Canoe World Championship paddles into Perth

12/07/05
Perth is set to play host to the most prestigious canoe event in the world with the launch today of the International Canoe Federation (ICF) Canoe Marathon World Championships to be held in Western Australia in October.
Tourism Minister Mark McGowan said 1,400 Australian and international paddlers were expected to converge on Perth's world-class water sports facilities to compete in the championships, which will run from October 15 -16.
"The ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships is the most coveted title a paddling competitor can win," Mr McGowan said.
"Last year's Canoe World Championships event was held in Bergen in Norway and the last time they were held in Australia was in Brisbane in 1992."
The Minister said the State Government's $250,000 investment in the event, made through Eventscorp, was expected to generate more than $2million in economic impact.
The event - and Perth - would also receive national and international television coverage via programs to be shown on SBS and Europe Sport.
"The event will be staged on the upper reaches of the Swan River, finishing at Bayswater Gardens," Mr McGowan said.
"I congratulate the City of Bayswater for the great job they have done in supporting the event."
City of Bayswater Mayor Terry Kenyon said he was delighted that Bayswater had been selected to host the ICF 2005 Canoe Marathon World Championships.
"The stretch of river running through Bayswater is absolutely beautiful and the finish line location at Riverside Gardens will be the perfect spot for spectators to enjoy the excitement of the competition," Mr Kenyon said.
The event's organiser, Wayne Astill from Canoe Australia, said WA had a proud history of staging magnificent international events, with the sporting public of Perth showing their support through their attendance at such events.
"The picturesque Swan River, the excellent facilities of Riverside Gardens in Bayswater and the city's skyline as a backdrop - all of these factors combine to make this an outstanding venue to stage a World Championship Canoe Marathon event," Mr Astill said.
"With strong support from the Government of WA and the City of Bayswater, Australian Canoeing had no hesitation in bringing the 2005 ICF Canoe Marathon World Championships to Perth."
Mr McGowan said the marathon would also be supported by a 'Festival of Paddling', which would stage numerous canoe events between October 8 and 13.
These events will be open to the wider paddling community offering a terrific opportunity to get involved; the only requirement is that entrants must be a member of a kayak or canoe club.
Events include:

• Masters World Cup;
• Australian Schools Marathon Championships;
• Festival of Paddle Open Age Challenge; and
• Multi-disability Canoe Marathon Championships.

In the lead-up to the championships, there will also be a 'Come and Try' day on Saturday October 8 and Sunday October 9, organised by Canoe Australia and perfect for novice paddlers. There is no requirement for participants in the Come and Try day to be a member of a kayak or canoe club.
This event follows those recently announced for WA, including the Main Roads LifeCycle Great Western Australian Bike Ride in March next year, the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships in Scarborough from 2007 to 2009 and a four-nation basketball tournament scheduled for August 9 and 10 at Challenge Stadium.
Minister's office: 9222 9111