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Canoe club celebrates 15th anniversary
Wigan Canoeing Group will celebrate its 15th birthday on Saturday (May
19th) with an open day at Scotmans Flash.
The club came together in 1992 when a few local paddlers decided to
develop canoeing in the local area. Since then the group has introduced
over 1000 people to the sport and gone on tour to places like Wales,
Scotland and The Alps.
Chairman Eric Bradbury says: “We’ve taken people to the highest level.
Only last week, James Bebbington, one of our former members was
competing for Britain at a competition in Chile and he is now in the top
ten in the world.
“Our main focus though is on promoting the fun side of being on the
water, offering access to everyone regardless of ability. Many of our
instructors had never been in a canoe before they joined the club!”
Wigan Canoeing Group is predominantly for young people but all are
welcome, with members ranging from 8 to 70 years-old. The club has
another action packed year ahead with a tour to the Alps, a sea kayaking
adventure in Angelsea and white water rafting trips planned. For the
most part, everything has been plain sailing for the club over the
years.
Eric says: “We’ve had some drama, where people have got themselves into
a bit of danger. But, fortunately, we’ve only ever had one serious
incident when someone punctured their lung with the tip of a kayak.”
more.
Canoe club celebrates 15th anniversary
The Wigan Canoeing Club Open Day will get underway at 1pm. The event is
free (including barbeque) and is open to all.
Eric continues: “The club has a very social feel and everyone is
welcome. We try to be as inclusive as possible and put as much effort
into introducing a new recruit to canoeing, as we do organising a trip
to the Alps.
“The group has kept going all these years thanks to a dedicated group of
volunteers who give their time to introduce others to an activity they
enjoy. Anyone who is interested should come along and give it a go.”
• Wigan Canoeing Group meets at Scotmans Flash every Thursday evening
throughout the summer months at 6pm. For further information contact
Eric Bradbury on (01942) 769812 or email
E.Bradbury@wiganmbc.gov.uk
-ends-
Notes to Editors
Further information
• For further information please contact Kennedy Stewart, Young People’s
Press Officer for Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, on (01942) 486927.
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