World Catfish Classic - Official Global Website
Chiprana, Spain 23rd - 25th May 2012
| Part1- 14 Days in ChipChipChipChiprana!! |
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There was Ross, myself and the two media guys, Matt and Ash. A whole mixture of emotions filled us as we went into the unknown to hopefully come out the other end with a fantastic fishing contest enjoyed by a few but watched by many, many more who would want to participate themselves in years to come. Not much to be done as we arrived at our destination late in the evening other than to have a drink, a bite to eat and then off to bed for a busy next day.  The next morning dawned bright and sunny. The river looked lovely and at a good depth and pace, just perfect for the event. The day was spent checking out the sports hall, where the opening ceremony and such would take place, the media centre which would be crucial in sending out the images around the globe, bivvy city, the fishing lodge and the areas to be fished.The main team comprising of 25 persons would be arriving the following evening and we had to be prepared for them, the big van with all the equipment from huge banners to tents to camera and film equipment would also be arriving a few hours before then. As if organising such an event was not a big enough challenge we made it even more challenging by wanting to clean up this part of the river with its huge amounts of rubbish before the event. We wanted competitors and visitors to be able to see the river in its true glory and not have to sit amongst the smell and sad sight of huge amounts of rubbish left by people who care nothing for the fish and the environment.  So early Wednesday morning we were up and at it. The locals were invited and luckily half a dozen lads turned up, not many but they did work hard. I know not your names but a big thank you. Aragon TV turned up and filmed the start, for it was just a start and it would take many days and many more people before the job was completed. It was shocking, the hundreds of bags that were collected that morning and that TV was there to record it shocked more people who watched it that evening, which created the reaction we wanted, it was hot news. Evening arrived and the van was unloaded in the sports hall and an hour later the main team, buzzing with the excitement of it all, also arrived. They slept in the sports hall that night for ease after a slap snack and drink down at our HQ by the river La Barca.Not resting on our laurels more rubbish picking the following day, the media guys got their gear sorted, and slowly the event was taking shape. By the Friday the sports hall was also taking shape. A huge, and I mean huge, banner with the event logo was raised above the stage. This was some banner, 5m by 25m it set the stage alight and made the impact it was designed to do. The media and reception centre was readied and up and running, everyone had their jobs and tasks and was happy to get on and get them done. It was a well oiled team by now and then in the evening we could all relax over dinner and a well deserved drink. By the Saturday the rubbish clearing of the banks had just about come to end and the job completed. How many hundreds, even possibly thousands, of sacks of rubbish removed I do not know but the areas to be fished now looked how they should do all the time, spotless.  My next task was to start getting the pegs in position in the various sections, but I would do that on the Monday after the weekend fishermen had gone home. Sunday's job would be signage around the area showing people how to get to the event and the pegs. This was completed with the aid of head of radio communications Peter, and it was also good for him to be able to see the fishing sectors when he was communicating with the marshals during the event from HQ. By now competitors were starting to arrive some using bivvy city others taking up the more comfortable option of the cheap rented apartments in the village. There was no doubting it though there was a buzz and excitement building as just about everything was done and competitors could start to register the following day, after they had gone through the boat check. |
