On Saturday 6th October 2007 Spinal Injuries Ireland in association with Sandycove Kayak Club ran an all day kayak event on Blessington Lakes called the 'Blessington 500'. The hope was to kayak an accumulation of 500 miles or more on the day.
The aim was twofold:-
1) It was a fundraising kayak challenge where participants obtained sponsorship for each mile they completed. Participants collected tokens at check points thus proving the miles done. This meant that first timers along with seasoned kayakers could choose the distance that suited them best.
2) It was a tribute to Niamh McGrath who died in a tragic accident in 2005. Niamh introduced kayaking as an option for people with a spinal cord injury in 1998. With Niamh's support and endless enthusiasm, kayaking became a wonderful reality for people who have sustained a spinal cord injury and it has been included as an ongoing part of Spinal Injuries Ireland's venture sports activities programme. We remain truly grateful for all her support and encouragement.
The day turned out to be a marvellous success due to a combination of the fine weather, (easily the best day of the year) and the fantastic support from everyone who turned up on the day.
The event also coincided with the K2 National Championships and SII would like to thank the K2’s for donating their entry fees to our organisation.
Over 100 people were on the water kayaking, ten of whom had a spinal cord injury. Huge credit has to be given to the organising team and Sandycove Kayak Club for the tremendous effort that went into the preparation and management of this event. 520 miles was the final tally which was a tribute to the great effort by all who participated and we would like to say a great big ‘thank you’ to everyone who took part.
The success of the day was an example of how any kayak club can facilitate kayaking for people with a spinal cord injury. If you are interested in trying your hand at kayaking contact the Irish Canoe Union to see if there is a club near you.
Irish Canoe Union
Ph: 01 6251105
Fax: 01 6251106
Email: office@canoe.ie
Acknowledgements:
Spinal Injuries Ireland would like to say a special thank you to Michele Verdonck, Conor Walsh, Siobhan McMahon, Peter Nolan and Elaine Glynn who very generously gave their time and expertise over the past year to help people with a spinal cord injury prepare for the Blessington 500. We would also like to thank the following people who lent their support and volunteered their services on the day:- Liz Power, Bernie Downes, Barbara (Sandycove Kayak Club), Sean & Damian Downes, David Mongey, Irish Canoe Union, Rosanna & Diane Davison, Peadar Moran (ESB), Tony Connolly, Marty Hammond, Liam Whitty & catering staff (NRH), Ciaran O’Halloran (UCD), Alan McIlroy, Kilternan Venture Scouts, Kevin, Laura & Gillian Bradshaw, Caroline Whooley, Carmel Cunniffe, Siobhan O’Driscoll (SII), Rachel Kinsella, Tony Kelly, Irish Red Cross, Blessington Gardai, Togher Filling Station, Dun Laoghaire Powerboat School, Paul Ashmore (Avon Ri) and Tipperary Water.
