Tully gives world’s best rafters wet welcome
CHRIS HOLMES INTERNATIONAL rafting competitors got a taste of north Queensland this week with a wet but colourful welcoming parade in Tully – and a little controversy, courtesy of maverick MP Bob Katter.
Tully’s main street was packed on Tuesday evening as hundreds turned out to welcome competitors in the 2019 International Rafting Federation World Rafting Championships.
Rain did little to dampen the smiles as children from local schools led rafters from around the globe in a highspirited and colourful parade along Butler St to the Tully Showgrounds for the official opening ceremony.
Dignitaries included Cassowary Coast Mayor John Kremastos and his fellow councillors, International Rafting Federation president Joe Willis Jones, Australian Rafting Federation president Cameron Buckley, Hill MP Shane Knuth and federal Member for Kennedy, Mr Katter.
After a big cheer when he first took to the stage, Mr Katter quickly drew jeers from the crowd during his speech.
“I’ve done white water rafting,” he said. “It is exciting, it is dangerous, it is for real, real men, so God bless you all and good luck.”
The biggest cheer of the night was reserved for WRC organising committee director Graham Maifredi, who told the gathering that in the lead-up to the championships, he’d seen parents, coaches and mentors striving together to help younger athletes.
“No doubt there will be many success stories and I hope the younger competitors take the things they learn from this challenge with them into the future,” he said.