LaredoBuzz.Com

Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Sponsored by Academy Sport & Outdoors, partner City of Laredo

 (Laredo, TX )  Big River Foundation has partnered with the City of Laredo and principal sponsor Academy Sport + Outdoors, to host  the third annual Community Kayak Races on the Rio Grande near Laredo Community College’s Fort McIntosh Campus this Earth Day, Friday, April 22, 2011, beginning at 9:00 a.m. that will help raise over one thousand dollars for several local charities.  The race will be broken up into several categories that will appeal to the novice and experienced alike.  Cash prizes will be awarded.

 “Kayaking is about the hottest growing sport in Laredo, and the Community Kayak Races on the Rio Grande is definitely one of the coolest of races in Laredo,” said City of

Laredo Mayor Raul G. Salinas.  “I encourage everyone to come out and be a part of this event, which promises to be tons of fun and most importantly, do some good by helping local charities.” 

Participation in the races is $30; a price that includes use of a kayak and all equipment, and a commemorative t-shirt for the first 50 to sign up.  All races follow the same format.

 “They’re short, fun flat water races for anyone to compete in, designed to introduce people to the Rio Grande,” says Executive Director Eric Ellman.  

 As an added incentive for this round of races, Big River Foundation is offering free introductory paddling sessions for those who pre-register in any of the six categories, each of which will generate $250 for a local charity or cause.

• After an invocation at 9:00 a.m., the first category of racers, the “Paddling Padres,” composed of local clergy and their colleagues, takes off.   L&F Distributors will award $250 to whoever graces the finish line first, to be donated to the charity of the winner’s choice.
• At 10:00 a.m. it’s the Sames Ford Scholastic Scramble, a division set aside for students, teachers and other school district employees.  Again, $250 will be awarded to a team of the victor’s choosing.
• The 11:00 a.m. race is the Civil Service Shootout, for emergency responders, including Police, Fire Persons, and Border Patrol.  Also sponsored by L&F Distributors.
• At noon, it’s the “Hospitality Hustle,” designed for Laredo’s Hotel, Restaurant and Bar employees.  
• The 1:00 race is “Padres y Hijos,” for parents and children, sponsored by Laredo Family Time Magazine. 
• The last race is the 2:00 Laredo Open, sponsored by the International Bank of Commerce, and open to anyone who doesn’t fit in any of the other categories.  

 Everyone in Laredo is invited to a poolside party at the Rio Grande Plaza Hotel beginning at 6:00 p.m. that evening for presentation of plaques and cash awards to the winning racers and their charities.  Live music will be provided by La Mata, Automatic Weekend and special guests and $1 beer on tap.  Organizers hope that suggested donations will go to the Rio Grande International Study Center, the Earth Day Kayak Races charity of choice.

 People can register over the phone by calling Big River Foundation at 956.209.1879.  More information is available on the Big River Outfitters and Big River Foundation websites at: www.BigRiverOutfitters.org, and www.BigRiverFoundation.org.  For a fast response, race organizers recommend their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kayaklaredo.