Stand Up Paddle is in motion! Did you know that Stand Up Paddle is the fastest growing water sport there is these days? Stand Up Paddle (SUP) is where an individual stands upon a surf board while utilizing a paddle to move across the water. Don’t be fooled, it’s a lot harder than it sounds. Although Special Olympics Florida does not hold state games for this sport yet, the sport is growing rapidly and is currently offered in several counties throughout Florida. Registered Special Olympics athletes who can swim 25 meters are eligible for this program, which kicked-off on Aug. 12th in Santa Rosa County.
Practices are held every Monday from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Coastal Paddle Company in Gulf Breeze. As with all Special Olympics sports programs, the support of dedicated volunteers from the community is the key to its success. Coastal Paddle Company owner Kevin Cook volunteers his time to be Head Coach of the program, in addition, allowing the Special Olympics athletes to practice at his location free of charge.
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training and competition to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athlete or their caregiver, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected and contributing members of their communities.
For more information, contact Jessica Barrale, Director, Special Olympics Florida – Escambia/Santa Rosa at 291-6234.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Special Olympics Introduces Stand Up Paddle!