Photo courtesy of The Great Calusa Blueway on Facebook (facebook.com/TheGreatCalusaBlueway).
Benefitting Special Olympics Florida - Lee County Standup Paddle Team, the 2017 Battle on the Blueway is set to take place Saturday, June 10, at Crescent Beach Family Park - Fort Myers Beach, FL. The day will be filled with family fun, including competitive races for kayakers, surf skiers and standup paddleboarders.
In its third year, the event is a World Paddle Association Region 5 sanctioned points race. Distances include 2 and 7 miles, as well as a free race for children under 12. The event is put on by the Lee County Parks and Recreation Department and the SWFL SUP Club.
Participants can register online at paddleguru.com or in person by Friday, June 9, at packet pick-up. Registration is $55 to $65 depending on the class. The event is free to attend for spectators. In lieu of prizes for race winners, the organizers decided to donate to the Special Olympics. Last year's event saw more than 150 competitors.
Outfitters are set to be in attendance to demo products and equipment. There will also be raffles and live music all day.
Information courtesy of Fort Myers Beach Bulletin, Fort Myers Beach Observer.
6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Packet Pickup / Social at Point Ybel Brewing.
Racers will receive on free Paddle Hard Pale Ale brewed for race.
Please pick up your packet, shirt, and swag bag tonight. We will start on time on Saturday.
6:30 - 10 p.m. After party at Pete's Time Out- Live music and free drink and discounted food for racers and volunteers.
Athletes are also invited to participate in Athlete Leadership and Healthy Athletes programs.
The organization currently offers 9 sports and serves 1,382 athletes throughout Lee County.
More than 480 people from the community give their time to volunteer each year.
Be sure to include "Lee County" on the memo line. Donations are tax deductible.
Information courtesy of Special Olympics Florida - Lee County.