Raglan Windsports Club put together their first major Kite Surfing event last Saturday, combining it with a fundraiser for Raglan kiter Gene Glover.
Fifty competitors including local kiters and competitors from throughout the North Island took part in freestyle, racing and other kitesurfing events.
A large number of families from the community enjoyed a fun day out watching the races, with a number of first timers having a go on the beach with an experienced kitesurfing instructor. It was a great opportunity to fly a kite and take the first steps into an exciting new water sport for them.
Thousands of dollars were raised at the Evening function held at the Raglan Golf Club. This included a meal, music, lots of dancing and an auction of very generously sponsored items. The fundraising was to assist Gene Glover get back on his feet after losing his home and possessions in a fire just before Christmas.
In a speech made on the night Gene said “he was overwhelmed by the support and generosity of everyone and was very grateful”.
“The day was a huge success, from the competition right through to the social get together and auction,” says club president Shane Walden. He was “blown away by the support of everyone for the Kite Jam and it is great to see a community and a sport pull together for such a worthy cause and have such a great time doing it”.
The Raglan Windsports club wish to thank their fantastic sponsors and everyone else who so generously assisted and supported the event.
The club welcomes new members and there are plenty of opportunities to learn lots about the sport of kitesurfing from some of the pretty amazing kitesurfers living right here in Raglan.
If you are interested or would like further information on the club check out the Raglan Windsports Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/groups/185308844929117/
Janis Jeffers/image thanks to M Gillard
