Annual stand up paddleboard & kayak race held in Riverhead to support local veterans
Join United Way of Long Island on the Peconic River this summer for a chance to support Long Island veterans and the Long Island Aquarium. The day full of fun brings companies, organizations, families and friends together for the chance to race on the river by entering a four-person team in the annual Paddle Battle Long Island Team Challenge. Hosted by the East End Tourism Alliance, the Paddle Battle will be held on Saturday, July 29th at the town docks in Riverhead with proceeds from the Team Challenge going to United Way of Long Island’s VetsBuild Program, as well the Long Island Aquarium.
The Paddle Battle Team Challenge consists of recreational stand up paddleboard and kayak races appropriate for all skills levels. Groups will compete against each other for the prestigious Paddle Battle Team Challenge trophy. Teams of four will brave the 2.5 mile race course, and the team with the overall best combined time will take home the championship trophy along with the title of Top Team. The Award Ceremony will take place during a Family BBQ and Bash, including food, music, drinks and more for the adoring fans cheering on the teams from the sidelines.
“Not only are participants in the Paddle Battle Team Challenge raising funds and awareness for Long Island veterans and their families, they are having fun and making amazing memories,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island. “We encourage everyone, no matter your skill level, to join us in Riverhead and spend a day on the river honoring our hometown heroes.”
“While it is easy to get swept up in the excitement of the Paddle Battle Team Challenge, it’s crucial for us to remember the reality of the programs we are here to support,” said Bryan DeLuca, executive director of the Long Island Aquarium. “We want to show these incredible men and women who served that we stand behind them by filling the Peconic River with tons of paddleboards and kayaks.”
Teams can register for the Paddle Battle Long Island Team Challenge through United Way of Long Island by contacting Irene Morlock at IMorlock@unitedwayli.org or (631) 940-3751 to obtain the registration form. For more information on the event visit http://www.unitedwayli.org/PaddleBattle.