Black Tie Gala Ball

The gala ball it is in the Kings Hall on Saturday 15 October.  A table would be for 10 x £45 but they it may be possible to sit 12 if needed.
 

The charity has just been given the privlege of hosting the Irish paralympic team for 2012. 

Some of the auction items available are:

A signed Van Morrison fedora
 
A beautiful print of Down Royal signed by all the top National Hunt Jockeys, Ruby Walsh, Barry Gerarghty, Niall Conlon etc (Grand National winners)
 
Northern Ireland chef of the year to come to your house for a dinner party
 
A piece of Michael Schumakers F1 car
 
Signed football and rugby shirts
 
Signed Pete Goss book
 
Possibility of a couple of MTV Music Award tickets
 
Possibility of a corporate box at Down Royal
 
We will also have a raffle with things like car and 4 passengers on the Stena Line, Space NK items, hopefully a couple of flights etc. It should be a wonderful evening with your support it will hopefully be a great one.

Please contact CANI at office@cani.org.uk for more information. We hope to see 

Erne Paddlers Marathon Race

40 paddlers took part in the first ever Erne Paddlers Marathon Race with took place on Lough Erne on Sunday (18 September) including the current K1 and K2 champion Neil Flemming.  This was a good turn out considering the windy weather that made the conditions tough for the paddlers while many of the local canoe club members were busy ensuring the event ran smoothly, meaning they were not able to compete.

The marathon started at the Round "O" before travelling up the the Killyhevlin straight and the returning with some of the local paddlers that did take part"enjoying" these extreme distances for a first time.

The long course K1 race was won by Celbridge Canoe Club's Neil Flemming the current British K1 and K2 champion with Salmon Leap's (Lexlip) Pedro Loppez a close second.

The K2 event was won by Kilcullen Canoe Club's John Cahil and Dave McDonnell with Erne Paddlers' father and son combination Gerry and Darragh Murphy second and Belfast Canoe Club's Ben Dooley and Ray Sweetlove finishing third.

The Seakayak race was won by Bob Coulter of Belfast Canoe Club with Erne Paddlers' Harry Harrington second and local man Julian Dunlop swapping his cycle shoes for a paddle to take third.
A special mention must go to Olivia Murphy from Kilcullen Canoe Club who completed the race five weeks after giving birth to her son.

Erne Paddler Gerry Murphy who helped organise and competed in the event reflected, "The feedback from all the competitors was that this was an excellently run event and they will all be back next year for an even bigger and better event.  So, we will hope to build on this success.

 Anyone looking for information on Erne Paddlers can log on to www.ernepaddlers.org.uk.   A special thanks must go to Portora Boat club for providing safety launches.  The club would also like to thank our sponsors; P McNulty and Sons, Robert Dickie and Sons, North South Marine and Leisure, Nature's Choice, The Devenish Bar, Dollakis Restaurant and Corralea Activity Centre."

A Brief History of The Nominations

The Torch Trophy Trust was founded in 1962 by the late Commander Bill Collins RN Retd., the organiser of the 1948 Olympic Torch Relay from Olympia in Greece to Wembley in London.   The Torch Trophy Trust is a charitable organisation, whose main aim is to encourage voluntary work in sport and other related outdoor activities within local communities.

In 1948 two Olympic Torches made for the final runner, designed by Ralph Lavers, made by E.M.I Ltd and donated to the Organising Committee of the XIV Olympic Games.   After the 1948 Olympic Games one Torch was presented to the International Olympic Committee for display in their Museum in Lausanne and the second Torch was presented to Commander Collins, who in turn presented it to the Trust.   It is this Olympic Torch that is the Trust’s symbol.  

It was while Commander Collins was Honorary Development Secretary of the Amateur Athletic Association that the Trust was conceived.   As a result of his experiences in amateur athletics, it was evident that no matter how successful he or the organisation was in persuading Local Authorities to provide better sporting facilities, all their efforts were wasted if more voluntary work could not be encouraged at club or local level.   Commander Collins believed that the Olympic ideal symbolised by the Torch could also be the inspiration for men and women working quietly in their own small corners of the world of sport.   Over the next few years, with the help of others, he refined the aims of a Trust that would adequately recognise these people.   During this period Commander Collins approached many leading figures in sport and persuaded some of them to join him.   Among them was Sir Arthur Porritt, who became the Trust’s first Chairman, Sir Stanley Rous and The Revd. David Sheppard.   Leading sporting bodies were also supportive of a Trust that would help to focus attention on voluntary officials and workers.

