After its successful debut in 2018, plans are afoot to grow and expand the Freedom Paddle surfski race around Robben Island on Freedom Day in April. This now includes a surfski series in the build-up to the race and a substantially bolstered Freedom Paddle race on 27 April.
At the conclusion of last year’s race, Graeme Solomon, the MD of Bamboo Warehouse, the title sponsor of the race last year, committed to a first prize of R100 000 for the second year of the event.
The organising committee has been working hard at growing and developing the Freedom Paddle event, including attracting a major corporate title sponsor that will enable the event to not only offer substantial prizemoney across various categories but also market and extend the reach of this event.
Bamboo Warehouse has agreed to relinquish its title sponsorship of the event to enable the organising committee to achieve these goals.
“My intention from the start was to help grow this race and give the paddlers an experience that they all deserved, from a massive purse to the winners, to the enjoyment and value for money, to every competitor who takes part,” said Bamboo Warehouse MD Graeme Solomon. “The marketing and exposure of my business were secondary.
“If securing a big corporate sponsor can help fast track this vision, then I am in full support of the move,” he added.
The organising committee has extended its thanks to Solomon and Bamboo Warehouse for its enthusiastic support for the event.
“Bamboo Warehouse’s support in 2018, and setting the bar at a first prize of R100 000 has been integral to the grown of interest in this event,” said race committee head Robin Tindall.
“We hope to build on that energy in taking the Freedom Paddle to a whole new level in 2019, and thank Graeme personally and Bamboo Warehouse for their support,” he added.
“We know that he will remain an asset to the event as a participant, an advisor and a brand ambassador,”’ he added.
