Great Turnout for Paddle for Poverty Event

Fifty paddlers includng many from Hingham  came out to Steamboat Wharf in Hull on Saturday to support the 7^th Annual Paddle for Poverty. 

The family-oriented kayak raceconsisted of two courses:  a long, six-mile paddle around Bumpkin Island, as well as a short course where paddlers are encouraged to “save the ducks” in the harbor (collecting yellow ducks emblazoned with the Mir Pace logo). 

The race was held on a picture perfect, sunny morning.   

“We couldn’t ask for more on race day,” exclaimed Co-Founder and Board Chair Eileen Weisslinger. “We have had such a great turnout and great support.” 

The evnt is organized by Mir Pace International which works in the village of Tamahú, Guatemala, providing life-saving support and development initiatives that promote independence for the impoverished people there. 

The organization has helped the villagers in Tamahú plant and harvest more nutritious crops, create nutrient-rich foods for its most vulnerable populations (especially the children), build clean water systems, secure their homes from flooding, and build safer stoves to prevent burns. 

Mir Pace recently opened a malnutrition center for infants and young children in the region, where getting proper nutrition is a challenge.  All the proceeds from Saturday’s race will go to fund the operating expenses of the malnutrition center.

Mir Pace International sponsors high school mission trips to Tamahú, Guatemala each year.  “It’s a win-win.  Our teen volunteers get a unique immersion and hands-on experience assisting the poor of Tamahú, and the villagers are sustained and supported by their enthusiasm and hard work,” said Weisslinger.  For more information, go to www.mirpace.org.    

Long Race Results (Name and Time): Single
1.        John Karoff, 0:57:00
2.       Nancy Whipple, 1:01:00
3.      Mike Gaffney, 1:02:53  

Tandem:

1.       Andrew Wesson & Rob Aspinwall, 1:12:46
2.       Claire Cunningham & Owen Cunningham, 1:15:50  3.       Elisabeth Killgore & Mary Jane Kahler, 1:39:15 

Paddle Board
1.       Mary McDowell, 1:52:00 

Short Race Results: Shawna Swartz & PJ Goodwin, 34 Yellow Ducks

The above release was submitted by the Mir Pace International.