Long-term support allows for Freedom Paddle growth<

As the April 27 race date approaches for the Prescient Freedom Paddle surfski race around Robben Island, the organisers are once again thankful for the valuable support of their sponsors.

The Freedom Day-event’s title sponsor, Prescient, has helped the event grow into one of the country’s major padding events, and as they enter their fourth year of sponsorship the multinational financial services business that celebrates their 25th anniversary this year, can reflect on an event that mirrors their own growth.

“Prescient celebrates a milestone achievement this year, our 25th anniversary.” said Willie Venter, Chief Executive Officer at Prescient.

“Our core values have enabled us to provide trusted, investment expertise to our clients for a quarter of a century, which is evident in the exceptional growth we have been privileged to experience.

“Prescient is ultimately about partnerships. From our cohesive teams to our strong relationships with our clients, we are known for our commitment to trust, transparency and always working together to achieve shared goals.

“We are proud of our partnership role in creating value for paddlers in the same way we create value for our clients. Together, we hope to grow the Prescient Freedom Paddle in international stature over time.”

Robben Island, the iconic turning point for the Freedom Paddle, holds massive importance in South African history and is one of the country’s and Cape Town’s most significant landmarks, so it is particularly relevant that the City of Cape Town should be one of the major backers of the event.

“The City of Cape Town is proud to be able to commemorate Freedom Day by hosting the annual Freedom Paddle around Robben Island,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.

“Freedom Day and Robben Island are inseparably linked in South Africa’s history, so it is particularly significant that an event that has competitors paddling from the mainland to Robben Island and back, takes place on this special day.

“As the City we are honoured to be associated with the Freedom Paddle and we are pleased to welcome athletes and their families to the Mother City, and we hope they will use this opportunity to enjoy the many attractions Cape Town has on offer.”

Prominent steel and aluminium supplier Euro Steel has been part of the event since its inception.

“Our long-standing association with the Freedom Paddle mirrors many of our core values, one being that we believe in partnering with people through long-lasting relationships,” said Colin Wilson, CEO of Euro Steel.”The Management team of the Freedom Paddle has stayed the course, navigated the tough times and provided a great product to the participants. This is something we align with and deeply appreciate. We look forward to another very successful event this year.”

“The Freedom Paddle is fortunate to have been able to count on the support of a number of valuable partners as we have built the event,” said race director Robin Tindall.”We cannot thank Prescient, the City of Cape Town and Euro Steel enough for helping us grow over the past few years, but there are also a number of other brands who have contributed. Without the likes of Dunlop, Peninsula Beverages, Carbonology, Brian’s Kayaks, Mocke Paddling and Devils Peak, this iconic event would not be what it is.”