Fiji Outrigger will be represented at the 14th World Sprints in Noumea, New Caledonia. The 29-paddler squad is represented by three clubs from Fiji. Takia Outrigger Canoe Club, Tafaga Canoe Club and Nadi Bay Canoe Club.

The squad will be represented by in the following categories: Open Men, Open Women, Masters Women in V6 races and in V1 races, two athletes in the boys and girls U16 categories and in the one athlete in the Senior Masters division.

“The 29-paddler squad has been training for this event since December 2009, and the team is made up of relatively new paddlers, whose ultimate goal would by representation at the 2011 Pacific Games also to be held in Noumea next year.” ‘Association secretary Sheena Hughes said.

“The clubs attending have spent a lot of effort in getting their squad to the Worlds with over $75,000 being the collective amount raised to get the team there”, she added.

The World Sprints are held every 2 years and only have sprint races run over 500m and 1500m races. This year’s event will see in excess of 1500 paddlers converge on Noumea’s Anste Vata Beach to contest to honours of the fastest country in Outrigger. Competition proper begins 25th May and ends 29th May.

The International Va’a Federation is the international body for the sport of Outrigger Canoeing. Its member countries include American Samoa - Argentina - Australia - Belgium - Brazil - California - Canada - Cook Islands - East Cost USA - England - Fiji - France - Germany - Guam - Hawaii - Hong Kong - Italia - Japan - Marshall Islands - New Caledonia - New Zealand - Niue Northern Marianas - Pacific Northwest - Palau - Rapa Nui - Samoa - Sweden - Tahiti - Tonga - Wallis and Futuna