SIAVONGA CANOE CHALLENGE
THE MOSI CANOE CHALLENGE 2009
12 -14 JUNE 2009

BACKGROUND: The idea of an annual canoe race in Siavonga was first floated late in 2006 and the original idea was do a ‘Pub Crawl Paddle’ whereby the canoeists had to paddle to each of Siavonga’s lakeside hotels, run up to the bar and drink a beer. Designed as both a promotional and charity event the ‘Pub Crawl Paddle’ was held in June 2007 with 14 sponsored teams participating. The event was a huge success attracting lots of media coverage but the organizers realized that the mixing of sport and alcohol was not viable in the long term.

The 2nd event – now known as the Siavonga Canoe Challenge – was held in early November 2008 with 18 teams participating. In this event the teams were challenged to find hidden locations at each of Siavonga’s hotels. Different locations had different point values and the first team to make it to the finish with the most points was the winner. There were also a number of physical challenges that the teams had to undertake. Again the event was a huge success thanks to increased local support and enthusiastic team participation. Media coverage was substantial and currently ongoing.

THE THIRD ANNUAL CANOE CHALLENGE 2009 – SIAVONGA, ZAMBIA

With the experience of two events under their belts the organizers have come up with the ultimate Canoe Challenge; 30 sponsored teams of 3 (including 1 Siavonga local in each team) racing against the clock from the Nyami Nyami Adventure Center to the finish at Eagle’s Rest Resort. Again they must stop at each hotel en route finding locations, again some locations will require vehicle transport, again there will be physical challenges but for 2009 there will also be two group tasks held on the beach at Eagle’s Rest. The group tasks are there for a number of reasons; the first is that in 2009 a new award will be included – the Team Spirit Award – and it will have a point value. The teams themselves vote for the Team Spirit Award winner and it goes to the team that shows the true spirit of a sporting event; camaraderie, team work, enthusiasm and humour…and its these elements that will particularly come to the fore in the group tasks. The group tasks will also provide close-up media and spectator access. All competitors are covered by ZSIC insurance throughout the event.

As with 2007 and 2008 the organizers make a weekend of the event; competitors, media and spectators are provided with coach transport from Lusaka on Friday 12 June. There is a welcome fish BBQ at Eagle’s Rest on the Friday night and teams register and meet their local counterpart, all competitors’ camp at Eagle’s Rest with tents being supplied by the organization. Media and spectators check into various hotels. All hotels offer special rates for the weekend of the event.

On Saturday 13 all competitors get a final briefing including rules, safety and location clues after a hearty breakfast. All media, competitors and some spectators are boated to the start where all the canoes await. A le Mans style start always provides a spectacle. Teams must reach Eagle’s Rest by the cutoff point of 12 noon. The 2 group tasks are then held on the beach…

After the group tasks are complete the competition is over. A beach BBQ is held at Eagle’s Rest after which competitors can rest before the winners are announced at the prize giving function, dinner and dance at Manchinchi Bay Lodge. The renowned Inthambi Cultural Dance Troupe will be providing additional entertainment throughout the weekend. All competitors will walk away with a prize…but it’s 1st, 2nd and 3rd that get the high value prizes and trophies.

Read more here..

RESULTS OF THE THIRD ANNUAL CANOE CHALLENGE 2009: