Join Athens Sunrise Rotary for the 2nd Annual Paddle for Polio Plus!
Paddle for Polio Plus is a unique fundraiser aimed to raise awareness and finanical support of Rotary's quest to completely eradicate polio from the world. The initiative is over 3 decades strong and Rotary is #thisclose to complete eradication. Only a handful of cases have been reported in 2018, but the final push is more critical than ever. It is estimated that is will take about $1 Billion to finish the job.
Athens Sunrise Rotary aims to raise $2000 at #paddle2018, which will eventually vaccinate 3600 children thanks to a triple match by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
What is Paddle for Polio Plus? Glad you asked! #Paddle2018 is a unique fundraiser that combined the ever-popular "poker run" game with boating. Participants will be dealt a 5 card hand at Poker and will then set out in their kayaks or canoes across beautiful Lake Snowden to stop at a total of 5 checkpoints to receive stamps that eventually validate their poker hand. All participants receive a complimentary ticket into our door prize drawing with their registration fee. At each checkpoint, boaters will have the opportunity to purchase additional chances at the door prize drawing by paying $1 and completing a simple, fun challenge.
This year, the event will also feature a "Poker Hike." Runners and Walkers can get in on the fun by taking to the lakeside trail to visit each of the checkpoints to complete and validate their hand as well.
The event is family-friendly and will feature live music, free food and tons of games and activities for the entire family!
What can I expect at #Paddle2018?
Event Schedule:
12:30pm - Registration & Check In Opens / Chuckwagon Style Eats Available
1:00pm - Wave #1 Launch & Runners/Walkers released to Lakeside Trail
1:30pm - Wave #2 Launch
2:00pm - Wave #3 Launch
2:30pm - Wave #4 Launch
3:00pm - Wave #5 Launch
3:30pm - GROUP PHOTO OPPORTUNITY - if you would like to be in our signature DRONE photo, be ready to float at 3:30pm!
3:45pm - Prize Drawings and Winners Announced (Boaters and Walkers/Runners MUST be at the pavillion by 3:45pm to be eligble for prizes)
Sounds great! What are the rules?
All boaters MUST have a coast-guard approved personal flotation device (PFD). Boaters under age 18 MUST wear the PFD at all times while on the water and adults MUST have a PFD on board.
All boaters and runner/walkers MUST complete and sign a liability waiver in order to participate in any of the events. All participants do so at their own risk.
All boaters and runners/walkers MUST return by 3:45pm to be eligible for prizes.
Poker Participants MUST collect all 5 stamps in order for their poker hands to be validated for competition. 100% of the proceeds from this event support Polio Plus. While there are fun prizes for winning the Paddle and Trail divisions of the poker competitions, their are NO cash payouts.
Paddle and Trail participants must present their registration confirmation in print or digital form upon checkin. Spectators may enjoy the festivities at no cost.
All participants in the Paddle and Trial divisions must display their participant numbers prominently on their outer layer of clothing. All participants are required to follow directions from event organizers.
More Important Information
#Paddle2018 participants are guests of Athens Sunrise Rotary at Lake Snowden, owned and operated by Hocking College, and should behave accordingly. Please enter and exit the property carefully. The event pavillion is located at the lower shelter house near the boat ramp. Ample free parking is available in the lot near the boat ramp.
Food is free for participants and observers. Alcohol will be available for purchase to adults over age 21. Please drink responsibly.
There are a limited number of kayaks, canoes and PFDs available for your use during each wave. Please indicate if you require the use of a boat from the event organizers. You are permitted and encouraged to bring your own kayak, canoe or SUP and PFD to participate in the event. It is your responsibility to ensure that your vessel is up to date with all Ohio boating laws and registration requirements.
All participants receive a complimentary entry into our prize drawing, all Paddle and Trail participants are encouraged to bring along small amounts of cash to participate in the BONUS challenges at each checkpoint. Spectators and participants can purchase additional chances at the event pavillion.
All registered participants in the PADDLE and TRAIL divisions will receive a Paddle for Polio Plus SWAG BAG upon check in!