Dawn�s International Call-Up

12th July 2009

An Active Schools Co-ordinator, who works for The Highland Council, will represent Scotland later this month in the World Surf Kayak Championships.

Dawn Horsburgh, who is based at the Craig Maclean Leisure Centre, Grantown, will be competing for her country between 23 July and 2 August in Santa Cruz, Portugal.

This international competition is organised by the World Surf Kayak Association, which was set up following the 2001 World Championships in Santa Cruz, California.

Dawn has been kayaking for 16 years and started competitively in 2002. She has been runner up in the Scotland (International Class) to the reigning world champion.

Dawn said: �I am really excited about this opportunity to represent my country. There are lots of sports to enjoy here and surf kayaking provides excitement, fitness, emotional and physical challenges and camaraderie, while being in beautiful surroundings. Scotland has some world class surf breaks and it will be great to show the other nations the skills we have developed here. We can also showcase our legendary team spirit as this is something that is very important to us. We have another strong team heading out to Portugal this year and have been training hard, so hopefully we can perform well and bring back some podium successes.�

Dawn will be competing in the International Class (long boat) for both the team event and as an individual. Competitors are scored on the best three waves and score points for wave selection, take-off, manoeuvres, length of ride and exit manoeuvre. Her highest ranking is second woman in Scotland for this event and Santa Cruz will be her first international competition.

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council�s Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: �I am impressed by Dawn�s commitment to her sport and the inspiration that she is setting to all the pupils that she works with. I wish her all the best at the World Championships and hope that she brings some trophies home to the Highlands.