RECORD NUMBER OF ENTRIES FOR CLUB MARINE SOUTHERN 80
The Moama Water Sport Club (MWSC), the organisers of the Club Marine Southern 80 Waterski race in Echuca/Moama, said the 609 entries received so far for this year’s event in February, represent a record increase over last year’s 555 entries.
It’s an especially significant improvement, said the MWSC, because the disruption caused by last year’s bushfires forced the cancellation of the event on Sunday, February 8, 2009.
The MWSC says its committee and sponsors banded together at the conclusion of the race and raised $9000 for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal, and the ski racing community followed, raising a further $17,000. However, the event ended up losing over $45,000 in 2009.
“It was not due to the donation to the appeal or the early call to the race,” says the MWSC.
“It was due to the increased costs of emergency service charges for the event,” it said.
“The Club has always strived to cover all contingencies for the general public. Outside of their expected domain, the MWSC has covered the cost of extra public bus transport, security in the town, extra police and emergency services, and even rubbish collection for campers along the river.”
The MWSC said last year that the event would not run in 2011 if the financial situation did not improve. Fortunately, an appeal to local businesses raised more than $17,000, which, in addition to the long-term support from major sponsors like Club Marine, as well as the many MWSC volunteers, ensured the event would run.
The 2010 Club Marine Southern 80 runs from February 12 – 14, 2010, on the Murray River, on Echuca/Moama. Visit www.southern80.com.au for more information.