Unathi Msengana’s dream to paddle in The Unlimited Dusi canoe marathon came close to being shattered when the Idols judge and Metro FM DJ arrived at Durban’s King Shaka airport on Wednesday to discover that her paddle did not make the journey with her.
Story: Gameplan Media
A distraught Msengana said that she will move heaven and earth to ensure that she is on the starting line for the first day. “I have been training really hard and it would be a dream come true to participate in this iconic event with paddling legend Oscar Chalupsky.
I am determined to stay at the airport until my paddle is located as it is really important not to use replacement equipment on race day. I’ve been training with this paddle since November last year and you get familiar with the feel, so it would be really tough to adjust to a new paddle,” she said.
“I am in awe. I am inspired. I am overwhelmed!” stated Unathi Msengana after doing a practice run before the start of The Unlimited Dusi canoe marathon. Msengana and her paddling partner 12-times world champion Oscar Chalupsky tackled Ernie Pearce weir to give Unathi her river legs. “Finally I can relax. I have been freaking out the whole week, but now I know that I am in the best hands in the world. This promises to be a life-changing experience.”
Msengana will form part of the charity batch with Sias du Plessis of 5fm, Liezel van der Westhuizen from Kfm, Damon Beard of East Coast Radio, as well as soap actor Paul du Toit. The charity batch raises awareness and funds for the official race charities such as early childhood development initiative The Unlimited Child.
For more info, click www.dusi.co.za or www.theunlimited.co.za.