Young people with ancestral connections to 35 different countries gathered on the Shropshire Union Canal in late October to take part in a global angling event.

 Hosted by national charity Canal & River Trust, the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration brought young people from all backgrounds together. The communities represented included Bangladesh, China, France, Iraq, Ireland, Jamaica, Nigeria, Spain, Turkey, and the USA amongst others, alongside teams representing the home nations communities. Close to 200 people took part in the biggest event of its kind.

 The Global Celebration is part of the charity’s Let’s Fish! programme, which has introduced thousands of young people to the sport. Let’s Fish! introductory events provide everything needed to enjoy a fishing session free on the day, such as tackle, bait, a rod licence, and fishing permit, as well as expert tuition from a coach, made possible thanks to funds raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

 John Ellis, national fisheries & angling manager at the Canal & River Trust, commented: “Fishing is a truly inclusive and accessible sport, and it’s fantastic to see so many communities represented at this Global Celebration. Last year, 16 Commonwealth communities were represented, and we’re delighted that this year the event is even more diverse. We aim to expand the number of overseas countries represented as Let’s Fish! reaches even more communities.

 “Our Let’s Fish! events have introduced thousands of young people to the sport and offer a chance for young people to fish alongside others, make new friends, and discover a new community. The support of players of People’s Postcode Lottery has enabled us to host these events that play such an important role in connecting young people from all backgrounds with the natural world.

 “This is just one of the ways our 250-year-old canal network benefits communities today. But a recent government decision to cut funding for the canals has put them at risk. It’s more important than ever to get involved and help us keep canals alive today, tomorrow, and for future generations.”

The Global Celebration was open to anyone aged 7 to 20 years old with a parent, grandparent, or great-grandparent with ancestral connections with the nation they wished to represent, who participated in four age categories to be crowned champion. The event is sponsored by the multinational fishing tackle manufacturer Daiwa, who contributed £8,000 worth of prizes. 

The countries represented included: Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Dominica, England, Spain, Estonia, France, Germany, Grenada, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Ireland, Italy, Iraq, Jamaica, Japan, Kurdistan, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Nigeria, Pakistan, Portugal, Scotland, Slovakia, Türkey, Uganda, Ukraine, USA, Wales and Zimbabwe.

Stephen McCaveny, UK marketing manager at Daiwa, said: “We at Daiwa are delighted to sponsor the Canal & River Trust (angling). The whole calendar of angling activities that John Ellis and his team undertake is highly valuable. Whilst it promotes the value of the Trust’s available waters, it also engages over 10,000 people, underlining the inclusiveness of the sport. Finishing the season with the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration is an absolute high.”

Laura Chow, head of charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, added: “The Let’s Fish! programme has introduced young people to the joy of fishing and brought about a wonderful sense of community. It’s fantastic that funding raised by players supports the Canal & River Trust, encouraging more people to spend time by the water and feel healthier and happier. Thanks to players across Britain, over £1.1 billion has been raised for thousands of charities and good causes.”

ATA chair Andrew Race said: “I have seen the social momentum that the Let’s Fish programme can generate first hand at the National Celebration event, and I have no doubt the Global Communities event will generate yet more positivity in terms of social wellbeing and community spirit with angling as its focus.”

To find out more about People’s Postcode Lottery, visit: www.postcodelottery.co.uk.

For more information on the Daiwa Global Communities Celebration, visit: Global Communities Fishing Celebration | Canal & River Trust (canalrivertrust.org.uk)