Kayaker One Eyed About World Champs

Kayaker One Eyed About World Champs

Rain, sleet and snow haven’t kept Kayaker Danielle Currie from training every day to realise her Olympic dream, and nothing is going stop her getting to this year’s World Champs.

Cantabrian Danielle trains every day on Christchurch’s Avon, braving the dark and freezing chill.

This year Danielle is off to the World Champs in Europe, and dreams of representing New Zealand at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

Danielle is one-eyed about her quest and works at Employer Gerry’s Wraps to supplement her income as a student.

To give her a boost, Gerry’s Wraps organised a fundraiser on Queen’s Birthday weekend which saw a turnout of over 200 people and raised almost $2,000.

The Bog Irish Bar hosted the fundraiser and donated a percentage of the bar takings, while Elite Meats Bush Inn supplied hot-ham ciabatta, and meat pack raffles.

Danielle was delighted with the turnout which included family, friends and some Gerry’s Wraps’ supporters: “I didn’t expect this many people to turn up – everyone has been so lovely.”

Thanks to other donations, including most recently a generous $500 from Christchurch’s Anglo Pacific International, Danielle now has $3,539 – enough for new paddles and her accommodation.

But she still needs more: Enough to pay for her flights ($4,000) and her uniforms ($450).

To help a one-eyed Cantabrian realise her dream, please donate to her crowdfunding site below – all donations welcome, no matter how small.

Danielle’s highest achievement to date is representing New Zealand at all three Junior International Canoe Federation World Championships, placing 6th in the World in 2013 for the K4 500m discipline. Danielle has also gained two U23 National Titles and won the both the U18 and U23 K1 1000m New Zealand National Titles.

Canoe Racing New Zealand has reselected Danielle for its High Performance Squad for the 2014/2015 season, as part of High Performance Sport New Zealand’s support programme for promising world-class athletes.

ENDS

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