Principal Sponsor
Major Sponsor
Lifestart Kayak for Kids is Sydney’s own one-of-a-kind paddling event that attracts competitors and spectators from all over the state to benefit children with a disability or developmental delay. The event is open to all people, of all ages and all paddling abilities.
This spectacular event takes place each year usually on the last Sunday in March. For 2013 due to the timing of Easter, the event will be held the previous weekend on Sunday 24 March. Competitors face the challenge of paddling in a variety of paddle craft in an exciting 17.5km race against the inspiring backdrop of Sydney Harbour from Blues Point to Clontarf.
Serious kayakers are welcome to participate in this exhilarating time trial as it hugs the northern shores in solo or double craft. AND - first solo boat accross the line wins a return flight for 2 to Hawaii and an entry to the famous Molokai Classic.
For the novice kayaker, the course runs in four stages of approximately 4.5km for competitors to form relay teams of 3 to 12 people. Corporate teams can join the friendly rivalry amongst competitors in the quest to win the Corporate Challenge Cup. After the paddle, join the annual Lifestart family picnic with lots of fun, food and entertainment for the whole family.
Kayak for Kids is Lifestart’s major annual fundraising event and paddlers are asked to raise as much as they can in support of Lifestart. Kayak for Kids is the perfect vehicle for family, friends and workmates to admire the beauty of Sydney Harbour. It is a team building event with a difference while supporting children with disability in our community.
For more information on Lifestart visit www.lifestart.org.au
Never paddled? Don’t own a kayak?
Not a problem … we’ve got you covered. The relay teams option includes hire of a three-seater kayak, paddles and life vests. And best of all - you paddle the kayak with 2 other mates and only one stage of approximately 4.5km.
Lifestart Kayak for Kids is is the perfect event for family, friends or work colleagues to enjoy together. Alan and Therese Yeung paddled in the inaugural event in March 2008 and again in 2009 in two teams that included young Mia (8 years old) and Macy (5 years old). They have been back every year and look forward to seeing what combination they will have for their teams for 2012.
Greg Hartung AO has had an extensive career in sports administration, spanning more than 30 years. He has been President of the Australian Paralympic Committee since 1998 and is currently the Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee.
Greg was the inaugural Chief Executive of the Australian Sports Commission (1984-1988) and was a member of the interim committee of the Australian Sports Commission in 1983. He was Deputy Chair of the Sydney Paralympic Games Organising Committee. He was also President of the Confederation of Australian Sport from 1989 to 1995 and is a life member of that organisation.
Greg has held a number of directorships with sporting organisations including the Australian Coaching Council.
In April 2010, Greg retired as Chair of the Australian Sports Commission and of the Australian Sports Foundation.
Also in 2010, Greg was appointed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to the Coordination Commission for the Games in Rio de Janiero, 2016. He was also a member of the IOC Radio and Television Commission and the IOC Press Commission. He stepped down from his roles with the IOC in 2011.
Greg was awarded an Officer of the Order of Australia in the Australia Day Honours, 2013 for distinguished service to sport and to people with a disability through contributions to the development and promotion of the Paralympic community, particularly in the South Pacific.
Outside sport, Greg has pursued a career in business and media.
In 2013, Greg graciously accepted the offer to become a Lifestart Kayak for Kids Ambassador saying, “There is such a need for organisations like Lifestart in Australia today, the work that Lifestart does with young children living with disability is exceptional. I am privileged to be a Lifestart Kayak for Kids Ambassador and I am looking forward to Sunday, March 24, 2013 to see the flotilla of kayaks taking off towards Clontarf Beach”
Guy Leech shot to fame as a 19 year old with an extraordinary, against-the-odds victory in the first ever professional ironman race in the world - the Coolangatta Gold in 1984 - in front of 120,000 people. Leech epitomised the bronzed Aussie with his sun bleached hair, outgoing personality, athletic talent and fighting spirit which saw him dominate Iron Man competition for the next 10 years.
