Kokatat has signed Uganda National Team paddler Sadat Kawawa to its Global Team. The paddler from Jinja, Uganda, who grew up on the banks of the Nile, has become one of the worlds top paddlers.
“Sadat is a great addition to our team as he inspires other young paddlers to follow their dreams through his accomplishments,” said Lisa Kincaid, Kokatat’s Promotional Marketing Manager.
Kawawa was first introduced to the sport by paddlers visiting his hometown to take on the local rapids. He became enamored by the sport and in exchange for carrying boats for tourists, he earned paddling lessons and used gear. He quickly progressed in the sport, entered local competitions and went on to international events including multiple World Championships. Last year he won the 2020 King of the Nile.
Kokatat was introduced to Kawawa through the Red Bull film The Way of the Wildcard.
“Sadat had been on our radar for a while, but thanks to our partners at Diversify Whitewater we learned he was in the market for partnerships and we moved quickly,” Kincaid said.
Diversify Whitewater founder Antionette Lee Toscano profiled Kawawa for her XOTV channel Whitewater TV and connected Kokatat with him. Diversify Whitewater’s mission is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in whitewater paddlesports for Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) + Allies to enter and excel at whitewater kayaking, rafting, and stand up paddleboarding.
As part of the partnership, Kawawa will paddle exclusively in Kokatat dry tops, dry suits, and life jackets.
