The YMCA Massive Murray Paddle (Murray Marathon) is one of the world longest and oldest marathon canoe races. Whether your preferred craft is a canoe, kayak or even a paddle board, this challenge is tough! So setting goals, training, working in a team, camaraderie, fitness, nature based and fund raising for a worthy cause are all skills and experiences that the participants will be exposed to.  Further information: http://www.massivemurraypaddle.org.au/about.html


What are we trying to achieve?


We are trying to introduce Bendigo folk to the iconic Murray Marathon, and to highlight all the good work the YMCA do in the broader community. 

Our participants will take on the challenge, improve their fitness, join a community group and support the good work that the YMCA does.
 
We hope to do this by:

Preparing 20+ (our stretch goal is to send 30!+) participants to compete in one day of the famous Murray Marathon (all of it or some), catering from teenagers to all the way through to people in their 80s.  We will be providing all the necessary equipment, safety gear, along with in-kind training and mentoring support.  The funds raised will cover some of the entry fees, along with providing funds for the hire of a bus, driver and the provision of outreach education and materials.

 
The YMCA Massive Murray Paddle is not just a fundraiser or a paddling race – it is a five, three or one day river adventure which offers a unique way to experience Australia’s natural environment and the Murray Region.



YMCA Victoria is a not-for-profit organisation that builds healthier and happier communities. One of the major aims for the Massive Murray Paddle is to support the Murray Region. YMCA invests funds raised from the event back into building bright futures for young people in Victoria, and this includes programs for young people in the Murray River region.
Every year YMCA aims to deliver an even better event than the last. But ultimately it’s the people and the atmosphere that make this event so unique.

YMCA invests funds raised from the event back into building bright futures for young people in Victoria, and this includes programs for young people in the Murray River region. - For more information see: http://massivemurraypaddle.bm-54.baselocation.net/support/where-your-money-goes.html#sthash.OS4305pz.FIchLEVX.dpuf

For further information please contact Tony Misson Email : tmisson [at] iprimus.com.au (replace the [at] with the @ symbol)

We are asking for pledges to raise at least (hopefully a lot more!) $2500 in order to:
Subsidise the cost of participant's entry fees,
Hire a bus with driver as transport to the event,
Covering the cost of providing coaching, support and introductory sessions to canoeing
A 6 week training program for participants from early October until commence of the race
Raise funds for the YMCA to contribute the good work they do in regional communities, so with this in mind a stretch goal target of $5000 would be fantastic!

Getting the message out there, quickly and effectively!  We will be using our links with the Bendigo Paddling/Rowing Community to get people on board.  There is the issue of a fairly tight timeframe, we will be spreading the message fast, wide, and far to help this get off the ground!