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Ord River Paddle to become permanent fixture in Kimberley sports calendar after successful inaugural event

Stephanie SinclairThe Kimberley Echo
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The inaugural Ord River Paddle took place over the weekend.
Camera IconThe inaugural Ord River Paddle took place over the weekend.

Two former Olympians have taken home line honours at the inaugural Ord River Paddle at the weekend .

The new event saw 24 paddlers hit the East Kimberley waterway for a 29km kayak from the Lake Argyle dam wall to Sandy Creek on Sunday morning.

Professional kayaker Rob Jenkinson, who represented New Zealand in the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, was the first to cross the finish line, completing the course in three house and 35 minutes.

Former sailing Olympic gold medallist Belinda Stowell-Brett was victorious in the women’s competition and placed third overall, finishing in three hours and 47 minutes.

Kununurra residents also did their home town proud, with Paul Mock and Linda Hannig placing third in their respective fields.

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After a successful maiden event, Ord River Paddle event manager Glenn Taylor said the paddle had cemented its place in the Kimberley sporting calendar.

“It was fantastic to hold a successful inaugural event and the competitor feedback has been fantastic; they were all so impressed by our amazing Ord River,” he said. “The event is definitely set to grow ahead of next year.”

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