Four of Mackay’s dedicated rowers are about to embark on a thrilling journey to compete in the Masters World Championship Rowing event at the Beetzsee regatta course in Germany, from September 11th to 15th.

This natural regatta course situated in Brandenburg, boasts 320,000 square metres of surface area and offers eight lanes for rowing and nine lanes for canoe racing. The event will see between 4,000 and 5,000 athletes competing, and the Mackay rowers are ready to make their mark.

The team includes Jane Deguara, Mick Wohlfahrt, Richard McGrath and Therese Clancy, all of whom have been training rigorously since November 2023. Their training regimen consists of river rowing four times a week, daily gym sessions and a weekly rest day. Ice baths, rehabilitation and programs from the Mackay Rowing Club have also been essential to keeping their bodies in top form.

This level of dedication has earned them remarkable success in previous national and state events, where they brought home a total of 16 medals, including half a dozen golds.

For Therese Clancy, who has been rowing for seven years, the early morning training sessions are a particular highlight.

“At 5am, it’s like heaven,” she says, describing the serenity of the water, the chirping birds, and the fish swimming nearby.

“It’s just such a magical time of day to be on the water.”

This will be Thereses’ first time competing overseas and she’s excited but cautious about the upcoming trip. While they’ve done well at nationals and state levels, Therese is aware that conditions could be different in Germany.

Rowing in both mixed and single-gender teams, the group has excelled in various categories.

Therese herself has won gold in a single race, a double with a fellow rower from Townsville, and in a quad with her teammates, including Jane. Their journey has been one of hard work, but as Therese says, it’s all been “great fun.”

The team relies on grants and self-funding to support their efforts and encourage any sponsors to contribute, especially in replacing boats. Mackay Rowing Club is welcoming support from anyone interested in helping these talented athletes.

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Left to Right- Jane Deguara, Mick Wohlfahrt, Richard McGrath, Therese Clancy.
Photo supplied

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As spring arrives at our club, the demolition of the shade cloth, seats, and covers is making way for the installation of a new hard cover. Despite the changes, there was a great turnout for Tuesday afternoon’s Thelma Porter Day. The team of skipper Joan McGrath, with Susan at lead and Arthur McManus at second, played brilliantly and took home first prize. Special congratulations go to Betty Whitehorn for her amazing efforts and to Lane Telford, who shared some wonderful stories about her remarkable mother, Thelma.

Wednesday’s event had a smaller attendance, with Mervyn Stewart taking home the honours for the day. Meanwhile, Bobby and Yvonne Spees continued their success in Business House Bowls, with bar manager Fiona Greener also doing a fantastic job.

Friday morning saw the Endeavour Foundation members showing significant improvement in their bowling skills. It was wonderful to see how much progress Michael, Jett, Cathy, and John have made.

On Saturday morning, Andy McDougall won the Scroungers event once again. Even with a handicap of minus 10, Andy remains a strong contender.

Sunday featured the B Singles final, with Rick Brunell playing outstanding bowls. Rick will face Andy McDougall in the final, following Andy’s narrow victory over Stephen Lawrie.

Our club also hosted the Champion of Champions Novice Bowlers competition, where our own Dawn Dowell triumphed over Wendy from North Mackay, Kelly from West Tigers, and Sharon from Northern Beaches to become the 2024 Novice Ladies Champion of Champions.

Contributed with thanks to Mark Mawson

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Sunday Results:
   • Ron and Lloyd defeated Ray and Steve.
   • Allen, Rob, and Gus defeated Marion, Wendy, and Dave.
   • Janine, Geoff, and Skip defeated Rossco, Frank, and Gordo.

Wednesday Social Bowls (August 28):
   • Peter, Jane, and Daryl defeated Janine, Frank, and Ray.
   • Lou and Dave defeated Mary Ellen and Steve.
   • Jeff and Rob defeated Doc and Marion.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Contributed with thanks to Joan Edwards

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Pairs Final Winners: Spann and John, Photo supplied

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The Club Championship Triples saw an exciting weekend of matches.