The inaugural meeting of the Trust was held in 1962 and a Press Conference was held on 4^th December 1962, when the establishment of the Trust was formally announced by Sir Stanley Rous and those present received a message of encouragement for the aims of the Trust from The Duke of Edinburgh, on his return from the Perth Commonwealth Games.

The first miniature Torch Trophy was presented to Arthur Davies in August 1963, in recognition of over three decades of voluntary service to the South West Manchester Cricket Club.   From that time until 1971, working through Governing Bodies of Sport in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, ten Awards were made each year.   In 1972 links were established with the National Playing Fields Association, which undertook the Trust’s administration and, thereafter, miniature trophies were also awarded to those who had given outstanding service to County Playing Fields Associations.  

In the late 70’s the Trust extended the invitations to submit nominations to include Youth and Disabled organisations, which were providing opportunities for their members to participate in their chosen sport.   Since 1980 the Trust has awarded approximately 20 Trophies each year and since that time it has been honoured that each year a member of the Royal Family has attended the Awards Ceremony and made the presentations.

The Trust is appreciative of the support it has received over the years from many leading participants and administrators in sport.   The late Sir Colin Cowdrey, later to become Lord Cowdrey of Tonbridge, served not only as a Trustee for many years, but also as Chairman from 1974 to 1979.   He was succeeded by Ted Croker, former General Secretary of The Football Association and for many years the Association provided the day to day administrative support for the Trust. 

Following the death of Ted Croker, Sir Richard Buckley, himself a Trustee and former Private Secretary to Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Kent, was elected Chairman.   Sir Richard was committed to the ideals of the Trust and, as Chairman, made a tremendous contribution to the Trust’s work from 1993 to 1998.

Ian Peacock succeeded Sir Richard as Chairman in 1998.   A former Chairman of the Golf Foundation and Chief Executive of the Lawn Tennis Association, following his retirement from the LTA, Ian Peacock retained a number of sports related roles and the wealth of experience he brought to the role of Chairman was a great benefit to the Trust. 

Having served as Chairman for eight years, Ian Peacock stood down in May 2006 and was succeeded by Roger Uttley, former England Rugby Union and British Lions player.   Roger was Director of Physical Education at Harrow for 25 years until his retirement in 2009.   He worked with Geoff Cooke to coach and guide the England XV captained by Will Carling to the Final of the 1991 World Cup.   He was also Assistant Coach to the 1987 Lions side that won the test series against Australia.   Roger is supported in his role by the Trustees, all of whom have strong links with the sporting world.

Since 1999 The Central Council of Physical Recreation has provided the day to day administrative support for the work of the Trust.  The Trust welcomes this association with a body that represents the interests of all sports.

1999 also saw the election of the first President of the Trust, Sir Bobby Charlton, CBE.   Sir Bobby had for many years been a staunch supporter of the Trust, attending the annual presentation ceremony to honour the unsung heroes of sport.

The Torch Trophy Trust not only presents Awards, but also is actively engaged in encouraging and helping voluntary workers at club level.   The Trust operates a Bursary Scheme, the aim of which is to provide financial aid for those wishing to increase their knowledge and their ability to help others on a voluntary basis by taking courses to qualify as club coaches, officials or administrators.

All those associated with the Trust are committed to its aims to recognise the ‘unsung heroes’ and to enable individuals to develop their skills.   It is the dedication of these individuals that enables others to participate and develop their talents in their chosen activity.

President:                                Sir Bobby Charlton CBE

Vice-Presidents:                      Sir Richard Buckley, KCVO

                                                Mrs. Christine Janes, MBE

                                                Mr. Jimmy Hill, OBE

                                                Mr. Ian Peacock, OBE

                                                Mr. Derek G. Ufton

Chairman:                              Mr. Roger Uttley, OBE

Vice-Chairman:                      Mr. Chris Baillieu, MBE

Trustees:                                 Mr. Nick Adamson, LVO, OBE

                                                Ms. Sallie Barker

Mrs. Patricia F. Day, OBE

Mr. Mike Denness

                                                Mr. John James OBE

                                                Mr. Ray Kiddell, OBE, JP

Mr. Barry Newcombe

                                                Mr. Alan Pascoe MBE

                                                Dame Mary Peters, DBE

           

Honorary Secretary:             Ms. Sallie Barker

Honorary Treasurer:             Mr. Mark Day, ACMA

Liaison Officer:                      Ms. Angela Sasso

Address:                                  Fourth Floor, Burwood House, 14-16 Caxton Street, London, SW1H OQT

