CAPE TOWN – As excitement grows for the Prescient Freedom Paddle surfski race around Robben Island on April 27, the organisers are thankful for a group of sponsors who have contributed to the phenomenal growth of the event.
In just six years the race has quickly become an iconic must-do event on the surfski racing calendar. However, the organisers are aware of the importance of a great team of sponsors and race partners that have allowed the event to develop into one of the country’s major paddling events.
Title sponsor, Prescient, go into their fifth year of sponsorship and the global financial services business can reflect on a partnership that has had a sustainable and meaningful impact.
“As an active corporate citizen, engrained in Prescient’s DNA is the belief that partnerships, like the one Prescient has with the Freedom Paddle, can drive sustainable change. Through our partnership, Prescient and the Freedom Paddle are shining a light on environmental and ocean protection awareness this year,” said Willem Venter, Group Chief Executive Officer at Prescient.
“We recognise that, like with sport, success in investing, whether in asset classes, people or our planet, is cultivated through diligence, unwavering consistency and a steadfast focus on long-term objectives”, added Venter.
A key factor in the growth of the race has also been the iconic halfway destination, Robben Island, and the world-famous tourist attraction holds a massive place in South African history. For this reason, it is particularly relevant that the City of Cape Town should be one of the major partners in the event.
“Freedom Day and Robben Island are inseparably linked in South Africa’s history, so it is entirely appropriate The City of Cape Town is an integral part of hosting the annual Freedom Paddle around Robben Island,” said the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith.
“The City of Cape Town is honoured to be associated with the Freedom Paddle and as we welcome athletes and their families to the Mother City. We hope they will use this opportunity to enjoy the many attractions Cape Town has on offer.”
Prominent stainless steel and aluminium supplier Euro Steel has been part of the event since its inception.
“Our association with paddling in South Africa goes back many years and we are deeply entrenched in the community, so we are proud to be able to help the Freedom Paddle grow into an important piece on the South African sporting landscape,” said Colin Wilson, CEO of Euro Steel.
“Like all good paddlers, the Management team of the Freedom Paddle has had to navigate through some tough times and provided a great product. This is something we align with and strive for as a company,” added Wilson.
Race director Robin Tindall is well aware of the importance of the event’s numerous partners.
“The Freedom Paddle’s growth has been built on a lot of hard work over the past few years, but, as event organisers, we know that without the partnerships of some extremely valuable sponsors, we would never have been able to put on an event that paddlers love to be part of,” said Tindall. “We cannot thank Prescient, the City of Cape Town and Euro Steel enough for helping us grow.
“There are, however, also a number of other brands who have contributed. Without the likes of Dunlop, Peninsula Beverages, Woodstock Brewery, Holdfast, Carbonology Sport, Brian’s Kayaks, Mocke Paddling, Two Oceans Foundation, Operation Smile, SANParks Honorary Rangers, Downwind and Treble Group this iconic event would not be what it is.”