Sandton paddlers recognised at awards evening
Gauteng Canoe Union celebrated their top paddlers for excellence in 2021 and 2022.
It has been an exciting past year and the past couple of weeks for Gauteng paddlers.
The Gauteng Canoe Union hosted its annual Awards evening on January 21 covering the years 2021 and 2022. Numerous awards from Gauteng Colours to Federation Colours and trophies were awarded for the various sports achievers in sprints, marathons, river racing, surfski, and canoe polo – growing exciting sports in Gauteng.
Sandton residents, senior citizens – Peter O’Connor and Raoul Goosen earned recognition as the Surfski Champions of Gauteng – 2021 and 2022.
Brad Fisher, CEO of Adreach was awarded Gauteng Colours as well as Federation Colours for his participation at the International Canoe Federation World Marathon Championships in September 2022, age group 55-59 in Szeged, Hungary.
A large group of young players from St David’s Marist achieved exceptionally well in this water sport in the past couple of years.
Nicholas Erwee whose father Chris Erwee handed him his trophies and awards at the prizegiving, as the Gauteng Canoe Union chairman, and Luke Salmon who was awarded the Junior Paddler of the Year 2022. Among the various awards certificates and trophies presented, the young paddlers also received Gauteng Colours and International Federation Colours. These were awarded for selection to and participation in the Olympic Hopes Sprint Event and International Canoe Federation Junior and under 23 Sprint Kayak World Championships which took place in August 2022.
In river canoeing, the Drak Challenge took place last weekend January 28 and 29, in Underberg on the Umzimkhulu River, a two-day 50 km race with numerous challenges, rapids and technically tricky sections. Malcolm Stotthard and Clive Evans, Sandton residents were among those who thoroughly enjoyed the river race as they do annually whenever possible.
Related articles:
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/323095/locals-tackle-lowveld-canoe-race/
https://www.citizen.co.za/sandton-chronicle/293640/st-davids-canoeists-go-for-gold/