Telephone:                              020 7976 3900

Fax:                                         020 7976 3901

Email:                                     asasso@sportandrecreation.org.uk

Erne Paddlers Marathon Race

Circuit on Lough Erne – Upstream start at the Round ‘O’. Paddle up through Enniskillen and beyond for approx. 5km. Turn around a bouy. Proceed downstream to just beyond the Round ‘O’. Turn around a buoy. Repeat for long course. Upstream finish after 1 lap for short course, after 2 laps for long course.
Water: Deep, ‘flat’ water is to be expected. Obviously it is shallow near the banks, and some ‘chop’ can be expected depending on the weather and other water users. There may be plenty of cruisers and other river craft out on the course and unaware we are racing – be careful and follow the rules of navigation at all times.
Classes:       

Erne Paddlers Marathon Race

Sunday 18^th September 2011

Venue: The Round ‘O’, Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh

Entry fees:    Seniors £10    Juniors £5

Last entries: 11.30am       Races start: 12.00pm

Course:

20km Long Course	10 Km Short Course
Div 1 K1 Div 2 K1 Open K2	Div 3 K1 Div 4 K1 Open K2/T2 Seakayak General Purpose

                                                    

Prizes: will be awarded for 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd places (dependent on adequate entries) in the above classes. Best unplaced female and junior may also be awarded.
CANI League: Points will be awarded to members of CANI clubs in the usual CANI League classes (Senior, <18, <16, <14 over both distances, singles only) but prizes will not be awarded – prizes are as detailed above. This race is aimed at proper competitive racing paddlers, and is not a ‘come try it’ event. We are hopeful that experienced racing paddlers will support us as a new fledgling club. Any ‘novice racers’ who wish to take part are welcome to enter the sea kayak or general purpose classes so long as they are confident they can paddle 10km without assistance, even in the event of a capsize.
Safety: Pre-race briefing at approx 11.45am. All rules of navigation are to be adhered to. ICU safety rules apply. Neither the organisers nor the CANI/BCU/ICU accept responsibility for any damage or loss to persons or equipment. ICU/CANI/BCU membership cards will be required when entering – anyone unable to provide them will need to purchase CANI day membership (£3) for insurance purposes.
Rules: www.irishmarathoncanoeing.comOrganiser: Sonja Cassidy – contact at racing@ernepaddlers.org.uk, or see www.ernepaddlers.org.uk. You can pre-enter by sending your details by email.

Directions

Link for google map to round O - http://is.gd/roundoSat nav co-ords (latitude and longitude) 54.34885, -7.64917
facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Erne-Paddlers-Marathon-Race/240971382608751ernepaddlers webpage -www.ernepaddlers.org.uk/eventsFrom Ballyshannon direction:
Follow signs for Enniskillen. You will enter the town area on the A46. Come past a petrol station, then past Portora Castle and Portora Royal School. The Round ‘O’ is down on your LEFT before you come to the bridges.
From Irvinestown/Kesh/Ballinamallard direction:
Follow signs for Enniskillen. You will enter the town area on the A32. Turn RIGHT at the roundabout at Donnelly’s motorstore toward Town Centre and the hospital. Follow this road past the hospital to the end. Turn RIGHT at the roundabout and get into the lane for DONEGAL. This takes you through 2 sets of traffic lights, over a bridge, RIGHT and then LEFT. The Round ‘O’ is then on your RIGHT.
From Belfast/Fivemiletown direction:
Follow signs for Enniskillen. You will enter the town area on the A4. Past Tesco on your left. Through another set of traffic lights, then LEFT at the next set of lights (next to Dunnes). Go straight on through lots of lights past Erneside shopping, past the Forum and past KFC – all on your left. STRAIGHT through the next set of lights, over the water, RIGHT then LEFT at the end of the bridge. The Round ‘O’ will then be on your RIGHT.
From Sligo/Belturbet direction:
Follow signs for Enniskillen. You will enter the town area on the A32/A4. Go past Western Motors (Toyota) and Craigville Garden centre on your right. You will see the lough on your right and bridges – don’t go over the bridges. Go STRAIGHT through the lights and then immediately LEFT toward Donegal. The Round ‘O’ will be on your RIGHT.

60 Canoeists got BANNED !!

On the weekend of 20^th  – 21^st August we held the first Big Bann Canoe Challenge, a 29km paddle along the beautiful Lower Bann from Newferry to Drumaheglis, with a camping area on the Saturday night kindly provided by Portneal Lodge, near Kilrea.

So what was special about this paddle? Our main aim was to introduce both new paddlers and relative beginners to aspects of canoeing which they had never attempted before, hence the word “challenge” in the title. We wanted the event to attract people of all ages and abilities, including families, in a fun atmosphere which would encourage all who took part to continue to paddle.

