Wareham environmentalist Richard Wheeler will join paddling and rowing enthusiasts for the 10th Annual Bird Island Challenge starting from Zecco Marine in downtown Wareham on August 12.

All proceeds from the event will go towards financial assistance for youth, families, and seniors at the Gleason Family YMCA.

Paddlers and rowers are encouraged to join for fun or for competition in one of three courses. The length of the courses are three miles, six miles, and 13 miles which will circumnavigate Bird Island.

Boats of all sizes including canoes, rowing shells, kayaks, and whaleboats are encouraged to join.

Check-in and breakfast begins at 7 a.m. A mandatory captain’s meeting held by Race Director Hannah Moore will follow at 7:30.

The challenge begins at 8 a.m. Representatives from the Wareham and Marion Harbormaster Departments will also be stationed for safety.

Registration costs $45. Participants who register before August 8 will be guaranteed a free T-shirt.

All racers will be given a complimentary race packet which includes breakfast and lunch.

A drawing is now underway for a new Pelican Pulse kayak worth $525. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased from the Gleason Family YMCA at 33 Charge Pond Road in Wareham. The kayak is currently on display in the YMCA lobby.

The drawing will be at Zecco Marine the day of the event. Participants do not need to be present to win.

Modeled after the Annual Blackburn Challenge in Gloucester, the goal of the 10th Annual Bird Island Challenge is to give financial assistance to those in our community who cannot afford the YMCA experience on their own.

Anyone else interested in helping sponsor this exciting event should call 508-295-9622.

To register or for more information, contact the YMCA at 508-295-9622 or email Jo-Ann Watson at jwatson@ymcasouthcoast.org.  Registration forms may also be downloaded from the YMCA Southcoast website at www.ymcasouthcoast.org.