MOUNT VERNON — In 2021, Paddle for Heroes is dedicated to helping people stay healthy and active and to continue to achieve its mission of helping veterans.
Paddle for Heroes is hosting several events in 2021 that will help keep our community healthy, rivers clean, and providing services for our veterans.
Paddle for Heroes is a non-profit organization that is focused on helping veterans, first responders, and their families get out on the water. Each year the group participates in several river clean-ups on the Mohican River, the Kokosing River, and most recently the White River in Michigan. This is a great way to get people out on the water and improve the environment.
In 2019, Paddle for Heroes raised $35,000 to install an ADA accessible kayak launch installed at Ariel-Foundation Park.
The 2021 includes a goal: 2,021 miles for 2021 challenge. This unique challenge is done completely on your time throughout the entire year. The goal is to achieve 2,021 miles of distance.
Whether you are walking, running, swimming, biking, kayaking, hiking, or any activities that keep you active, you can count those miles toward your 2021 Challenge. Throughout the year participants will be entered in for drawings and will receive a very cool custom Paddle for Heroes medal at the end of the year.
The second event is the third annual 5k and Adventure Race at Ariel-Foundation Park on May 22. This event consists of two races. Our 5k Run/Walk and our Adventure Race. Participants can join in-person for either event.
The Adventure Race consists of a 5K run, as well as a 1.5K paddle board race. This year there will be some additional obstacles to make it even more fun and challenging. Registration will be open soon.
For the fifth year in a row, Paddle for Heroes will be paddling over 160 miles from Mount Vernon to Marietta to help raise awareness for the therapeutic healing of paddling for our veterans. This year the trip is dedicated to Army Staff Sergeant Shamus O. Goare of Danville. Staff Sgt. O. Goare was on a special operations mission on June 28, 2005 to rescue four Navy SEALs missing in mountains near the Pakistani border when the MH-47 Chinook helicopter was shot down. The paddle will take place from May 29 through June 3.
Follow the Facebook page or website at www.paddleforheroesmidwest.org to see upcoming events and news. If you aren’t able to attend the events, consider donating to a great cause.
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