After a successful second event in March 2009, Lifestart - in partnership with AROC Sport - is putting on the third edition of Kayak for Kids, its annual fundraising paddling event on Sydney Harbour on Sunday 28 March 2010.

This event has been dubbed the "City2Surf on water" and can be completed by paddlers bringing their own boat or by teams relaying the distance on 3-persons sit-on-tops. It is particularly appropriate for corporations looking for team-building and a good cause, but families, groups of friends and sports teams are sure to have a blast as well.

Event Ambassador

Former Olympic kayaker and five-time world outrigger champion Shelley Oates-Wilding is once again the Event Ambassador.

Kayak for Kids is an exciting and special event on Sydney Harbour that raises funds for Lifestart, an Early Childhood Intervention Service that helps kids with intellectual disabilities or developmental delays from birth to school age achieve the best possible start in life. It is a paddle challenge from Blues Point to Clontarf – a distance of 17.5 km – but it is an event that allows nearly everyone to join in.

HOW…………?

First, the course is broken up into 4 stages. Second, included in the teams entry fee is the hire of a 3-person kayak and equipment for participants who are not regular paddlers and who do not own a kayak. This means teams of up to 12 people can enter, where each person only has to paddle one stage of the course. With each stage being around 4.5 km, as long as you are reasonably fit, you can participate. It is the perfect event for groups of friends, company groups or social groups to join in to.

But there are also challenges for the seasoned paddler who owns his or her own craft, whether a surfski, sea kayak or outrigger! The challenge is open to solo and double craft and, as well as the regular competitive categories, Kayak for Kids will be part of the inaugural PaddleNSW Harbour Racing Series of time trials over the summer months.

But back to Shelley, who will be paddling with her 13-year old son Kai, who is following in his mum’s footsteps and making a name for himself on the kayaking circuit. When asked why she became associated with Kayak for Kids Shelley replied: “Firstly it is because of Lifestart. Their approach to assisting kids is very family-centred and I believe that family is the most important thing we have. Second, they have then created a kayak event which encourages families to be involved either as participants, supporters or just to come along and have a picnic at Clontarf Reserve to cheer in the paddlers … how could I not support it?”

Event Information

• DATE: Sunday, 28th March 2010
• TO REGISTER: http://kayakforkids.com.au
• FUNDRAISING: http://everydayhero.com.au/events/kayak_for_kids_10
• AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW: Shelley Oates-Wilding
• FOR MORE INFORMATION: Christopher Cummings, Fundraising Manager, Lifestart Co-operative Ltd, (02) 9807 9700 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Download the event flyer here