Mike Golding OBE to present prizes at the River Hamble Games

Unveiled today as the celebrity who will be presenting the prizes on 21st July in Hamble, Mike Golding OBE, Round the World Sailor and Sailing Legend, lends his support to this event, organised by the local community for the local community and inspired by the 2012 Olympics.

Mike, one of the world’s most accomplished offshore sailors, is still at the forefront of endurance racing. He will be skippering his yacht Gamesa, in the 2012-2013 Vendée Globe solo, non-stop round the world race starting on 10 November, attempting to become the first Briton to win the ‘Everest of the Oceans’.

Susie Tomson from the River Hamble Games organising committee said:
“We are delighted that Mike is taking time out of his busy schedule to come and present medals to prizewinners. It is great that he is supporting this event in Hamble and we hope that his involvement will encourage competitors to give some outstanding performances in the sailing, kayaking, rowing, swimming and running events.”

The River Hamble Games is set to be a great day with numerous activities on the shore for spectators with an action packed timetable for all the sporting competitions taking place on and off the water. Amongst other attractions, JEM tennis and Hampshire Sport will have demonstrations to take part in on the Hamble Foreshore.

There are over 150 competitors already entered but there is still space for more enthusiastic entries. Enter via the website.

The organisers are also looking for anyone who wants to be involved in a non-sporting way and help with the event on the day. There are opportunities for local businesses to be involved too. Any individual or business interested should get in touch via the website.

BE A PART OF IT!

About River Hamble Games 2012

River Hamble Games is a one day sporting extravaganza to be held on 21st July 2012 organised by a committee of enthusiastic local residents. It is intended for the wider local community to enjoy and draws its inspiration from the 2012 Olympics. The River Hamble Games is supported by Hampshire County Council and the River Hamble Harbour Authority and will involve Swimming, Rowing, Kayaking, Sailing and Running.

All events will be run to a strict timetable on the day and it promises to be an occasion which involves some serious sporting competition and a large element of fun for the River Hamble and the wider community to enjoy. There will be maximum 20 Teams competing on the day and Teams are NOW invited to register via the website at www.riverhamblegames.com. Each Team will be made up of up to 26 competitors and age ranges from 12 upwards can take part. (Full details are available from the website).

If not already part of a Team individual competitors can enter a single event or more than one event and the organisers will assign them to a Team.

Events are as follows:

Sailing - Racing will be just outside the River at Cat Head and the event base will be split between Warsash Sailing Club and Hamble River Sailing Club.

Rowing - Rowing will be in the River based at Bursledon Gigs. Each team can enter a maximum of two boats and races will be run in heats culminating in a grand final.

Kayaking - Also on the river and Kayaks will be available for loan on the day. Racing will be organized from Hamble side of the river, launching off the foreshore over a slalom course. Heats will culminate in a grand final.

Swimming - Swimming will be based along Warsash shore of the River, Distances will be 1500m or 500m and u16's are eligible for 500m only.

Running - Running will start from Hamble foreshore. Distances will be 5k and 10k over on and offroad terrain.

The day will culminate in a medal ceremony at the end of the event, for competitors and spectators alike to enjoy. The event is supported by Hampshire County Council and already has numerous local organisations and businesses supporting it including; River Hamble Harbour Authority, MDL Marinas, Hamble River Rowing Club, Hamble Sea Scouts, Hamble River Sailing Club, Warsash Sailing Club, Itseeze website, Now Marketing, Coast Graphics & Grapefruit Graphics.

The event plans to raise money for charitable causes such as the Hamble Lifeboat, John Merricks Sailing Trust and other local causes and is looking for sponsors to give support in any way they can. Please contact if you want to get involved.