Ascot Residences, Rai TV -Italy Mnararani Club and Africa Quest Safaris Interested Sponsors:Sponsors are invited to support this very exciting and adventure filled Canoeing Marathon event to promote sports tourism while supporting Drinking water Project for schools in Malindi through AMREF in Kenya. Opportunities exist for complete branding of Kayaks to be used for the Canoeing Marathon through mutually beneficial arrangements. To be part of this exciting event, you can contact:
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