Avon event celebrates 40 action-packed years

• Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent reaches 40th year
• Home-grown event attracting thousands of spectators
• Race stretches from Northam to Bayswater

The Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent celebrates its 40th anniversary this weekend with hundreds of competitors tackling the thrilling race.

Tourism Minister Kim Hames said the event was the State's longest running white water competition and was set to entertain audiences over two days of racing action.

"The Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent is a proudly home-grown event for Western Australia and has become an emblematic feature of our annual sporting calendar," Dr Hames said.

"More than 700 competitors in paddle and power craft will take part, while spectators can watch the action from numerous locations between Northam to Bayswater.

"Although the river level is low there'll still be plenty of thrills and spills."

The State Government, through Eventscorp and Healthway, is proud to sponsor the Act-Belong-Commit Avon Descent.

The Minister said the competition started in 1973 with just 49 competitors, no rules, officials or checkpoints and only a handful of spectators.

"Since small beginnings 40 years ago, more than 25,000 people from across Australia and around the world - including amateurs and world champions - have braved the rapids of the Avon River," he said.

"To commemorate the 40th anniversary, organisers have started the 'Avon Descent Legends' which will honour past competitors who have shown integrity and character.

"This year, six people have received special recognition:  Rex Adams, Darryl Long, Ian Williamson, Jim Smith, Neil Long and John King OAM."

      Fact File

• Event to be held August 4-5, with family fun days in Northam, Toodyay, Guildford, Belmont and Bayswater on August 3-5
• For more information, visit http://www.avondescent.com.au and http://kumina.water.wa.gov.au/waterinformation/avon/avon.cfm

Minister's office - 6552 5300