Virgin support Snow-Camp's charity kitesurfing challenge

Snowcamp is delighted to announce that Virgin has come on board as new Title Sponsor for our kitesurfing fundraising event the Big Charity Downwinder – which will be renamed from today as the Virgin Kitesurfing Armada. The announcement follows months of negotiation and is a huge boost to the event, to which 300 kitesurfers have already signed up. As part of the day, Sir Richard Branson and the Virgin group have agreed to cover all costs for the event to ensure every penny raised by participants will be going directly to the charities.

Sir Richard said, ‘I’m passionate about kite surfing and I think this is going to be a fantastic and fun event in support of some great causes, certainly the first of its kind and incredibly positive for the sport. We are delighted to be involved and will be hoping to set a new Guinness World Record by bringing kite surfers together from across the UK to raise money for three fantastic charities – Virgin Unite, Snow-Camp and the RNLI. Virgin are looking forward to entering a team and I am hoping to be there too!’

Dan Charlish, Director of Snow-Camp, said ‘Since we launched this event with Lewis Crathern back in April, we have been overwhelmed by the positive response from the kitesurfing community. To now have the support of a global brand like Virgin is truly amazing and hugely positive for the event and the charities we are trying to support.’
The event takes place this September at Hayling Island, where 250 kitesurfers will need to successfully complete a one mile course to set the new World Record. Participants will then head off down the coast on their 46 mile journey towards Lancing, checking in at Pagham and Littlehampton along the way.

The event takes place on either the 14,15,21,22, 28,29 September depending on wind. If you would like to volunteer at the event please contact julia[at]snow-camp.org.uk To find out more about the event or make a donation please visit: kitesurfingarmada.com.