Derby based club Viking Canoe Polo took over Queens Leisure Centre on Saturday 4th January for a tournament in memory of their founder Peter Mitchell. MBE.
Team captain Gallin Montgomery who organised the Peter Mitchell 4 aside tournament said “Our vision was to bring the first National-level canoe polo tournament to Derby in memory of our club coach and founder Peter Mitchell MBE who sadly passed away in October 2017.
Peter Mitchell founded Viking Canoe Polo and coached the team to a record eleven British National League titles, among many international tournament victories. Pete was the team manager for the Great Britain Canoe Polo squad and was a very influential member of The Scout Association for which he was awarded an MBE. Pete dedicated his life to providing sporting and outdoor activity opportunities for others. We hope that the tournament, will serve as a tribute to his legacy.
The Peter Mitchell 4aside Canoe Polo Tournament saw some of the very best British teams travel from London, Hull, Leeds, Liverpool, Bridgend and even Northern Ireland to compete in the centre of Derby. Teams competed in senior and youth categories and the support from the spectators was excellent throughout.
We hope to make the tournament an annual event for future generations to enjoy.”
Tom Elliott from Viking Canoe club added “The whole idea was to honour Pete Mitchell. It was a great event for both senior and youth players to compete and a great atmosphere from those who came to spectate. It was an added bonus that we came away with a medal!”
Peter, who was also a founding member of the Derby City Sport Forum, was very passionate about creating pathways for young people to get involved in the sport and the tournament is a great way to encourage this.
Here are a few photos of the event but you can find out more on the Viking Canoe Polo club website and via facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VikingCanoePolo/
twitter: https://twitter.com/vunitpolo
instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vikingcanoepolo/ . If you are interested in Canoe Polo beginners are always welcome, please get in touch.
Gallin Montgomery #9 Tom Elliott #4 and team mates 
