A team of 11 sea kayakers, including staff and students from RCSI Bahrain have completed a tough endurance challenge by paddling around Bahrain in just three days. Paddle Bahrain 2013 took place to raise money for charity and to raise awareness of Type ll Diabetes. A large crowd came out to support the team when they finished the challenge at Amwaj Marina yesterday.

A carnival event took place at the Marina, which included a band and DJ and a number of market stalls. Dr Shaikh Mohammed Bin Abdulla Alkhalifa, Minister of State for Defence Affairs and Patron of the Bahrain Diabetes Society attended the event and congratulated the team on their achievement. The Paddle Bahrain challenge was undertaken for the benefit of the Bahrain Diabetes Society. The aim of the challenge was to raise funds and increase public awareness of the risk factors associated with developing Type II diabetes.

The final day event at Amawaj Marina marked the end of Paddle Bahrain and also celebrated World Diabetes Day. Dr. Declan Gaynor from RCSI Bahrain and a member of the Paddle Bahrain team said he was delighted to have completed the challenge. He paid tribute to the efforts of his team members in raising awareness of and raising funds for Diabetes.

Paddle Bahrain wish to acknowledge the support of their gold sponsors Renault and the silver sponsors; Nexus Financial Services, Zurich, Alba, House of Uniforms and Skate Shack who have made the three day challenge in November and 6 month public awareness campaign possible. Paddle Bahrain is also receiving support from the Royal Bahrain Naval Forces, the Bahrain Coastguard, the Bahrain Maritime Sports Association, AlBander Resort, Durrat Al Bahrain, Sofitel and Amwaj Marina.

For more information and pictures on the three day challenge visit Paddle Bahrain on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PaddleBahrain