 | Drakenstein kicks off 62nd Berg with old-fashioned canon shot
05 July 2023 | Press Releases |
5 July 2023
Earlier today (Wednesday, 5 July 2023), the Market Street Bridge in Paarl was a hive of activity as the 2023 Berg River Canoe Marathon got underway. This year, there was a twist to the starting ceremony. Alderman Conrad Poole, Executive Mayor of Drakenstein Municipality, had the honour of firing an old-fashioned canon instead of the normal starting gun - much to the delight of the spectators.
“The Berg is renowned for being one of the most gruelling ultra-kayak marathons in the world – representing the ultimate test of endurance paddling. Thank you to the organisers of this phenomenal event for the positive impact you make on so many communities. It is a great privilege for Drakenstein Municipality to support the 62nd Berg," said Alderman Poole, while addressing dignitaries at the official start of the marathon.
“Following heavy rains in the Western Cape, the Berg River recently reached its 100-year flood level, promising an exhilarating paddle for our participants. May this be a memorable race for each paddler, and may we gather here again at the same place, same time next year," he said.
Robin Graves, Chair of the Western Cape Canoe Union, also addressed the dignitaries, and wished the paddlers a safe and thrilling race as they embarked on their four-day (240km-long) journey all the way to Velddrif in the Bergrivier Municipality.
The proceedings further included a trophy handover ceremony involving Alderman Harold Cleophas, Executive Mayor of Swartland Municipality; Alderman Ray van Rooy, Executive Mayor of Bergrivier Municipality; Dr Johan Leibbrandt, City Manager of Drakenstein Municipality; and Heidi Taylor-Welgemoed, Chair of the Paarl Canoe Club.
And with that, it was ready, set, paddle! Alderman Poole ignited the starting canon, and off went the courageous paddlers.
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Issued by: Communication and Marketing, Drakenstein Municipality
