Battle on the Blueway Fights for Charity

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Racers begin their heats. ELIZABETH CALDWELL

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Cindy Gibson carries her stand up paddle board into the Gulf. ELIZABETH CALDWELL

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Matt Kearney readies his outrigger canoe. ELIZABETH CALDWELL

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Cristin Madden prepares her stand up paddle board. ELIZABETH CALDWELL

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Racers begin their heats. ELIZABETH CALDWELL

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The fifth annual Battle on the Blueway returned to Crescent Beach Family Park on Saturday, June 8th.

The event included a Special Olympics unified fun race, as well as 7- and 2-mile races.

For the 7- and 2-mile races, 54 entrants using stand up paddle boards, surf skis, and outrigger canoes competed in a number of heats. Racers navigated their crafts around a number of buoys placed by race officials.

17 Special Olympians from Collier and Lee Counties later paired with athletes from the longer races to participate in the fun race.

“It’s pure enjoyment for them,” said Justin Copertino, Special Olympics Director for Collier, Lee, and Hendry Counties. “It’s as much a competition for them as it is for the other athletes.”

Last year, Battle on the Blueway raised $6,000. All proceeds benefit the Special Olympics.