25/06/2001

THREE of Richmond Canoe Clubs most promising young athletes have received a grant towards the purchase of equipment from Sport Aid. Kimberley Wetherall, Nanette Kelly and Oliver Isbell, who are members of the Great Britains junior Olympic and international canoeing set-up, each received £500.

"Were delighted with these grants. They will help us to continue to improve as canoeists and we are grateful to Sport Aid for its support," says Kim.

"To compete at the highest level, we need the best equipment. We have all used the money to by new, high-tech paddles," Nanette explains

"Its great to have your achievements recognised by an organisation such as Sport Aid and its a boost to our ambitions to become part of the senior Great Britain squad in the future," Oliver says.

Kim, Nanette and Oliver will be representing Richmond at the National Sprint Championships at Nottingham from 7-8 July, the fourth in an annual series of national sprint regattas organised by the British Canoe Union.

04/06/2001

RICHMOND Canoe Club paddlers posted a series of first places at the latest national sprint regatta in Nottingham, held last weekend. In all, nine firsts went to Richmond, spread over three sprint distances.

Richmonds elite lady paddler, Tricia Davey, dominated the womens events with first places in the 500 metre and 1,000 metre singles finals. Richmonds top male paddler, Gavin Turrell, scored second place in the mens 200 metre singles final.

Other first places were claimed by Gvidas Papreckis (boys B 200 metre and 500 metres singles, and boys B 200 metre doubles together with Oliver Isbell), Jackie Eastwood (womens B 200 metre and 500 metre singles), Rupert Elkington-Cole (mens C 200 metre singles).

In addition, Richmonds canoeists claimed a number of runners up slots. Elite Richmond girls paddler Nettie Kelly claimed third spot in the girls A 500 metre singles final. Jackie Eastwood and Gvidas Papreckis each completed excellent individual weekends with a silver placing in the womens B 500 metre singles and a bronze place in the boys B 1,000 metre singles final respectively. Finally, Rupert Elkington-Cole added to his 200 metre success with third places in the mens C 500 metre and 1,000 metre finals.