Key West The Newspaper

Athletes of all levels are welcome on Higgs Beach in Key West Oct. 15-16 for the 5th Annual Stand Up Paddle Invitational, a two-mile paddleboard race and beach obstacle course supporting Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County. The beachside luau and race day activities are open to the public.

The invitational begins on Friday at 3 p.m. with the Lazy Dog SUP Clinic teaching basic paddle technique, safety practices and tips on the race course. The Preferred Properties Beachside Luau catered by New York Pasta Garden and featuring music by Big Daddy Rich begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25.

On Saturday, registration opens at 7:30 a.m., with the opening ceremony at 8:30 a.m. and Special Olympics races starting at 9:15 a.m. Open racers must check in by noon. All racers are provided lunch and a t-shirt.

Early race registration, $35, is open until Oct. 10. Boards can be rented from the Lazy Dog Paddle Shack for $10. Registration fees and board rentals are tax deductible and support local Special Olympic athletes. Registration, ticket information, and sponsorship and volunteer opportunities are available at specialolympicsflorida.org/monroe/fundraise/sup-invitational or by contacting Ruth Holland at ruthholland@specialolympicsmonroe.

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About Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County

Special Olympics Florida-Monroe County provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, 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. To become involved as an athlete or volunteer, visit website www.specialolympicsmonroe.org or email [email protected].