Doing Good: Stand-up paddle board race raises education program funds

Lake Lanier’s Olympic Paddle was the go-to place for stand-up paddle boarders on Sept. 6. One of the fastest growing sports, SUP participants took to the water for the Amazing Atlanta SUP Race to benefit Wildnerness Works, a local organization that works with inner-city youth to enhance their lives with enriched educational programs connected with nature.

“I took this sport on a year ago, and thought it would be a fun way to introduce the sport and raise money for a good cause,” said Emily Cook, vice president of the board. Cook directed the race along with Kayla Boys of Mountain High Outfitters.

The Saturday morning race invited 75 participants who participated in a three-, six-, or nine-mile race which raised over $5,000 for Wilderness Works. The money will send 25 kids to various summer camp programs hosted by the organization next summer.

Taking on the ideas of journalist Richard Louv and his theories of nature deficit disorder, William Mickler founded Wilderness Works in 1997 to help children become active and get involved in their outdoor surroundings. This became even more ...more