“Leechy” won an amazing 7 Iron Man Championships and the World Iron Man title in the event many believe to be the ultimate test of fitness. He won the Australian Marathon Swimming Championships, represented his country in still water swimming and triumphed in his first attempt at the gruelling World Ocean Paddling championship in Molokai, Hawaii over 56kms.
In 1994 Guy was crowned “Australia’s fittest Athlete” by the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, competing in 10 events over two days against elite athletes from our highest profile sports. Inside Sport dubbed him “The Fittest Man on the Planet” the following year. He is now 47 years old and remains in phenomenal shape that Ultra Fit magazine called him the “Fittest 40 year old on the planet” in their 100th issue.
In 2007 he launched “Guy Leech Health” company and now helps others to get fit - from his daily morning men’s and women’s training groups, attracting hundreds of people a week (www.guyleechpaddlefitness.com) to world class athletes such as 7 times world surfing champion, Layne Beachley. Guy has also trained celebrities such as Madonna, Kieran Perkins and Antonia Kidman. He is married with 2 daughters.
Lifestart is extremely proud that Guy continues to choose Kayak for Kids as one of his favourite charities. Guy will be paddling on March 24, 2013 – why not join him?
Guy commented:
“Kayak for Kids is a unique paddling challenge on beautiful Sydney Harbour for everyone from beginner to serious kayaker. It is also a great opportunity for kayakers to raise money for kids with disability whilst paddling past the city's icons including Luna Park, the Opera House and Fort Denison before heading into middle harbour and on to leafy Clontarf for the Lifestart family picnic. So get your family, friends and workmates together and come out for a fantastic day on the water on Sunday, March 24."
The Kayak for Kids event was fantastic. Up until this year we have only donated towards the fundraising, however this year was the first time I have been able to paddle - I have always been away with work. I just hope I will be available next year, as I had a great time paddling my leg of the course. The intention will be to get some more friends involved and spread the word! Glen Townsend, Metso Minerals
Thanks and congratulations on an excellent event. This was my first year and will be back next year with a few more teams as I am looking to offer this as a fitness/team building event to my corporate clients. Terry Gilsenan, Customer Underground Australia
Kayak for Kids was once again a fantastic event to have our company Servcorp involved in. This was the second year that we have competed and it has definitely become an annual event for our company. Everybody had a great time out on the water and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was also great to see such generosity and dedication to the Lifestart cause from the participants, organisers, and supporters. The team at Lifestart ran a fantastic event which I predict will only get bigger each year. Can’t wait for next year to regain our title! Julia McClean, Servcorp
Lifestart Kayak for Kids is an exceptional and worthy fundraising paddle-a-thon which everyone should join! Paddlers from all walks of life arose to dramatic skies over Sydney Harbour. As paddlers hugged the coastline, the sun shone in full volume and people cheered as rubber duckies leant into the paddle and carved through to Middle Harbour. The weather cleared to beautiful sunshine, as the sleek racers glided past. Leading the charge was Guy Leech with a few hot on his tail. The kilometres ticked off with each checkpoint providing a refreshed determination that every stroke counted towards an excellent goal and contributed towards children being provided an excellent start in life. So what are you waiting for? Get involved and contribute to a very worthy children's cause. Konrad Lippmann, THRILL.com.au
You can purchase the special edition Lifestart Kayak for Kids Rash Vest and the Lifestart Cap when you enter online.
Lifestart Kayak for Kids Rash Vest Childrens Sizes = $30
(sizes 8, 10,12, 14)
Mens Sizes = $35
(sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
Womens Sizes = $35
(sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18)
Lifestart CapOne size fits All
$16.50
© Copyright 2003 AROCsport Pty
Ltd | Disclaimer | Privacy
Policy
© photos by holimage and Mark
Watson © website
by Itchybrain Productions
Primal Quest Photos: © Photo Express-It Inc Kayak for Kids photos:
© Alex Francois
