While the COVID-19 pandemic is once again impacting so many of us, taking away the freedoms with which we normally live our lives, our Australian Olympic Team in Tokyo provided us with so much to rejoice over at a time when many of us really needed a boost. This was the Olympics that the world perhaps didn’t want but, in the end, it was the Olympics that the world really needed!
For the paddling community, we were all flying high when our very own paddling stars in Jess Fox (canoe slalom) and Tom Green and Jean van der Westhuyzen (canoe sprint), won gold for Australia. Now it's time for our Paralympians to shine! Curtis McGrath, AJ Jennings, Susan Seipel and Dylan Littlehales all return to the Paralympic Games eager to bring home a medal. Action gets underway on September 2.
Click here to read the full update from Paddle Australia CEO Phil Jones
As always, to keep up-to-date, stay tuned to paddle.org.au and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Yours in Paddling,
Paddle Australia
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TOKYO OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
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Green and van der Westhuyzen dominant on route to gold
Australia secured it's first ever gold medal in the Men's Kayak Double 1000m at the Tokyo Olympic Games earlier this month. The duo of Thomas Green and Jean van der Westhuyzen crossed the finish line in first ahead of boats from Germany and the Czech Republic to secure the gold medal in a nail-biting race that came down to just 0.3 of a second. It is the first ever gold medal for Australia in the 85-year history of the event which has seen three previous Aussie bronze medals in 1984, 1988 and most recently 2016. Read more >>>
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Tokyo 2020 Review - Canoe Sprint
There were no Australians on the podium, but the outstanding results for our men's and women's K4 500 crews on the final day of the canoe sprint competition at Tokyo's Sea Forest Waterway were a fitting finish for three of our greatest paddlers, who indicated that Tokyo could be their last hurrah. Read more >>>
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Tokyo 2020 will be the pinnacle: Curtis McGrath
When the Paralympic flame was lit at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics Opening Ceremony, it was nine years and one day since Curtis McGrath was being bundled into a helicopter, having had both his legs blown off by an improvised explosive device in Afghanistan. As the Australian soldier was put on a stretcher, he said: "You'll see me at the Paralympics." Read more >>>
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10 things to know about Para Canoe
Get to know the sport making its second Paralympic Games appearance in Tokyo, with AJ Jennings, Dylan Littlehales, Curtis McGrath and Susan Seipel flying the Australian flag.
The para-canoe competition kicks off at Tokyo's Seaforest Waterway this Thursday 2 September Read more >>>
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Buy your green and gold virtual seats!
Show your support for the Australian Paralympic Team. Secure your green and gold virtual seat today!
When you fill the Tokyo 2020 stadiums with green and gold, you're doing more than cheering on our Paralympians. You're supporting the next generation of para-athletes who strive to compete at an elite level. Every seat purchased is invested in the next generation of Para-athletes through Paralympics Australia's community and sports programs. Click here to secure your seat >>>
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Paddle NSW encourages the paddlers to clean up waterways during SUPtember
Paddle NSW is encouraging the paddling community to help clean up our waterways during September as part of its SUPtember initiative. ‘SUP’ stands for ‘single-use plastics’ (as well as ‘stand-up paddle’ boards! – they are good SUPs, single-use plastics are bad SUPs!)
September is a month of activities aimed at reducing the amount of plastic in our environment. This includes reducing the production and use of (bad) SUPs, increasing the recycling of plastics, cleaning up plastic in the environment, and working to ensure the state government implements the NSW Plastic Plan. Find out more >>>
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Ascot Kayak Club new flatwater slalom course
As part of our Community, Clubs have access to local, state and federal grants - supported by Paddle Australia and the State Paddle Associations. The funding is often used for club facility or equipment upgrades, like Ascot Kayak Club who put the funding towards a new flatwater slalom course. We caught up with vice President Sue McDougall to talk about the upgrade (click image on left to watch).
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Tasmanian State Canoe Polo team train on!
Despite the chilly temperatures and cancellation of the 2021 Australian Canoe Polo Championships, the Tasmanian Canoe Polo team continues to train during the winter months to build skills, strategy and community. For their first session, there was ice around the edges of the dam, it even snowed before the second session! The team has also recently been successful in receiving a grant from Community Sports and Recreation Tasmania to help with purchasing some more equipment. Read more >>>
Want to try your hand at canoe polo? Find out more >>>
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Adelaide Canoe Club connects community through Peer Paddle Initiative
The Adelaide Canoe Club Peer Paddle initiative was established several years ago to address a shortage of qualified trip leaders within the Club. Some members were participating in regular paddles and after building a reasonable skill level and attaining Sea Skills accreditation, they proposed leading what is now known as “Peer Paddles”. Find out more >>>
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Nominations open for 2021 Paddle Australia Awards
Paddle Australia wishes to announce that nominations for the 2021 Paddle Australia Awards are now open!
The Annual Awards recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements and contributions of the paddling community across a 12 month period. The Awards also provide a platform to honour those who have contributed to the sport over a number of years. Read more >>>
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Paddle Australia turns to surf life saving roots to identify next generation of Olympians
Paddle Australia is looking to identify Brisbane 2032 Olympic prospects, through a dedicated talent identification program. PA is putting the call out to surf lifesavers born 2004 – 2008 to undertake a talent identification program through their relevant state institute. Read more >>>
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Paddle Smart
Paddle Smart has been designed for all paddlers: from those who are new to paddle sports to those that are already hooked on this great lifelong activity. Being safe on the water always starts with wearing your life jacket. A properly fitted life jacket feels snug and comfortable to wear. Find one that suits you and your needs. Find out more >>>
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Jean van der Westhuyzen and Tom Green celebrate their gold medal win at the Tokyo Olympic Games Photo Credit: Bence Vekassy
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What do you think of this newsletter? What would you like to see in future editions?
All comments and feedback are welcome and will help us to make sure that we're providing the updates that you care about most!
We would also love to hear about what paddlers are getting up to! Send in your photos, videos or stories to be featured in Paddle Pulse.
Please contact us at info@paddle.org.au.
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