With the help of Elaine Upton, Countryside Recreation officer in Antrim Borough Council, we were able to secure funding for the event from Waterways Ireland. This allowed us to offer a free “training day” for all who had registered to take part, and we held this in Toome. The turnout was not what we'd hoped but , but may have been something to do with the torrential rain on the morning! After a morning of coaching, we took everyone through Lough Beg to Newferry, and all who took part enjoyed the day – even Alan and Valerie who had a capsize!

On the day of the event we had over 60 people on the water, and it was a great sight, seeing all of those boats setting off along the mighty Bann! With good weather and a wind in our backs it wasn’t long before umbrellas came out to be used as sails, much to the amusement of the novices among us. Another new experience for most of our group was going through the locks at Portna, before reaching Portneal Lodge and setting up camp.

The following day we set off in poorer weather conditions, and a warning from Rodger that the wind was due to turn to a Northerly – ie in our faces. With this in mind, we pushed on before stopping after Carnroe for lunch. Then Rodger’s prediction came true, making the going difficult for our novices. This was when our coaches came into their own, providing great support and inspiring confidence.

As we arrived at the finish point in Drumaheglis, many people had friends and family there to welcome them home, and there was a tangeable sense of excitement and achievement. All of our paddlers got a T shirt with the slogan “I’ve been Banned!”, and we received many comments about what an enjoyable experience the Big Bann Challenge was. That was due to the efforts of all who helped:- special thanks to all of the CANI staff, who went above and beyond the call of duty, and to the coaches who not only helped but provided such great craic! As a result I believe we have gained many converts to canoeing.

The event also raised money for Asterias, a local charity which supports children in Kenya by building schools. Thank you to the Asterias team for their help with organising the event, and to everyone who raised money for such a worthwhile cause.

Finally, many thanks also to the following for their support:-

Waterways Ireland for funding; Carnroe supplies for the T shirts; Scott Hire for the cleanest portable toilets I have ever seen!!; Seven Towers Canoe Club, Causeway Coast Kayak Association, C3 Craigavon Canoe Club and Belfast Kayak Club for the coaches that give a hand on the day and for the loan of equipment; Portneal Lodge; Antrim, Ballymena, Ballymoney and Coleraine Councils; everyone who helped in any way.

Entries now open for Tay Descent

The Scottish Canoe Association is now taking bookings for their annual Tay Descent event. The event, which can be entered as either a tour or a race, takes place on Saturday 22^nd October.

There are two courses down the Tay, the longer course (23 miles) starting in Dunkeld and the shorter one (7 miles) at Stanley Mills. Both courses finish up in Perth, and entry includes free access to Paddle 2011, Scotland’s annual canoe and kayak show, just up the road from the finish line at the Bells Sports Centre (where you can also pick up your free soup and sandwich).

All types of canoe and kayak are welcome, and anyone wishing to find more information or enter the event can do so by visiting taydescent.org. 

Liffey Descent 2011 postponed until 8th October due to lack of water.

As you are aware the annual Liffey Descent has traditionally been held in early September. It had been intended to run the 2011 Liffey Descent on Saturday 10th September next.

The main attraction of the Liffey Descent over the years has been that it is a ‘big water’ event. The flood for the event is provided by the Electricity Supply Board through the release of water from its upstream reservoirs. The ESB has however recently advised the Irish Canoe Union that reservoir levels are currently at a 35 year low and that having regard to long range weather forecasts and its own water demand forecasts it will not be in a position to release water to facilitate this year’s event in September. It has indicated that it will be in a better placed in October to facilitate a release sufficient for the ICU to run a satisfactory event.

As a consequence this has left the ICU with a difficult decision – to run the event on 10th September as originally planned but without a flood or to postpone it until early October when there will be a greater possibility of the traditional Liffey Descent flood.

Having considered the matter in great detail and having taken into consideration as many factors as possible including, but not limited to, matters such as potential clashes with other events, mean temperatures in early October and the likely impact of future Liffey Descents in the event of running a ‘dry’ race, the event Organising Committee has arrived at the conclusion that, on balance, the most appropriate course of action is to postpone this year’s Liffey Descent until Saturday the 8th of October.

The ICU regrets that it has been necessary to take this course of action and is conscious that this may not be popular in all quarters. It would however remind canoeists that the release of water is a matter completely outside the control of the Irish Canoe Union and is one solely for the ESB. It is considered that the running of the race in the absence of the excitement generated by a flood would detract from its value as the premier Irish canoeing event.

The postponement of the Liffey Descent, although regrettable, is considered to be in the best interests of the broader Irish canoeing community and the decision to postpone has been taken in this context.

http://www.canoe.ie/

2011 Coaching Awards Nominations

Nominations are now open for the 2011 UK Coaching Awards that will take place at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower in London on the evening of Tuesday 29 November 2011.

