Greg Vogt to tackle 67km paddle for Mandela Day

RALLY behind conservationist, Greg Vogt, as he sets out to paddle 67km at Shongweni Dam on Mandela Day on Thursday, 18 August, to raise much-needed funds for the Conservation Guardian’s upiftment projects.

Vogt paddled the 67km with his girlfriend, Sara Agostini, last year on Mandela Day.

This year he will paddle alongside Hank McGregor and his father, Lee, in a K1 as Sara is currently representing the Conservation Guardians organisation overseas.

Vogt rallied support from across the globe during last year’s paddle and hopes to repeat the success.

“It is a privilege to have Hank McGregor and Lee McGregor coming to paddle part of the way with me,” he said. “They will be going a lot slower than they normally train at, but their presence will add so much to this endeavour.”

Vogt will be joined on the water by 67 development paddlers later in the day, combined with an Umzinyathi Canoe Club dice at 4pm.

ALSO READ: VIDEO: Looking for somewhere to help this Mandela Day?

“We are so excited about our ‘Africadamy’ that we have going at the moment. We have a big core of younger paddlers that we are involving in education and lifeskills, but it is all based on their common love of paddling,” he explained.

Vogt will be joined on the day by fellow Durban paddler, Garth Schonewolf, who plans to paddle 100km on Mandela Day, adding his weight to the fundraiser.

Many paddlers will join in at various stages throughout the day, including Stew Little, Hamish Lovemore, and Hamish Mackenzie.

Canoeing South Africa’s president, Kim Pople, encourages paddlers and backers to rally behind the Shongweni Dam project.

“What makes this project so important is that it takes a holistic approach to these young men and women’s futures. They are getting quality education and lifeskills training, including a learn-to-swim programme. The skills training is leading to employment for locals as well, either on a part-time or a full-time basis,” she pointed out.

Paddlers keen to join in the marathon paddling effort are welcome to join in at any stage in the day. To make a donation, visit www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/shongweni67

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