Spinal Injuries Ireland kayak challenge to stop in Athlone

The Spinal Injuries Ireland Shannon Kayaking Challenge 2009 begins this Sunday, July 19, and will stop off in Athlone next Tuesday, July 21. The kayak challenge will see 12 kayakers, five of whom have a spinal cord injury take on the Irish waterways by kayaking from Carrick on Shannon to Killaloe, Co Clare, covering a distance of 200 kilometres over a six-day period. All funds raised enable Spinal Injuries Ireland to fulfil a number of key initiatives crucial to providing the best service possible for its members nationwide, and will helps the organisation to maintain its support services to those who have sustained a spinal cord injury and their families. The hope is that by undertaking the challenge, awareness will be raised about the issues affecting those with spinal injuries, while also changing the public"s perceptions about life for those in wheelchairs - showing that there is life after spinal injury and it can be active and adventurous with the right network of support. The team will be stopping at Hodson Bay Athlone on Tuesday, July 21. All support is greatly appreciated and really does make a huge difference to the support Spinal Injuries Ireland can provide nationally.