53rd Berg River Canoe Marathon a big success | Western Cape Government

News

53rd Berg River Canoe Marathon a big success

21 July 2014
After a gruelling four days, the winners of the 53rd Berg River Canoe Marathon were announced on 19 July 2014. Andy Birkett won the men’s event and Abby Adie the women’s. The iconic 240 km canoe race from Paarl to Velddrif is South Africa’s longest and one of the world’s toughest. It is no surprise that the event draws local and international participants every year.
 
Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Dr Nomafrench Mbombo fired the starting pistol in Paarl on 16 July. She emphasised the important role that the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) plays in sport development through developing canoeing and supporting major events such as the Berg River Canoe Marathon. This has a wider economic benefit for rural areas of the Western Cape because it promotes sports tourism. Acknowledging that the race is a tough mental challenge as well as a physical one, she said “I wish all the participants a safe and successful race”. 
 
The hosting of the event was a partnership between the Western Cape Canoe Union, the Drakenstein Municipality and DCAS. 
 
Through its support of this prestigious event and its partnerships, DCAS is creating opportunities for all in competitive sport. 
 
Media Enquiries: 
Tania Colyn
Acting Head of Communication Service
Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Tel: 021 483 9877