Raft Race 2010 launches with a splash!

The SPAR Retail Group also announced at the launch that they would be on board to sponsor the 30th SPAR Raft Race in 2011.

The launch took a different format this year and the Raft Race Committee are indebted to Causeway Spar Retail Group and their partner Henderson Wholesale for hosting the launch party as part of their overall sponsorship of the event.

The night kicked off with the Chair of the Raft Race Committee Mark Mitchell welcoming everyone to the party. He outlined various events that would be happening and explained that this would be a big year for Portrush Lifeboat Station as it was the 150th Anniversary of the station.

The crew are taking delivery of a new inshore lifeboat donated by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board and Portrush Lifeboat mechanic Anthony Chambers is being awarded a bronze medal for gallantry for his rescue of two young boys off the coast in August 2009. Other crew members were also being awarded gallantry medals.

Mark said; “This rescue highlighted more than ever the need for events like the SPAR Portrush Raft Race to ensure our crews are equipped with the equipment and skills to save lives at sea.

“We are very grateful to Causeway SPAR retail group for their continued sponsorship and their support in terms of time and commitment to the committee. We would also like to thank Henderson Wholesale for their continued support. We look forward to a great day where the sun will shine ...we have it on good authority!

“We have secured the services of a celebrity to compere the day, but we will be announcing this later in the year...suffice to say, he is well known to the Northern Ireland public.”

The Mayor of Coleraine, Cllr Sandy Gilkinson, commended the work of the Committee as they are all volunteers and contribute so much to the work of Portrush Lifeboat Station.

“Coleraine Borough Council is delighted to be associated with the SPAR Portrush Raft Race which we have supported for many years both financially and in kind,” he said.

“The fabulous family event has long been one of the highlights of the summer events programme for the Borough. Each year it draws hundreds of participants and crowds of spectators to West Bay, coming together to enjoy the fun of the Raft Race and to raise money for a worthy cause.

“I congratulate the SPAR Portrush Raft Race Committee for their dedicated and diligent work over the past number of years and wish them every success for the 2010 event.”

Martin Culbertson from the sponsors SPAR said: “As people who own businesses in communities across the Causeway Coast area, we are proud to be back on board to support the SPAR Portrush Raft Race. Everyone from this part of the world understands the importance of the work that the RNLI carries out so we’re only too glad to help facilitate an event that raises funds for this worthwhile cause.

“On behalf of the SPAR retailers in Causeway Coast area, I’d like to encourage all our customers to support this brilliant local event.”

After that the night’s festivities started with a great comedy show from William Caulfield and then a 60’s and 70’s disco.

The Raft Race Committee would like to thank the management and staff of the Playhouse for the wonderful tapas which was enjoyed by everyone.