On Saturday afternoon, a round of the Championship Triples was played, followed by the first semi-final. Jonathan Bye, Toby Craig, and Gavin Milne defeated Peter Lawton, Harry Craig (substitute for Kendall Watts), and Gavin Noonan with a score of 29-9. In another match, Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear, and Wayne Handley won against Vince Olsen, Michael Kinnear (substitute for Bryan Davy), and Luchie Gardel 25-14.

On Sunday morning, the second semi-final took place, where Jonathan Bye, Toby Craig, and Gavin Milne triumphed over Philip Brown, Barry Zillmann, and Bruce Uhe, 23-13. The final, held on Sunday afternoon, saw Dale Haack, Shane Kinnear, and Wayne Handley defeat Jonathan Bye, Toby Craig, and Gavin Milne with a commanding 27-8 victory. Dale, Shane, and Wayne will represent the club in the Champion of Champion Triples at Wests Tigers on Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8. We wish them the best and hope they continue their strong performance.

Social Bowls Results
On Wednesday, in preparation for the Zone playoffs, Carol Crosbie and Joan McGrath from Airlie Beach joined for a game on the grass. Carol and Joan ended in a 15-all draw with Mike Harrison and Bruce Magilton. In another match, Mike (a visitor from Canada), Alen Sanderson, Heather Brown, and Darelle Rowe (a visitor from Tea Gardens) defeated Stefanie (a visitor from Germany), Barry Zillmann, Philip Brown, and Ron Rowe 21-10.

A round of the Senior Singles was also played on Wednesday, where Luchie Gardel defeated Sandy Daffara 26-23.

Sunday Social Bowls
Sunday's social bowls had a smaller turnout with only four players. Teams were drawn at random, resulting in Heather Brown and Mike Harrison defeating John Anderson and Sandy Daffara 27-11, in a game that was tied at 10-all before the break.

Congratulations to all the participants and good luck to the team in the upcoming Champion of Champion Triples!

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Bowls Club

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Self-Selected Triples
Monday's self-selected triples event wrapped up the year with an exciting finish. The winning team on Rink 5, which also claimed the jackpot, consisted of Denis Madeley, Joe Paynting, and Leon Fox, who triumphed over Allan Gillies, John Riemann, and Jill Gillies. Runners-up were Greg Colquhoun and Kennedy Whitton, who defeated M McKenzie and Dom Diaz.

Tuesday Social Bowls
In Tuesday's social bowls, the winning team of Karen McKenzie, M Wright, and Joe Paynting defeated Joan Atkinson, Ron Boskma, and Dot Slater, with a special mention of Dot’s return to the game. Runners-up Allan Gillies, K Jones, and Greg Colquhoun overcame Bron Tolcher, John Riemann, and Kevin Jewell. The jackpot remained unclaimed.

Fun Friday
Friday's fun bowls saw a series of competitive matches. Alan Gillies, Chris Frew, and Rob Boskma won against Joe Paynting, Viv Boskma. Christina B. D Jones, W McNamara, and K Wallace defeated D Diaz, J Paynting, and C Bellingham. L Knight, M Hyde, and R Stitt triumphed over B Bellingham, J Chadwick, and K Jones. Mary and Jill won against Nicky and Paul. Resting touches went to Paul and Joe, while the jackpot did not go off.

Barefoot Bowls
On Friday night, the Barefoot Bowlers team of Suzi, David, Tim, and Jamie won the mango prize by defeating Kerri, Sandy, Garry, and Denis.

Father’s Day Game
Sunday's Father’s Day game was fiercely contested. The winning team of Deb Retchless, Keith Aykens, and Darryl Jones defeated Kennedy Whitton, Lorraine Knight, and Robyn Stitt. Runners-up Allan Gillies, Brian Bellingham, and Penny Warren won against Iren Laird, Laurie Land, and Allan Rolfe. The jackpot also remained unclaimed.

