On 23rd June 2012 thirty avid paddlers took on the ultimate canoe polo challenge – Sunrise to Sunset. The idea of a 12 hour canoe polo marathon was cooked up in the pub over a few pints, after training on a cold December evening. The paddlers organised and participated in the 12 hour marathon which demonstrated some fantastic polo, great coaching of the younger players and amazing endurance. The event managing to raise over £1,000 for charity.
Paddlers of all ages and abilities came from clubs around London to Herts Young Mariners Base, Cheshunt to play from 9am to 9pm in the longest match of their lives. Bearing in mind that a normal game lasts between 14 and 20 minutes, playing continuously with rolling substitutions for such a long time is an impressive feat. Organised into two big teams (imaginatively named Sunrise and Sunset) the players fought through wind, rain and even a little sunshine to end with a final score of 73:63 to Team Sunrise.
The chosen charity was Leonard Cheshire Disability, an organisation that is close to the hearts of the organisers and one that does incredible work improving the lives of disabled people around the world. The participants received sponsorship from friends and family for completing this marathon event and coupled with profits made from selling cakes over £1,200 was raised for the cause.
The organisers would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who came along to paddle, support and help out and congratulations to everyone who played from sunrise to sunset.
Look out for next year’s event if you think you’re up for the challenge!
If you would like to make a donation to Leonard Cheshire Disability to help their valuable work you can do so online by visiting one of the organiser’s Justgiving pages at http://www.justgiving.com/Beth-Barrett0
The organisers of Sunrise to Sunset would like to thank the following for their support:
ULU Canoe Polo
Lonely Planet
Morrisons
InnerZap
and FC Business Intelligence