What are the Awards?
The UK Coaching Awards provide the opportunity to recognise the achievements of coaches and coaching organisations and thank them for their hard work and dedication. There are two main categories of Award.

• Awards for Coaches: These awards reward individual coaches who have shown outstanding commitment and achieved excellent results.
• Awards in Support of Coaches: These awards recognise the achievements of those who work in the education, development and deployment of coaches.

For information on the awards made within these categories, and their criteria, please view the Nomination Form Supporting Information.

How do I nominate?
Anyone can make a nomination by completing an official UK Coaching Awards nomination form. To download a nomination form please click here and then choose link to Awards for Coaches nomination form or Awards in Support of Coaches nomination form as appropriate.

Completed nomination forms must be received by Friday 30 September 2011 via email to events@sportscoachuk.org  or printed out and posted to:

UK Coaching Awards 2011 Nominations
sports coach UK
Chelsea Close
Off Amberley Road
Armley
Leeds
LS12 4HP

Please note: All entries must be typed and not handwritten.

An exciting challenge for you to take part in !

  

Kevin Downey from Belfast now lives in London and has recently returned from cycling 3000 miles through 13 countries across Europe - just for fun !

Over the past two years he has ran the Belfast Marathon for local charities such as the Ulster Cancer Foundation, and is now planning his next challenge for 2012 to raise vital funds for local charities throughout Northern Ireland.

Kevin is looking to combine running, cycling and kayaking.  Below shows how the challenge will unfold

·         22 April / London Marathon (26.2miles)

·         24 April - 4 May / Cycle from London to Portpatrick via Cardiff & Edinborough (700miles approx.)

·         5 May or 6 May / Kayak the North Channel to Northern Ireland (20miles approx.)

·         7 May / Belfast City Marathon (26.2miles)

·        

Kevin needs support with crossing the North Channel.  Due to the fact that he will be cycling to and leaving from Portpatrick in Scotland he will not have a Kayak of his own and as he is not overly experienced he would really like a few people to paddle it with.

Kevin would love to hear from you if you could be of any help and would just like re-irritate that all proceeds raised will go to local charities within the North of Ireland.  Everyone involved or not in the helping of the event will feel the benefit.  

Kevin Downey

e kevin@influenceanaudience.co.uk

w www.influenceanaudience.co.uk

t +44 7872 301 769

Have fun on the water whilst helping a worthwhile cause...

Real Triathlon organise some open water swimming and triathlon events for athletes.

They raise funds for The Ulster Cancer Foundation and  are always looking for support in the water in the

 form of canoeists or open boats.

 Paddlers are needed for events coming up on

10/08 Crawsfordsburn 7pm,

27/08 Portaferry 12.30pm

24/09 Strangford 11am.

If you are keen to help out your a contribrution towards expenses will be made.

For more information contact  Derek Patterson at http://www.triathlon-ni.co.uk/ or call 07427690050

Northern Ireland Coasting Ahead!

Northern Ireland Coasting Ahead!

This week sees the launch of two outstanding new coastal canoe trails in Northern Ireland; the Foyle Canoe Trail and the South East Coast Canoe Trail.

Both of these trails allow paddlers to explore stunning coastlines at either ends of the country and are a further piece in an extensive network of trails being developed here in Northern Ireland. This coupled with permit free access to the water means experts are claiming that Northern Ireland is striding ahead and indeed setting the standard for canoeing facilities all across the UK and Ireland.

   

The new Foyle Canoe Trail stretches for 33 miles along the River Foyle and by Lough Foyle’s varied coastline and rural countryside. Starting at Lifford in Donegal, the trail passes through the historic walled city of Derry/Londonderry and finishes just beyond the bustling seaside town of Moville on the scenic Inishowen peninsula.  The trail is suitable for open boating or touring kayak with both wild and official campsites available along the route.

In contrast to the rolling landscape of the Foyle trail, the South East Coast Canoe Trail explores rocky bays and long sandy beaches under the breathtaking backdrop of both the Mourne and Cooley mountain ranges. This sea kayakers’ trail, which spreads out more than 50 nautical miles from Strangford village to Newry City, boasts ancient castles at Narrow Water and Dundrum as well as Annalong’s historic harbour and cornmill.

These new canoe trails have been developed by the Countryside Access and Activities Network (CAAN), the Lough’s Agency and Down and Derry District Councils respectively and add to the five acclaimed inland canoe trails already in existence.

