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Tuesday, September 02, 2008, 09:04
More than 50 youngsters aged nine and over took part from the three Bay towns, in a day-long event co-ordinated by play development worker Sarah-Jane Lee.
Even the trophies and medals were made from recycled goods at the final prize-giving ceremony at Brixham Marina, which were handed over by Andy Miller of Backwater Adventures.
Top trophy went to the crew of Buzzing Bees of Torquay for the best all-round effort and they also took the award for the quickest time.
The floatability prize went to the Torquay students crew of JSW and the artistic merit award to special needs entry, All the Boys and a Little Lady.
Teamwork won a top award for the Brixham Buccaneers pirate team.
There was only one minor medical drama after a girl paddler with allergies was stung by a bee and was taken by ambulance to Torbay hospital as a precaution.
Sarah-Jane said: "Adventure Play in the Bay is a project facilitated by the charity the Torbay Play Forum and Torbay Council Early Years, Play and Childcare Service.
"We're very grateful to everyone who gave their time and expertise free, and particularly staff at Grenville House outdoor education centre and the Ibex Canoe Club."
Nine teams of six youngsters had to build a raft out of 'floatable' recycled squash bottles in nets, old body boards, and lilos.
She added; "In addition to raising money for Adventure Play in the Bay, the event also highlighted the importance of recycling."
There was an 'X Factor'-style panel of judges including Cllrs Anna Tolchard and Mike Morey, and play promoter Andy Miller from Backwater Adventures.
The aim of the event was to raise funds for a project which provides free adventurous activities for children living in Torbay, aged 4-19 years each school holiday.
Sarah-Jane added: "This was the last event of the summer holidays and proved to be one of the most successful.
"Thanks to overall funding from Children in Need this year we were able to organise activities for 2,000 local children."
Now the hunt is on for other big fundraising events for 2009. She added: "We want the children themselves to come up with suggestions.
"The raft racing is likely to be repeated because it was so much fun, but we need other ideas as well."
Other money-raisers on the day included hair braiding, face painting and arts and crafts such as making sea lanterns and a free performance and balloon modelling by Cosmo the clown.
Cllr Morey, Torbay Children's Champion said: "Lots of people turned out to support this fantastic event. All funds raised on the day will be spent on young people living in Torbay."
Once the sums had been done, Tanny Stobart, the chairman of Torbay Play Forum, confirmed the day's fun had raised £150.
She confirmed this will be used to fund more adventurous play in October.
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