Destination Jungle sponsored and supported the Lake Victoria Kayak Expedition 2010, which took place between 16^th November and 21^st November 2010 from Jinja source of the Nile up to Kisumu in Kenya

The expedition was a new venture and idea by Francesco Gambella, Italian kayak champion.

We decided to get involved in this initiative after meeting Francesco from our office in 2009, during the preparation. It was evident his passion and his genuine intention to organize a very interesting sport event. Kayak is an environmentally friendly sport and by promoting it, we would also contribute to the sensitization of young generations about water sports.

The Kayak expedition in the largest inland lake in the world was a joint effort by many individuals and sponsors in the three countries. The organizing team was Francesco Gambella from Italian Canoe Federation, Seifudin Patwa, Secretary General of Confederation of African Canoeing (CAC) and Kenya Water Sports Trust.

The objective of the expedition was to support and bring awareness on the Drinking Water and Malaria Prevention projects undertaken by AMREF (African Medical and Research Foundation) in East Africa.

The objectives are well indicated in the logo of the event, which represents the paddle of the canoe sport, the hippo of tourism and the drops of water of the water projects with the flags of the three countries Italy, Uganda and Kenya.

The expedition saw Francesco Gambella kayaking with Kenyan team Vincent Oudungo in a two seater Olympic kayak through 300km on Lake Victoria for 5 days and nights. The kayak was followed by the rescue boat led by Seifudin Patwa.

A team of international journalists and television producers was in Uganda to record the event. Among them, Bruno Liconti, Gianni Perrelli and Stefano Rastelli, for Occhisulmondo – RAI Italian Television; Alessandro Pirina (Nuova Sardegna - Italy); Vincenzo Petraglia, the journalist who followed all the expedition from the rescue boat.

Matteo Scarabotti was part of the team representing AMREF Italy.

Destination Jungle has contributed for what was possible to make the expedition a success. We have availed vehicles and drivers at the disposal of the expedition. We have coordinated the press conference in Kampala on 20^th November 2010, hands in hands with Tourism Uganda and Italian Embassy. We have launched our special t-shirts “Water for Sport – Sport fror Drinking”.

We have organized a trip to Murchison Falls, Budongo forest and Ziwa rhinos sanctuary for the representation of international journalists, in order to sensitise them about natural and tourist resources of Uganda, as well as the huge problem of deforestation and the protection of the primates for future generations.

For other information about the Lake Victoria Kayak Expedition 2010 please log on Francesco Gambella website www.francescogambella.com and join the facebook community of the expedition.