On 21 October 2023, young people with ancestral connections to 39 countries will gather at Market Drayton on the Shropshire Union Canal to participate in a global angling event.
Hosted by national charity Canal & River Trust, the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration brings together young people from all backgrounds. The communities represented include Bangladesh, China, France, Ireland, Jamaica, Latvia, Nigeria, Spain, Turkey, the USA and Yemen, alongside teams representing the home nations communities. Close to 200 people are expected to participate in the biggest event of its kind.
An opening ceremony will be held at around 9.30 am on the day of the celebration, with members of each global community invited to carry a national flag.
The Global Celebration is part of the charity’s Let’s Fish! Programme, which has introduced thousands of young people to the sport. Let’s Fish! Introductory events provide everything needed to enjoy a free fishing session on the day, such as tackle, bait, a rod licence and a fishing permit, and expert tuition from a coach, made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
John Ellis, national fisheries & angling manager at the Canal & River Trust, comments: “Fishing is a truly inclusive and accessible sport, and it’s fantastic to see so many communities represented at this Global Celebration. Last year 16 Commonwealth communities were represented, and we’re delighted that this year the event is even more diverse. We aim to expand the number of overseas countries represented as Let’s Fish! reaches even more communities.
“Our Let’s Fish! Events have introduced thousands of young people to the sport and offer a chance for young people to fish alongside others, make new friends, and discover a new community. The support of players of the People’s Postcode Lottery has enabled us to host these events that play such an essential role in connecting young people from all backgrounds with the natural world.
“This is just one of the ways our 250-year-old canal network benefits communities today. But a recent government decision to cut funding for the canals has put them at risk. It’s more important than ever to get involved and help us keep canals alive today, tomorrow, and for future generations.”
The Global Celebration is open to anyone aged 7 to 20 with a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent with ancestral connections with the nation they wish to represent, who will participate in four age categories to be crowned champion. The event is sponsored by multinational fishing tackle manufacturer Daiwa, contributing £8,000 worth of prizes.
The countries represented include Australia, Bangladesh, Barbados, Canada, China, Dominica, England, Espana (Spain), Estonia, France, Germany, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kurdistan, Latvia, Malaysia, Malawi, Mauritius, Montserrat, Nigeria, Pakistan, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkiye, Uganda, Ukraine, USA, Wales, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “The Let’s Fish! Programme has introduced young people to the joy of fishing and created a wonderful sense of community. It’s fantastic that funding raised by players supports the Canal & River Trust, encouraging more people to spend time by the water and feel healthier and happier. Thanks to players across Britain, over £1.1 billion has been raised for thousands of charities and good causes.”
To find out more about People’s Postcode Lottery, please visit www.postcodelottery.co.uk.
For more information on the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration, please visit Global Communities Fishing Celebration | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)
To support the Trust’s campaign to Keep Canals Alive, together with all the activities that take place on them, visit Keep Canals Alive | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)
