Sponsorship May Be Down, but Canoe Excitement Running High

Elvin Penner

Many businesses are not sponsoring canoe teams this year because of the financial hit they took as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Elvin Penner, President of the Belize Canoeing Association, told News Five that although sponsorship is down, paddlers are still excited for the return of the sport.  Many are going out with limited support, simply to compete once again.

Elvin Penner, President, Belize Canoeing Association

“I think it is absolutely fabulous and the energy is definitely in the air. I know that this year the Ruta Maya race and even our race have seen much less preparation time, much less practices. But, I feel that the paddling community is way more excited about this year’s Ruta Maya than any other race before. I had a concern when we started doing our races again in early January that people would have relaxed, they would have said we have forgot about racing, we are not into it anymore because we have been out of it for so long. But, I am pleasantly surprised that they are really hungry to be out there again.  I know some businesses will not sponsor this year because they have been drastically affected by the entire COVID situation. But, generally the teams are willing to paddle this year with less preparation, less support, as long as they get three guys to paddle with them, they have decent canoe to paddle and decent paddles, without much support they will be racing.”