Contributed with thanks to Penny Warren

Photo supplied

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It was a fantastic week of golf at Proserpine Golf Club with great weather and strong performances across all competitions.

Tuesday, August 27 - Stableford
   • Winner: Sean Gower (42 points)
   • 2nd Place: Dylan Holland (41 points)
   • 3rd Place: Cory O’Shea (38 points)

Wednesday, August 28 - Ladies’ Stableford
   • Winner: Jan Shuwalow (36 points)
   • 2nd Place: Di Dobbins (36 points)

Thursday, August 29 - Stableford
A Grade:
   • Winner: Adam Hosie (39 points)
   • 2nd Place: Craig McLean (37 points)
B Grade:
   • Winner: Ross Meade (39 points)
   • 2nd Place: Peter Lindsay (36 points)

Friday, August 30 - Met Run 9 Holes
   • Winner: Fay Milne (26 points)
   • 2nd Place: Zac Vloedmans (22 points)

Saturday, August 31 - Stableford
Men:
   • Overall Winner: Zac Vloedmans (48 points)
Ladies:
   • Winner: Pam Harrison (33 points)
   • Runner-Up: Tiina Randmae

Sunday, September 1 - Junior Championships
   • Winner: Jack Hayes William (nett 66)

September Monthly Medal
Men:
   • Winner: Luke Wayth (nett 69)
Ladies:
   • Winner: Peta Thomas (nett 71)

Congratulations to all participants. For more details, visit Golflink. Looking forward to more great golf in the coming weeks!

Contributed with thanks to Proserpine Golf Club
Photos supplied

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Eighteen veteran golfers made the journey to Collinsville for the Whitsunday Group fixture, where they were greeted by glorious weather and an exceptionally maintained course, cared for entirely by volunteers. The course featured different grasses and surfaces compared to Proserpine, with thicker grass near the greens that caused the ball to stop abruptly.

A total of 52 players competed in the event, and the Proserpine team performed impressively. Craig McLean claimed first place overall with a fantastic 43 points. Peter Fox followed in fourth place with 36 points, and John Roser secured sixth place with 34 points.

In the ladies' competition, Elspeth Scotford emerged as the overall winner with 38 points. Leanne Alexander continued her strong performance from the Club Championships, where she won the A Grade, by finishing third with 34 points. Tiina Randmae took sixth place with 30 points. Elspeth Scotford, Gary Scotford, and Peter Fox also achieved several pin shots throughout the day.

Congratulations to all the players for their excellent performances. The next event on the calendar is the September Monthly Medal.

Contributed with thanks to Paula McQuat

Elspeth Scotford and Craig McLean

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Thirteen players enjoyed a warm, sunny day for the Whitsunday Golf Club's September Monthly Medal and Least Putts competition. The dry greens presented a challenge, causing some players to zigzag from side to side, but the beautiful weather made for a great day on the course.

Ladies A Grade:
   • Winner: Tiina Randmae with a nett score of 72
   • Runner-up: Anna Winterbourn with a nett score of 76
   • Longest Drive: Anna Winterbourn, with a huge drive that was the envy of many

Ladies B Grade:
   • Winner: Jo Moynihan with a nett score of 73
   • Runner-up: Sally Little with a nett score of 75
   • Longest Drive: Linda Wardroper

Men’s A Grade:
   • Winner: Wayne Temby with a nett score of 78
   • Runner-up: Andrew Albergo with a nett score of 85
   • Longest Drive: Andrew Albergo

Men’s B Grade:
   • Winner: Rion Jamieson with a nett score of 77
   • Runner-up: Wilf Herweg with a nett score of 79
   • Longest Drive: Mark McDougal

Nearest to the Pin (NTP):
   • Ladies: Tiina Randmae, Linda Wardroper, and Jo Moynihan
   • Men: Ritchie Atkins and Ron Jamieson (twice)

Least Putts:
   • Jo Moynihan won with 33 putts, and Wayne Temby won with 30 putts on the tricky, dry greens.