On the launch of the trails, CAAN Development Officer, Kathryn Callaghan, explained, “We are very fortunate here in Northern Ireland to be able to paddle right up next to some of our coastline’s most stunning attractions. With historic castles, dramatic coastal mountain ranges, rugged foreshores and contrasting rolling countryside both these trails offer a golden opportunity for us all to explore two picturesque corners of Northern Ireland from a unique perspective.”

Kathryn continued, “The use of local expertise is paramount to the successful development of Northern Ireland’s canoe trails.  Putting all this expertise together on a trail guide and CanoeNI.com means we take the hassle out of trip planning for the visitor.  This process has been a key ingredient to success on the trails”

Derick Anderson of the Loughs Agency has welcomed the launch of the Foyle and South East Coast Canoe Trails, and is confident that the trails will attract tourists, benefit local communities and reveal the natural heritage of both regions to more and more people. 

The new waterproof trail guides for both the Foyle and South East Coast Canoe Trails can be picked up, free of charge, from local tourist information centres or ordered online from www.canoeni.com which also includes detailed route descriptions, itineraries and maps as well as information on access points, accommodation options, canoe/kayak hire, packaged trips and transfers. 

Later this year will see the launch of two further coastal canoe trails.  The North Coast Canoe Trail is set to become one of the most iconic sea kayaking routes in Europe passing the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge.  The adjoining East Coast Canoe Trail will allow sea kayakers pass the renowned Glens of Antrim, the maritime history of Belfast Lough and the abundance of wildlife along the Ard’s peninsula.

What did Foyle Paddlers think of clubfest 2011?

Club Festival –  A Foyle Paddlers  view

FPCC members were really looking forward to Club Fest this year. Unfortunately, the dates clashed with the opening of the Peace Bridge where FPCC had been invited to take part in the opening ceremony.

45 of our members had a brilliant day accompanying various other craft in a colourful flotilla to show our support.

In spite of this, 12 adults and kids, representing 3 families did attend Club Fest and a great time. The weather on the first night was disappointing, leaving the camp-site rather muddy. Saturday brought better weather and our crews set off in Open boats and Double sea-kayaks in a scenic trip from Crom back to Share.

 This was the first time out on the water for the younger ones and they thoroughly enjoyed it. The fresh air must have created an appetite as the BBQ food was devoured.

A big thank you to everyone, especially those who organised the Kids Games – The parents got a chance to chill out for a while.

Sunday – Some folks did too much partying the night before! The others were spoilt for choice, getting the chance to try out new skills in lots of disciplines and various boats e.g, Polo, Sea Kayaking and Open Boating (Poling) …

The Buffet Dinner hit the spot and set us up for the journey home. We all headed back tired but a little wiser for next year! Hopefully, more from our club will attend and the weather is a bit better for camping.

I would suggest that at £25 this week-end represents great value, especially for families and those new to camping and canoeing. It provides an opportunity to learn new skills and try out lots of different boats with great instructors. This is all available in a great venue, in a safe environment and with the chance to meet new friends.

British Transplant Games 2011

Volunteers needed for the British Transplant Games – 6^th August at Shaw’s Bridge

CANI are running a flat water sprint and flat water slalom event on the 6^th August at Shaw’s Bridge as part of the British Transplant Games and are looking for volunteers to help on the day. We need a team of volunteers to help with general on and off water logistics, rescue cover and timings. There are 20 competitors all with differing levels of mobility and competency in a boat so lots of help will be useful.

If you are available to help out we would really appreciate your help. We will need help for the set up from 9am and we hope to be finished by mid afternoon.

Please contact ashleyhunter@cani.org.uk if you / members of your club are able to help out and make this a great event for the competitors.

Richard Lineham departs for his Round Ulster Expedition

Richard Lineham departed Crawfordsburn at lunch time today to paddle around Ulster; with the weather on his side which should mean they will have fast days for the start of the trip. Richard will be accompanied for the whole journey by  Gethin, a long time friend, and was also joined today by a fellow Belfast Kayak Club member John Cunningham for the first day. Richard hopes to complete the trip within three weeks and welcomes paddlers to join him at any point throughout the journey. For more information on Richard and Gethin’s journey and daily blog updates check out www.ulstercircumnavigation2011.co.uk

For more pictures follow this link to our flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/42841148@N02/sets/72157627153178157/with/5974463680/

Big Bann Canoe Challenge

THE BIG BANN CANOE CHALLENGE

The Big Bann Canoe Challenge is an official event of The Canoe Association Of Northern Ireland taking place on August the 20th and 21st.

