Minister Marais sends off Berg River Canoe Marathon Paddlers

The Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), Anroux Marais, officiated at the start of the 55th Annual Berg River Canoe Marathon, sending the paddlers on their way in Paarl on Wednesday 13 July 2016.

The iconic 240 km canoe race from Paarl to Velddrif is one of the Western Cape’s major sporting events. As one of the longest canoe races in South Africa and one of the toughest in the world, it is no surprise that it draws large numbers of local and international participants every year, with men and women competitors of various ages, cultural backgrounds and religions. The event is hosted in partnership with the Western Cape Canoe Union, DCAS, the Cape Winelands District Municipality and the local Drakenstein, Bergriver and Swartland Municipalities plus numerous other sponsors.

Further contributing to social inclusion, children from surrounding schools are transported to Market Street Bridge, Wellington’s Lady Loch Bridge, Hermon Bridge, Zonquasdrift, Gouda Bridge, Bridgetown, Piketberg Old N7 Bridge, and Moravia Bridge to cheer on the paddlers.

During an opening ceremony at the start of the race, Minister Marais thanked all of the role players. “What makes this so special is that people come from far and wide from all walks of life to line up side by side and participate in this mega canoeing event, which talks greatly to the vision of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.”

Through its support of this prestigious event and its partnerships, DCAS is creating opportunities for all in competitive sport, BETTER TOGETHER.

The marathon is scheduled to finish in Velddrif on Saturday, 16 July 2016. For updates follow @BergRiverCanoe on Twitter.