Bird Island Challenge a great success
To the Editor:
The recent Ninth Annual Gleason Family YMCA Bird Island Challenge was a great success, and the Y staff and committee volunteers would like to thank the participants, sponsors, and donors.
The funds raised by the kayak event and other Gleason YMCA activities help to ensure that no child or adult is turned away from participation at the Y due to financial circumstances. It is truly a community effort!
The event venue at Zecco Marina, a wonderful location for the start and finish of the race and its related activities, was again made possible thanks to the generosity of Tony Zecco.
The water safety component was coordinated by Chris Bryant of Burr Brothers Boats in cooperation with Wareham and Marion Harbormasters and their staff. These capable people and the volunteers who work with them make sure that all participants enjoy the day on the water and are safe and sound.
More than 66 boats manned by 99 entrants participated in this year’s kayak challenge. The youngest paddler was just 9 years old and the most senior was race chairperson Richard Wheeler at age 80. One grandmother entered with her three grandchildren and they all had a wonderful time.
Three courses allowed paddlers to enjoy Buzzards Bay at their skill levels, with winners medaled in each of several categories.
Congratulations to Ann Ladour who won a terrific kayak package in the raffle.
Breakfast and lunch were enjoyed by the participants, their families, friends and volunteers, thanks to the generosity of our sponors: Cosi, A.D. Makepeace, Qdoba Mexican Grille, Ocean Spray Cranberries, Coca-Cola of Cape Cod, The Narrows Crossing Restaurant and Kool Kone.
Additional sponsors that ensured the event’s success were Susan Dorry, DPM, Brian Dunn Carpentry, E.L. Morse Lumber Company, Southcoast Hospitals Group, Cape Cod Kayak, and Walter and Ellen Braillard. More than 35 volunteers lent a hand to see that the day went smoothly.
Watch for the 10th Annual next year! Please visit the Y’s at ymcasouthcoast.org for pictures and more information.
Sincerely yours,
JoAnne Watson