It is open to both novices and experienced canoeist and kayakers, so perfect for families too! The event is a paddle along the Lower Bann from Newferry to Drumaheglis; thats a total of 29 km over the two days with camping on the 20th at Portneal Lodgem Kilrea ( or a B&B for the less adventurous can be booked independently.

A large part of the entry fee will go to Asterias, a charity who do a wonderful job of providing a future for people who would otherwise have little hope in life, and are certainly much less fortunate than we are.
The entry fee will also entitle every individual and team participant to one of our "I've been Banned" T shirts which will be issued to everyone who has completed the challenge (surely worth the cost of entry on its own!!) Family registration entitles the entrant to 2 T shirts.

We have set entry cost as a MINIMUM donation to encourage participants to seek sponsorship, and all money raised over the minimum cost will be donated to Asterias.

Bookings should be made ASAP at office@cani.org.uk - don't miss out !!

Richard Lineham and Gethin Thomas to circumnavigate Ulster starting Monday !

Next Monday the 25^th of July Richard Lineham and Gethin Thomas are setting off from Crawfordsburn Country Park to kayak around the province of Ulster. The circumnavigation will involve paddling the coast line of Northern Ireland, Donegal and crossing Ireland from Dundalk to Ballyshannon using rivers and waterways. The total distance covered will be 350 miles (560km) and will take 3 weeks.  The aim of the journey is to raise £3500 of Macmillan Cancer Support.

Macmillan provide a large range of cancer support services including counselling, complement therapies and endless cups of tea. Macmillan have been stars over the last two years helping Alex (His wife) whilst she was sick and helping Richard get back on his feet after she passed away in September 2010. It is important to Richard to raise money for Macmillan so that they can help others as they helped him. It would be great if you could help increase the profile of the trip in the media and enable him to raise as much money as possible for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Richard would like paddlers to come along and wish him a good journey and paddle along with him if you want. More information about the circumnavigation can be found at www.ulstercircumnavigation2011.co.uk there is a Facebook Page Ulster Circumnavigation 2011  

The first woman to make a solo navigation of Ireland... Shooters home !

Shooter has completed her round Ireland expedition

 At 11.30am on 13^th July, Shooter ( aka Elaine Alexander)  arrived back at Antrim Yacht Club in Whitehead to a hero's welcome.   She's the first woman from Northern Ireland (and possibly further afield) to make a solo circumnavigation of this island, and the fact she did it during some of the worst summer weather there's been in years makes her feat all the more outstanding. Despite the conditions,Shooter  paddled around the coast as if on a day trip and took just 79 days to complete her expedition.   In true hero style the local fire service laid on a water arch as she arrived on shore to be welcomed by her manager from the Share centre, Robert Livingstone,  with a bottle of champagne.   There was also a long and noisy ovation from the many friends and colleagues who'd gathered to watch her homecoming. Shooter was delighted that so many people came to welcome her and was keen to get back to normality and enjoy the unaccustomed luxury of a long, hot shower etc.

You can still donate money to Shooter and help her reach her £10,000 target to buy a wheel chair accessible mini bus for the Share Centre http://www.canoearoundireland.com

 Congratulations to Shooter on the completion of her expedition.

Paddle with Shooter on her last leg !

Hi Guys

I have just been talking to Shooter and she is keen for paddlers to join her for the final leg of her journey tomorrow. She is camping tonight at the cottage on the Whitehead side of the Gobbins (Just beside the path to the Gobbins). Shooter will be departing the cottage at 10am and will expect to arrive at Whitehead just before 11am.

If you are planning to paddle in with Shooter be at the cottage before 10am as not to hold her up. If you are just planning to come and welcome her to the shore I suggest arriving at Whitehead around 10.30 in case she paddles like a demon.

Please circulate this to all your contacts and get a crowd to welcome shooter back after her fantastic journey.

See you all tomorrow

Ashley Hunter

Coaching and Development Manager

The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland

Unit 2 Rivers Edge

13 - 15 Ravenhill Road

Belfast

BT6 8DN

O: 02890738884

M: 07875092928

W: www.cani.org.uk

E: ashleyhunter@cani.org.uk

Shooter nears the end of the voyage !

Shooter will be finished her trip next Wednesday

It would be great to get as many people as possible to welcome Shooter back from her round Ireland paddle next Wednesday at Whitehead yacht club. This has been a great achievement for Shooter so let’s make it a great home coming.

All the details are bellow on how to keep an eye on how she is progressing on her last few days and if she will be in on Wednesday, if I hear there is any change I will let you know.

Please circulate this to all your paddling friends and club members and help welcome Shooter back in style.

See you all on Wednesday

Ashley Hunter

Coaching and Development Manager

The Canoe Association of Northern Ireland

Please find below and attached a press release on Elaine ‘Shooter’ Alexander’s Imminent return from Irish Solo Circumnavigation by kayak.

