Stroke by stroke, Mozambique’s Joaquim Manhique is blazing a trail for paddle sport in his country.
Manhique is one of 20 paddlers that are part of the International Canoe Federation’s season-long development camp.
The programme is not only giving him the opportunity to represent Mozambique on the global stage but also the chance to rub shoulders with the world’s best paddlers and receive top technical advice.
But Manhique was left without a paddle when he arrived in Szeged, Hungary for the start of the development camp.
“I left Mozambique for Portugal to continue studying and training, and I was using a small paddle that the club in Mozambique had lent me,” said the 27-year-old.
“After a few years, the paddle was no longer suitable for training because it was too small, and the Fluvial de Coimbra club in Portbracugal, where I am currently training, decided to lend me a paddle to continue training.
“However, I had to share the same paddle with the club members, and when I needed it for training or competition, I didn't have one, making it very difficult for me to train properly.”
After hearing of Manhique’s struggles, leading paddle manufacturer Braca came to the athlete’s aid during the camp in Szeged.
The ICF Gold Partner agreed to gift Manhique one of its paddles tailored specifically to his height and weight.
“My reaction when Braća gave me the paddle was like, ‘Oh my god, it's not true that I'm winning a paddle!’,” said Manhique.
“I was so nervous, I couldn't believe I was finally going to have a paddle.
“It was a feeling of inexplicable happiness.”
Arunas Tomkevicius of Braca said: “We want to make kayaking worldwide and make someone like Joaquim happy.
“We always try to help these developing countries like Mozambique.
“It’s important to get countries that are not so big in kayaking take our paddles and compete with them.”
After receiving the paddle, Manhique has made big strides on the water.
Manhique competed at the ICF Canoe Sprint World Cups in Szeged and Brandenburg.
“With the new paddle I'm seeing a lot of improvement in the water,” said Manhique.
“I can train really well!
“And the paddle was made with my height and weight in mind, that's why it fits me so well.
“I'm sure it will help me a lot in the next Olympic qualification.
“My ambition in sports is to strive to be better than I was yesterday... to train hard until I can go to the Olympic Games and continue training so that in the future I can pass on these experiences to the new generation and help my country, Mozambique, develop in canoeing.”
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