NAGA Awards:
   • Linda Wardroper and Paul Nicol received the NAGA awards.

Coming Up: There will be a two-week break for the PGC Men's Pennants and the PGC Mixed Foursomes.
   • Sunday, September 22: Stableford competition
   • Sunday, September 29: Final round of the 3 Ball Ambrose, sponsored by Ritchie Atkins of Whitsunday Concrete Constructions. The presentation will be held at PGC, followed by a BBQ.
Congratulations to all the players, and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the course after the break!

Contributed with thanks to Tiina Randmae

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The World Multisport World Championships were due to take place in TOWNSVILLE in 2019. Then Covid hit.

Finally, they took place this year between 15 to 25 August, 2024

There were 35 countries represented with athletes competing in an array of events over 10 days including a Parade of Nations and remarkable Opening ceremony. There were masses of Canadians, Americans, New Zealanders, Japanese, Spanish, English, Irish and others all in their Country Uniforms. But the show of Green and Gold athletes was mesmerising around the race Precinct.

The events covered a variety of different distances and all age groups, including Cross Duathlon, Aquabike, short and long distance Triathlons, Aquathlon, Para Triathletes, Juniors, Elites, Cross Triathlon races, all covering off-road cycling, swimming, running and road cycling. 

Townsville was abuzz with a phenomenal atmosphere over the festival carnival which took place along the Townsville Strand precinct, back into the city, past Jezzine Barracks and up as far as Pallarenda Park.

Athlete camaraderie was excellent with many highlights and amazing individual performances. One notable highlight was our very own 86 year old Lachlan Lewis ending on the podium in the Aquabike event. A true Aussie Icon and World champion.

The performance of our Age Group Australian Teams in all events was remarkable with many individual athletes ending on the podium.

Personally, I was a bit underdone as I developed a bit of a groin niggle preventing me from doing the 30 km Triathlon run. On this occasion I was eligible to swap to the Aquabike including a 3km ocean swim and 114km cycle, but luckily no run. The swim was a dream, yet the road cycle was very challenging. At the end of the day I finished in 5th position in the World in my age category, pretty stoked which qualified me for a spot at next year's Worlds in Pontevedra in Spain in June.

Contributed with thanks to Michael Kimpton

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The first round of finals was a mixed bag for Whitsunday United, with only the Division 1 Men’s team securing a win. They faced Wanderers in Mackay on Friday night in a semi-final match. After a scoreless first half, Whitsunday came out strong in the second half. Caleb Vanderdrift scored early on from a cross by Tate Butler, and Aaron Morgan added a second with a late header, sealing a 2-0 victory. The Division 1 Men will face either Lions or Wanderers in the final.

The Under-13 Division One team had a tough match against Rangers. Despite only one point separating them in the league, Rangers took an early lead with two goals in the first 14 minutes. Whitsunday managed to score in the 29th minute, but Rangers proved too strong, winning 4-1. The team will look to bounce back in the semi-finals next weekend, with a chance to reach the grand final.

In another intense game, the Under-13 Prem team faced Rangers in a final. Rangers led 1-0 at halftime, but Whitsunday equalized in the 60th minute through Sam. The game went into extra time and then to penalties after a 1-1 draw. Despite efforts from Shannon, Nick M, and Eli W, who all scored in the shootout, Rangers ultimately won. It was a hard-fought match that highlighted Whitsunday’s determination and teamwork.

The Under-15 Premiers played against Country, who started strongly, scoring in the 11th minute and converting a penalty in the 43rd. Whitsunday dominated the second half, and Max O’Keefe scored a penalty in the 70th minute, but they couldn’t find another goal, resulting in a 2-1 loss.

The U23 Women’s team, after securing second place last weekend, faced Lions SC in the first round of finals. Whitsunday dominated possession and created several scoring chances, but the game remained 0-0 after regular time, thanks in part to a crucial save by goalkeeper Robyn. In extra time, Lions managed to score, winning 1-0. The U23 Women will face Magpies next weekend for a spot in the grand final.

