The Hansa Powerade Dusi organising committee on Wednesday announced a massive increase in prize money for the 2006 event, which takes place from January 19 to 21.
”It is the 55th anniversary of the event and we really wanted to make this the richest prize in canoeing in the world,” said Cameron Mackenzie, chairperson of the organisers.
The Dusi is the largest event of its kind in the world, attracting more than 2 000 paddlers plus thousands of supporters to KwaZulu-Natal every year. It is estimated that the event injects R20-million to R30-million into the region’s economy and has a marketing impact in excess of R100-million.
”The winning boat will receive R80 000 as first prize, the second boat R50 000 and the third boat R24 000,” explained Cameron. ”The prize money goes all the way down to 10th place, which pays R2 000.
”The ladies’ prize money has been increased considerably — in fact, more than double. The winning boat will receive R40 000, the second boat R16 000 and the third boat R8 000. We are very grateful to all of the sponsors that have made this possible. The 55th anniversary will be the best Dusi yet.”
Lots of water is forecast for the coming event and entries are already starting to come in. A record field is expected, with entries from all over the subcontinent as well as Europe, the Americas and Australasia. — Sapa