The Patrick Wehner Open, supported by Waterways Ireland, is an Annual International Barefoot Waterski event held to honour Patrick Wehner’s dedication and commitment to the sport of Barefooting. Ex World and multiple European Barefoot title winner, now suffering from ALS, Patrick is an inspiration to all both on and off the water.

Organised by Andy McDonald and his family, Newferry Barefoot Waterski Club in Northern Ireland hosted this event with Footers from Germany, Netherlands, Finland and Ireland competing. ALS is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a progressive neurodegenerative diseasewhich affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Ryan McDonald (IRL) dominated Division 1, taking the Overall title. Mathijs Zielman (GER) took the Night Jump title with a distance of 19.3m.

Patrick Wehner and his wife Helene were the special guests of honour at the Titanic Centre in Belfast and received a standing ovation at the packed post-event Banquet. Details of the event and fundraising targets are available here :

http://www.irishwwf.ie/latest/news/item/the-patrick-wehner-open-details/13