Kayak help

Australia’s national kayaking coach Jimmy Walker has arrived on the island to support the development of a coaching structure for the Cook Islands Canoeing Association.

An international athlete in his own right, Walker was a finalist in K4 kayak at the Atlanta Olympics, world cup kayaking gold medallist and Australian national surf ski gold medallist.

As well as coaching kayakers at the Beijing Olympics, Walker owns a kayak building business.

The programme includes running coaching clinics and training paddlers on Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Walker is planning three trips over the next five months which will include visits to Aitutaki. His time here is timed to coincide with preparations for Vaka Eiva 2010.

In addition to offering support for international competition preparation the programme will also be helping entry, intermediate and national level coaches to develop training programmes for community, club and national competitions and events.

This initiative has been supported by the International Olympic Committee, the International Canoe Federation and the Oceania Canoeing Association.

CICA vice-president Janet Maki welcomes the opportunity provided by the IOC funding.

“It will enable us to develop a pathway for coaches to gain recognition for their skills and commitment to the sport,” Maki says.

The support also includes the donation of eight surf skis and paddles which Walker will also be introducing to assist in the development of the sport.

There will be a blessing ceremony 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon at Avarua Wharf following the 12km race in the Long Distance Race series which is due to start at 12.30pm.

For further information please contact Janet Maki or Tina Newport.