Press Release - Thursday 7th July 2011

Record Setting Kayaker Returns – Irish solo circumnavigation by kayak draws to a close

Elaine Alexander is set for hero’s welcome early next week as she returns from an epic voyage to become the first woman from Northern Ireland to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak.

On current progress Elaine will arrive in Portrush on Friday 8th July evening / Saturday 9th July morning.  It is then expected to take four days to reach the finish line at County Antrim Yacht Club in Whitehead (directions below).

Elaine will be available for photo opportunities and interviews along the Northern Ireland coastline between Saturday and her expected arrival on Wednesday 13th July.

Elaine is carrying a tracking device which will highlight her location at the following link http://www.spotadventures.com/user/profile?user_id=70589 

Further updates are available at
www.canoearoundireland.com  
www.facebook.com/canoearoundireland

Full press release attached and below

Photo attached - Caption - Elaine battles against headwinds on her record breaking challenge

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Record Setting Kayaker Returns – Irish solo circumnavigation by kayak draws to a close

Elaine Alexander is set for hero’s welcome early next week as she returns from an epic 1000 mile voyage to become the first woman from Northern Ireland to circumnavigate Ireland by kayak.

Ms Alexander affectionately known as ‘Shooter’ set off from County Antrim Yacht Club in Whitehead on the 3rd May 2011 launching into a large swell and ferocious head wind; little did she know that these brutal conditions would set the tone for what lay ahead over the next 71 days.

The challenge was never going to be easy with cliffs, headlands and tides to contend with but the relentless bad weather has pushed her to near breaking point on several occasions. Elaine has been storm bound for a total of 21 days throughout the challenge often only with a small tent for shelter.

Ms Alexander is currently off Donegal and is expected to reach Portrush on Saturday.  It is anticipated that it will take four further days to reach the finish line at County Antrim Yacht Club, bringing this inspirational challenge to a close on Wednesday 13th July.  When asked what home comfort she was most looking forward to, Ms Alexander simply replied “…a proper toilet and some clean clothes.” items we all take for granted every day.

The motivation for the challenge is to raise much needed funds for the registered charity – SHARE. In 2011 SHARE based in County Fermanagh celebrates 30 years of providing outdoor activity programmes which promote the inclusion of disabled & non-disabled people in a wide range of arts, land and water based recreational programmes.  This money will be allocated towards a fully accessible bus.  Donations can still be made via www.canoearoundireland.com

“I expected and had trained for the physical challenge but I don’t think you can ever prepare mentally. It has been a real struggle coping with the repetition of paddling, getting changed into wet clothes and packing up a wet tent every day.  Especially on the windy days it has been hard just to push on that extra few miles each day” commented Ms Alexander

The courageous kayaker’s skills were tested to the limit on several occasions, one such moment was when a severe bout of sea sickness was brought on by large swell during a 12 mile crossing near Brandon Bay on the Dingle Peninsula “I was fully committed with a cliff face on one side and a long paddle to America on the other, so I had to continue despite being severely ill.”

Another such occasion was on a 25 mile crossing on Donegal Bay “…visibility closed into only a few metres so I had to continue on a compass bearing for a few hours until the main land appeared from the mist” explained Ms Alexander.

The challenge hasn’t all been doom and gloom, one of the highlights included being accompanied by a pod of 6 dolphins for over an hour near Easkey on the west coast. As well as sampling extraordinary wildlife and scenery it has been the people who have left a lasting impression “The support from the kayaking community and local fisherman has been great. Kayakers have paddled stretches with me, met me with tea and biscuits, gave me warm beds and hot showers, shared invaluable local knowledge – I can’t thank them enough.” enthused Ms Alexander

Ms Alexander’s trip has certainly caught the imagination; over 1100 Facebook fans have showered her page with messages of support each day.  “The Facebook page has really been a lifeline.  There is nothing more motivating than coming off the water after a tough day to read so many supportive and funny comments from well wishers” added Ms Alexander

Ms Alexander’s trip has been made possible with generous support from Valley Sea Kayaks, Desperate Measures, Lendal Paddles, North South Marine, River Lake Sea, Yak, Brookbanks Canoes and Kayaks, Signal Signs, Asda Enniskillen, Canoe Association for Northern Ireland and Blackthorn Design.

-Ends-

For more information on the ‘Canoe Around Ireland’ please contact:

Rory Martin – Share Marketing Officer 

+44 (0)28 6772 2122

+44 (0)7909 721 898

rory@sharevillage.org

www.sharevillage.org