The Premier Ladies faced a strong Lions squad, losing 6-0 on Saturday night. Despite having a depleted team, Whitsunday worked hard but struggled to contain the Lions’ attack. Special mentions go to Imo, Kiki, Robyn, and Ellyse, who played through extra time in the Reserves and still performed well in the Premier match. The team aims to regroup and secure a spot in the grand final next weekend.

The U23 and FQPL Men both ended their seasons with losses to Rangers. The U23 team had an exciting game, leading 4-3 late on with a hat trick from Lincoln Fricker, but a late penalty for Rangers forced extra time, where they lost 6-4. The Men’s Premiers also faced Rangers, taking an early lead with a penalty from Alan O’Donnell, but eventually losing 2-1 after a strong comeback from Rangers.

All eyes will be on the Women’s teams this weekend as they fight for a place in the grand finals alongside the Division 1 Men. The teams are determined to bounce back and finish the season strong.

Contributed with thanks to Allan Milostic

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The Cannonvale Cannons had an action-packed and exciting week filled with impressive swimming performances and valuable training opportunities. The week began with the Cannons hosting their Club Night on Wednesday, followed by a weekend swim clinic led by top swim coach Shaun Crow.
One of the standout performances of the week came from Eloise Chegwidden, who competed at the Townsville Tourist Swim Meet over the weekend. Eloise achieved outstanding results, winning gold medals in all nine of her events and setting personal bests in four of them. Her success is a testament to her hard work and dedication.
During Wednesday night's Club Night, the Cannons celebrated Jax Clayworth for setting two new club records in the 50m and 200m Butterfly events. Additionally, Giselle Burton presented Upgrade Certificates to several swimmers, including Isaac Pisaniello, Jax Clayworth, Kye Mitchell, Eric Mulliss, Leo Mulliss, and Tyler Bennett. Chocolate Awards for the best personal bests (PBs) were given to Blaire Harland and Harris Delac. Ruby Lawson was recognized for her outstanding performance, winning the Swim of the Night award for her 25m Butterfly. The top performers of Club Night, based on PBs, included Kye Mitchell, Tyler Bennett, Harry Chegwidden, Jax Clayworth, Lennox Wild, Isaac Pisaniello, Tora Delac, Charlie Doherty, and Liam Filewood.
The highlight of the weekend was the swim clinic facilitated by Shaun Crow. Swimmers participated in sessions designed to enhance their skills and speed, while parents attended an information session. One of Shaun’s swimmers, Harrison Turner, shared his journey with the attendees. At 20 years old, Harrison is a top Australian 200m Butterfly swimmer who trains with Shaun at Nudgee College. He also assisted Shaun with coaching throughout the clinic and enjoyed working with all the swimmers.
At the conclusion of the clinic, Shaun presented Most Improved Awards to Zach Trefz, Celeste Orenshaw, Andie Reynolds, and Zane Clayworth. The weekend was a memorable experience for everyone involved, with swimmers, parents, and coaches all thoroughly enjoying the event. Shaun’s favorite expressions, such as "Ducks in a Line," "Oi," and "Goldilocks," are sure to be remembered by the swimmers for years to come.
A big congratulations to all the swimmers who participated over the weekend! The Cannonvale Cannons had a fantastic week, filled with achievements and valuable learning experiences.

Contributed with thanks to Raylene Rasmussen

Photos supplied

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Last weekend the first Ramped Up Whitsundays event was a huge success with over 1000 people attending over the weekend.

Organiser Donny Fraser was thrilled with the turn out and is excited to make it an annual event.

“It was a good turnout for the first year too, during the first year you don't have anything to promote it with,” explained Donny.

“The focus was to get the best guys and girls (skateboarders) there to build something long term in the Whitsundays.

