A LOCAL man will be able to compete in a world championships thanks to a $3,000 council sponsorship.
Miles Wood will compete in the North American Blokart Association National Championships, in Lake Ivanpah, Nevada, and the 2024 World Blokart Championships.
The Blokart is a recent development in the sporting world, having been invented in New Zealand, in 1999, by Paul Beckett, who had a background in hang gliding and land sailing and wanted to create a wind-powered toy that was fun, fast and compact.
“Blokart continues to exceed our wildest expectations, connecting us with people we never expected who share our love of land sailing,” Mr Beckett and the Blokart team wrote.
“For the recreational rider, Blokart has become a versatile pastime that allows them to sail wherever the wind takes them.”
Miles Wood is the president of the Whitsunday Blokart Club and is an experienced Blokart competitor representing the Whitsunday region.
When Mr Wood isn’t organising Blokart events and club meets, he is sailing his Blokart on local Whitsunday beaches at Cape Gloucester, Bowen and Conway.
In the most recent competitive events, Mr Wood has ranked third place twice and second place three times and received one first-place ranking.
He said the North American Blokart Association National Championships attracted both North American and international competitors.
“This event is billed as a tune up event for the 2024 world championships, to be held at this venue,” he said.
Mr Wood requires financial assistance for airline baggage costs, due to bringing such large items on board.
“I am requesting travel assistance concerning transport of my kart, sails and mast as excess baggage. The current airline excess baggage costs are $250 per item, one way.”
In return for the sponsorship, council will have its logo on panels of the sails on the mast.
“I am more than happy to include branding on my sails from either or both Qantas and Whitsunday Tourism,” Mr Wood said.
“I would be a great brand ambassador for our region – I understand the value and importance of a strong brand ambassador.”
The Whitsunday Blokart Club has upcoming events scheduled in Cape Hillsborough and Conway Beach.
