It's a great time of year to paddleboard on the water.
Even better? Doing it for a great cause.
Champion of the Crescent returns to Crescent Beach's Blackie Spit Park this Saturday, July 13. The annual charity paddleboard event is held in support of youth mental health programs each summer, combining paddleboard relays and races, fun games, live entertainment and more in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Surrey Memorial Hospital is the regional centre for acute youth mental health and supports youth all over the Lower Mainland. With approximately 42 per cent of B.C.’s children and youth living in the Fraser Health region, and with 30 per cent of those young people living in Surrey, statistics show that one in five children and youth will experience some form of mental health problem, the event website notes.
“It truly means a lot to have the community standing up for youth mental health through Champion of the Crescent," said Nicole Robson, president and CEO of Surrey Hospitals Foundation.
"Their support means that children and youth living south of the Fraser can have a chance to change the trajectory of their lives with the best mental health care possible.”
Proceeds from Champion of the Crescent event will go toward youth mental health programs such as art, music, and recreation therapy, as well as therapeutic writing and sensory interventions.
Everything starts at 8 a.m. at Blackie Spit Park, with opening ceremonies scheduled to start at 8:30 a.m., followed by relay races at 9 a.m.
Participants will also enjoy a lunch and awards ceremonies later in the day to honour the winners of each race.
For more information, visit the event website.