“We had a lot of really high-profile skaters there, and the experience and satisfaction was really high. It was probably the highest we've had for any event, especially in its first year.”

With extremely good feedback Donny expects Ramped Up Whitsundays to become one of the biggest skateboarding events in the world.

Donny thanks the Whitsunday community for making the event such a success.

“The energy was massive, and the locals were fantastic at bringing that energy and getting people hyped,” said Donny.

“These guys (skateboarders) always push harder when the crowds are excited, and they build that excitement.

“It was so fantastic to watch and experience. We just want to get back there and keep making it bigger and better.”

Local Queenslander Freddie Hazelton took home an impressive third place in the bowl competition and second in the vert skating.

Ramped Up Whitsundays drew in high profile skateboarders from across the country including Ethan Copeland, Marley Rae, Lachlan Abbott, Taniah Meyers, Josh Matwijiw and George Richards.

Donny thanked the Whitsunday Regional Council for sponsoring the event and acknowledged local businesses for their upmost support and welcoming demeanour during the weekend.

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Photo credit: Mark Fulloon Photography

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Women and girls interested in giving the sport of bowling a go are invited to come along to a special series of events hosted by the Airlie Beach Bowls Club.

Airlie Beach Bowls Club is once again running a C’mon try “learn to play bowls” program with free coaching for women and high school age girls. All coaches have blue cards.

The program starts on 31st August and will run for three consecutive Saturday mornings.

“We selected Saturday morning to give an opportunity to those ladies with weekday commitments an opportunity to attend,” said the club spokesperson.

“Participants can expect to practise bowls skills for an hour followed by a coffee break with a feedback opportunity.”

Airlie Beach Bowls Club runs regular bowls on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday afternoon.

Saturday morning there is a regular competition.

Wednesday evening there is a business house competition.

Friday afternoon there is a social members afternoon and barefoot bowls late afternoon and early evening.

With bowls skills there is an opportunity to take part in any of those activities and further coaching is available.

Airlie Beach Bowls club acknowledges the grant from Queensland Sport and Recreation that has given us the opportunity to offer this program to women and girls in our local community.

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Come and join in on the fun! Photo supplied

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As spring nears and preparations for our new hard cover ramp up, our bowlers continue to shine.
On Monday, Ladda Purdie, Jill Spencer, and Vicki Spann represented our club at the Champion of Champions triples tournament in Mackay. They defeated Mackay City, North Mackay, and West Tigers to win the 2024 Ladies Triples Champion of Champions title—an outstanding achievement for our club.
Tuesday’s social bowls winners were Joan McGrath, Dawn Dowel, and Mark Mawson.
Friday morning saw the Endeavour Foundation participants—Michael, Jett, Cathy, and Kira—receive trophies for their excellent lawn bowls performances. In the afternoon, Christian College students, including Ocean, Harmony, Juliette, and others, showed great progress in their games.
Saturday’s Scroungers saw Dennis Donnadelli win the A Grade final, while Eric Barnard took the B Grade title.
On Sunday, Tony Whitehorn, Greg Fennell, and Alan Pershouse emerged as the big winners in social bowls.
Coaching clinics, organised by Betty Whitehorn, will be held on August 31, September 7, and September 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. For more details, contact Margo at 0412-469-989.
Contributed by Mark Mawson.
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Champion of Champions: Ladda Purdie, Vicki Spann, and Jill Spencer.

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Sunday, August 18:
   • Allen Williams, Keith Kirk and Geoff defeated R. Gorro, Lloyd White, and Steve Roome defeated Trowse, Lee Welsted, and S.Trowse.
   • Marion, Ray, and Lloyd defeated Lindsay, Carol, and Helen to win the afternoon.
Wednesday, August 21:
   • Janine and Steve defeated Ray and Gordo.
   • Ian, Geoff, and Bird defeated Marion, Lloyd, and Daryl.
   • Maryellen, Frank, and Tiarna defeated Ron, Jane, and Gus.
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Contributed by Joan Edwards

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