Kelowna event cancelled

Kelowna Hydrofest forced to Cancel Plans for 2009

Leverage Sports & Entertainment has cancelled plans to bring the fastest boats in the world back to Kelowna in 2009

Kelowna, B.C. -- Plans have been derailed to bring the ABRA Unlimited Hydroplanes and POPRA Off Shore power boats back to Kelowna, BC this August 8th-9th, 2009. Several factors have attributed to this situation. A lack of corporate sponsorship and a significant amount of costs to facilitate an event of this nature made it impossible to continue under the current conditions.

"We are very disappointed not to be able to bring the races back to Kelowna," Jorum Schramm, President and CEO, Leverage S&E added, "It is an extremely tough decision to call off the races this close to the event, but at this time we have no choice."

"The ABRA is also disappointed we couldn't work this out," said ABRA Chairman Sam Cole. "We were looking forward to returning to Kelowna and hope that some day we will be able to bring the fastest boats in the world back to Kelowna. But under these circumstances, we understand there is no choice at this time."

Kelowna Hydrofest was set to take place in Waterfront Park and would have played host to the Unlimited Hydroplanes, Unlimited Light Hydroplanes and Off Shore Series boats. But with the economic environment in the current condition and companies not in a position to place the kind of financial support behind the event, it's future was placed in doubt.

"There has been a significant amount of planning and work put into these races from both the race associations and ourselves, sadly fans across BC won't be able to enjoy them," said Schramm. "Ticket refunds will now be made available at all Select Your Tickets locations."

-credit: Leverage Sports & Entertainment