FlowState Issue 8

LSPs. In total across these locations 1045 people
were out on the water, some of them for their very first
time in a boat. Among the locations and events were
some fantastic set ups and causes, such as the West
Cork Kayakers running a session in support of breast
cancer, and the Limerick Kayaking Academy putting
on a full Junior fun race in conjunction with the
#BeActive Paddle Day, with a full day of Boatercross
racing on the Castleconnell S Bend. It didn’t stop here
with clubs and various partners running events
affiliated with the Canoeing Ireland Paddle Day
through the entire European Week of Sport. With all
these people trying out paddlesports for their first time
doing so through clubs and their own community we
hope that they will continue to engage with and pick up
the love of our sport through their fantastic local club.
Talking about the success of the event Ciaran
Maguire said, “Blown away the uptake on this event.
When we contacted the clubs who were interested,
all they said was yes! The YES turned into a mass
participation event that would not have been possible
without the network of clubs involved rolling up their
sleeves and running great session around the country.
From Leenan and Letterfrack to Villlerstown and
Lough Hyne, Baltinglass to Donegal we had am
impressive spread. The big thanks to all who ran
sessions and to those first timers who came along
to enjoy the sport.”
We would like to again extend a massive thank you
to the affiliated clubs, OETC’s and LSP’s who got
involved and helped in running sessions, and
especially to Sport Ireland and the European
Commission whose support made this event possible.
Written by Sam Curtis
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