More awards flood in for CIWW!

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jul 15, 2011

On Saturday 9th July, Cardiff International White Water received another accolade, being designated as a British Canoe Union and Canoe Wales Paddlesport High Performance Centre.

A new multi-sport event for young children, “Gemau Cymru “, took place in Cardiff between 8 – 10th July 2011.  This event showcased nine different, competitive sports namely Athletics, Gymnastics, Swimming and Canoeing. Cardiff was chosen as the ideal setting for the first ever Gemau Cymru, and captured the spirit of the London 2012 Games whilst delivering a lasting sporting  legacy for Wales.

During this event, CIWW  was presented with a plaque to confirm the centre as a British Canoe Union and Canoe Wales High Performance Centre.

CIWW becomes one of only four elite centres across the UK, with only one other located in Wales.  This is a second award for CIWW since being voted ‘Best Visitor Experience’ in Wales just 6 months after opening.

Accepting the award, Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said:

“As a Capital for Sport, Cardiff Council recognises the important role sport plays in enriching people’s lives. During the Gemau Cyrmu event, many schools and youth groups have been encouraged to participate in a variety of sports, using the Capital’s exceptional facilities as a showcase for young talent.

“I was both proud and privileged to accept the British Canoe Union award on behalf of Cardiff International White Water.  Cardiff, as well as hosting pre-games training camps and being a venue for Olympic football, is positively encouraging children and young people to partake and enjoy sport, and we look forward to taking an active role in the 2012 Olympics.”

Grand boost for charity ahead of white water challenge

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jul 4, 2011

The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) has been given a £1000 boost ahead of the White Water Challenge at the Cardiff International White Water centre on July 3rd, 2011.

Cardiff entrepeneur, Raj Aggarwal presented John Stanton of the JST in Wales with the cheque for £1000 to enable a raft to take on the raging rapids in Cardiff Bay this Sunday.

The JST is best known for the challenge of Tall Ship sailing with crews of all physical abilities working side-by-side on equal terms.  In the spirit of JST, rafts will be expected to have 4 able-bodied paddlers and 2 paddlers with a physical or sensory disability.  Each raft is accompanied by a highly trained guide provided by Cardiff International White Water.

There will be a maximum of 24 rafts which will be divided into 3 timed race sessions.  Trophies will be awarded to the fastest raft in each session and also for the overall fastest raft on the day.

A funfair and other attractions are also being planned to provide a family day out.

Deputy Leader of Cardiff Council, Cllr Judith Woodman said, “The JST is a fantastic charity as it enables people with all manner of physical disabilities to get involved in activities on the high seas that many so-called able-bodied people would think beyond them.  Their work is truly inspirational and I’ve seen first hand that with the right help, virtually anything is possible.  I’m delighted Raj Aggarwal has got involved and I thank him for his generosity in supporting this exciting event at our White Water centre.  This is a bit of departure for the JST and it promises to be a thrilling spectacle as well as a great day out for all the family.”

John Stanton of the JST in Wales also welcomed Mr Aggarwal’s sponsorship.  He said, “It’s great local entrepreneurs are getting involved, long may it continue.  I’m confident that with more people like Raj getting involved we can take the trust onto another level in Wales through events like the White Water Challenge.  Enabling people of all physical abilities to participate in such seemingly daunting challenges is our passion.  In terms of sailing and being on the water in general, we very much adopt a ‘yes, you can’ attitude and our results speak for themselves.”

Raj Aggarwal said, “I’m very proud to sponsor a raft in the White Water Challenge for the Jubilee Sailing Trust.  I’ve been very impressed with John and the work the trust does.  A charity that actively helps people achieve things they thought impossible has to be a good thing, a genuinely life-enhancing enterprise.  I hope this event is well supported and the trust achieves great things in Wales.”