Sandy Robson awarded 2015 Nancy-Bird sponsorship
SEA KAYAKER SANDY ROBSON is the 2015 recipient of the Nancy-Bird Walton Sponsorship. Sandy is on the final stages of an epic solo kayak journey from Germany to Australia.
Her mission was inspired by German canoeist Oskar Speck who, between 1932 and 1939 paddled a folding kayak from Germany to Australia. Sandy plans to retrace his steps as best she can and hopes that her journey will inspire more female adventurers and highlight the importance of taking care of our oceans.
“I have realised how lucky we are in Australia to have such a rich and diverse ecosystem and people who do not pump plastic into the oceans,” she says on her website. “We need to keep working on preserving and protecting these unique ecosystems and the environment that is the support system for our planet.”
Sandy is currently kayaking through South East Asia on the fourth stage of her five-stage journey. By the end of her five-year epic paddle, Sandy will have travelled over 22,000km through 20 countries, and will have completed a number of world firsts, including being the first person to circumnavigate Sri Lanka by Kayak. You can keep up to date on Sandy’s progress and offer support on her website.
Nancy-Bird Walton sponsorship
The Nancy-Bird Walton Sponsorship honours Australian pioneer aviator and adventurer Nancy-Bird Walton and aims to support the ongoing contribution of Australian women to adventure and exploration.
Each year a panel formed by Australian Geographic representatives, members of Nancy-Bird’s family and female adventurers selects a woman whose challenge invokes Nancy-Bird’s pioneering spirit. The winner receives $5000 towards their pursuit.
