Update - Uncle George from Poznan

Hi all from Poznan, just a sort note to let you all know how things are going.

I'm staying in the Polonaz Hotel alone with about 12 other country's ICF have booked out about 6 hotels with about 12 country's in each.

Everything is layed on a bit like New Caledonia but with a shuttle service. The NZ team is awsome we've got Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald looking after the NZ team here and they're pretty easy to get on with.

I had two training slot's today and I must admits the boats are not good. Its a bit like trying to do a sprint race in a Paho with no rudder only getting about 2 or 3 strokes aside and swing woo.

They were made in Hungry and weigh about 20kgs that's right heavy. There are a lot of Vaa paddlers here from all over. Germany, Astra. Brazil, Canada, USA, England, Tahiti, Italy, and check this one out Iran, you want to see there lady's paddle they paddle with Burka's while they're paddling.

Crack me up,and that was just some of the ones i spoke to today so the racing going to be tuff.

I went down to have my classification done today what a mission it takes 2 hrs and every paddler has to go though it so they allocate you a time slot the first hr is a medical assessment with 3 para Olympic Doctors and then another hr on the water with three Para canon technical classifiers. So i was happy to know that i past or failed how ever you want to look at it. So I have a LTA Para Olympic classification now.

I've got two more training slots tomorrow and then race day all my races are on the same day so I've been told on the first day heats semi and final. So that will be good to get it out of the way early.

The course is amazing the buildings are close to the water and high you can see the people looking down on you training awsome atomiser.

The lanes are one km long, straight as and at the start line each lane has a speaker to start the race. so that's about all that been happening today.

Ive been trying to load the pictures but still haven't got it right yet.having trouble attaching them. but i'll work on it. G

Reader Comments

1. I dont always check the site but choice to see something from you. Kia kaha koe e te rangatira! Arohanui fran and your Te Aurere whanau
   Frances - 23-Aug-2010
2. Kia ora ,
   iwas thea with you koro ; it waas mean ayy well everybody dun us good exspecially you .
   
   keep it up koro and see you at the next IVF World Sprints in Canada :D
   Bronson Marsh / Tamaki - 22-Aug-2010
3. Hearty alright Unks and congradulations ....
   
   We are so proud of you and we know you would have done 110% all the way on that 20Kg ton of a log you had, maybe next year now you know you can take your own canoe aye!!!
   
   Big Ups from us all
   Muriwai, Palmy, Auckland & Auzzie Whanau - 22-Aug-2010
4. FULLA GEORGE...you da Man. Too neat alright bro. Everything sounds awesome over there, and it must amazing mixing it up with all those people. Especially with the likes of Ian Ferguson and Paul MacDonald in your corner. You deserve every minute of it Bro. Your a credit to us all. Enjoy the moment Bro, and Good Luck.
   You ARE da man..!!
   Clarke, Rita, Aku & CC. - 21-Aug-2010
5. Kia ora George! Thanks for the panui. Awesome - we are so proud of you. Kia tu kaha. Nga mihi, the Warrens from Auckland!
   Anon Paddler - 21-Aug-2010
6. Mean Koro getting bronze for NZ
   
   We hear your the only one so far from NZ that has won a medal...
   
   We love you fly home safely.
   Kingston - 21-Aug-2010
7. Too Much Brother,its back to the good old days aye...paddle waka no matter how heavy it is..give the tinana a good blow out...kia kaha.
   Mareikura Senior Master Men - 20-Aug-2010
8. Koro we heard your race was called off yesterday due to weather conditions and ready to go in about 3 and half hours time and your race is the first race up for the heats....
   
   Shrek it up Koro and go hard
   
   Arohanui...
   Kingston - 20-Aug-2010
9. Mean! Go hard!
   Kingi - 20-Aug-2010
10. Go hard george. No pressure but you better beat that aussie again, haha. All the best.
    Bruce, Hohi and Nicole. - 19-Aug-2010
11. Shrek it up Koro its 4.30 pm here today and your just waking up to 6.30 am Thursday over there and its the big day, so have lots of fun and enjoy yourself cause me and Shrek will be waiting when you get home...
    
    Arohanui - Kia Kaha Koro....
    Kingston - 19-Aug-2010
12. we are proud of you bro all the best most of
    all enjoy your self.
    alex & von
    alex & von - 19-Aug-2010
13. Nga mihi nui mai Te Tairawhiti brudda
    
    Great to read your comments on how and what you're doin. Good luck for your races bro. Will keep reading your up 2 date commentary.
    
    Turuwhenua's Whanau
    Turuwhenua Heeney - 19-Aug-2010
14. Hi George its good to see a NZder competeting overseas in whatever the sport. Whatever it is mate good luck for your races there, all the best and put NZ on the map. Tofa soifua uso. Dez.
    Anon Paddler - 19-Aug-2010
15. awesome Geogre all the best for your Racing
    rikiriki - 19-Aug-2010
16. Sux up the atmosphere bro and enjoy the moment, good luck and where ever you arrive you have done us proud.Chur chur Marty. Hei Matau
    Marty - 18-Aug-2010