Award-winners Expand and Extend launch aid appeal following second Nepalese earthquake

Video interview: Marion Buk | Writer: Nicolaas Harding | WPA Editor

Expand and Extend (women and canoeing in Nepal)'s win in the Paddlesports Professional category has been overshadowed by a second earthquake in Nepal on the 12th May (3 days after the WPA ceremony). It measured 7.3 in magnitude and caused further rife destruction across the country as it struck near the Chinese border East of Kathmandu.

The first quake measuring 7.8 on 25th April killed thousands nationwide with the epicenter North West of the capital.

Award recipient Anu Shrestha from Nepal and co-worker Radha (not present at event) had their houses destroyed by the first quake. Many of the girls who they taught to paddle and members of the 'Himalayan Adventure Girls', their NGO that trains Nepali women to become rafting-kayaking guides and instructors, have been personally affected.

In her powerful post-ceremony interview, Anu describes how all team members were safe after the first quake, yet one girl from their programme was rescued 6 hours after being buried alive.

Humanitarian; Expand and Extend have launched an earthquake appeal fund off the back of the worldwide exposure from their award win. They are now raising funds, with their direct help, to rebuild houses and provide basic amenities like food and water to people in communities they are involved with and those around them.

At €19.5k so far (12/05/15), the target set is €30k. The World Paddle Awards (guests ceremony) have today contributed €500 to the cause as well as €350 to a mainstream Nepal related charity.

To find out more about the campaign and donate to our fellow paddlers please go to www.gofundme.com/himalayangirls.

It is now ever more important that the outdoor industry in Nepal rebuilds itself; sport is a truly means that can promote community regeneration, opportunity and access to education.

Inspiring recipients

Anu and Katayoon Ashraf from Iran collected The Golden Paddle for Paddlesports Professional on Saturday night on behalf of Expand and Extend – the team who have been developing canoeing programmes to empower women towards gender equality in Nepal, and across five continents, as well as setting up their river adventure company 'Himalayan Adventure Girls'.

“For me it is so wonderful because winning an award means that many people vote for this [Expand and Extend] and support us. It is wonderful for women all over the world.” Katayoon Ashraf.

The duo were met by a standing ovation and incredible warmth from the World Paddle Awards audience in Augsburg as they joined the stage to be greeted by President of the German Olympic Committee Alfons Hormann.

Website: Himalayan Adventure Girls:  farawayadventures.com