First-ever Junior Propstar training program successfully completed

Well done to all the children who successfully completed the first-ever Junior Propstar training program at Waters Edge on 18-20 August. Sri Lanka has led the way by being the first-ever country, worldwide, to provide this course to children between the ages of nine and 16.

The course was written specifically for children by the Union Internationale Motonautique.

The Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM), founded in 1922, is the world governing body for Powerboating. The UIM governs all Powerboating disciplines and the Lanka Powerboat Association (LPA) represents the UIM here in Sri Lanka.

The comprehensive course consists of three modules. All modules include both classroom and on water training.

Basic Module: The Basic module for Powerboat Training offers an ideal introduction to those new to the sport, instruction covers general boating, seamanship, environmental and water awareness skills.  The instruction provided at this level will lay the foundation stones of knowledge which will prove to be invaluable as you progress through to the Advanced and Competition levels of this program.

Advanced Module: The Advanced course is designed to provide an introduction into powerboat racing and to teach candidates how to get started in the sport and safely compete at club and national levels.

Competition Module: As the name suggests this course is designed to familiarise the applicant with the skills necessary to compete in powerboat racing at both National and International levels.

The course proved to be very popular with 16 children enrolled and participating, including a 10-year-old International Junior power boat champion from Scotland, Oban Duncan.

A spokesperson from the UIM commented: “We appreciate the willingness of the Sri Lanka Powerboat Association to allow Oban to perform her learning and training under the umbrella of the Association’s activities.”

All children successfully completed the Basic Module with the majority of children attaining the Advanced Module and several of the children even being awarded the highest level of Competition Module. A special thanks must go to the parents for all their support and help.

This extremely successful three-day training event was the first in a series of events to be held for the children of Sri Lanka. The trainers and children worked very hard to make it a successful event. One of the trainers said: “I was proud to be part of such an historic event. It was a joy to see the children’s skills and confidence increase over the three days.”

Due to the huge demand a third day was opened up to an extra 25 children who came to Waters Edge to participate in a Power Boat Experience taster session.

The event concluded with a thrilling demonstration Thundercat race with invited guests, Deputy British High Commissioner Laura Davies and Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekara thoroughly enjoying jostling for positions with the trainers on the water.

The days drew to a close with a VIP reception and prize giving.

Junior Propstar Training is available for all children between nine and 16. Those interested in participating in an event in the future can contact Sarah on 0772297506 or [email protected].

The LPA would like to thank everyone who supported them before and during the event to help make it such a success.