from Mir Pace International

Mir Pace International will hold its 7th annual family-oriented Paddle for Poverty fundraising event at Steamboat Wharf Marina in Hull, MA on July 16, 2011.

The Paddle for Poverty is a kayak race (or any type paddleboat), open to all ages, and includes two courses: A long course (approximately 6 miles) will begin at 9 a.m. off Steamboat Pier, continue out beyond Sunset Point, around Bumpkin Island, and return to the finish line at Steamboat Pier. Armed with a small fishing net, the short course paddlers will begin off Steamboat Pier at 9:30 a.m., navigate around markers set in the inner bay, “saving” as many Mir Pace ducks as possible, bringing them to safety at the finish line.

There will be awards for top finishers, a raffle, and food, music and refreshments following the races. All ages are invited!

Registration is being accepted on-line at www.mirpace.org or in-person registration will open at 8 a.m. the morning of the race. Fee is $25 per paddler.

Anyone interested in coming out for a good cause but does not have a kayak, Nantasket Kayaks, conveniently located on site at Steamboat Wharf Marina, has a limited number of kayaks available on a first come, first served basis: Contact Scott or Judy at (781) 962-4899. Eastern Mountain Sports, located at the Hingham Shipyard (Rt. 3A), also has kayaks available: Call (781) 741-8808.

Proceeds from the event will support Mir Pace International’s work: Bringing desperately needed aid to the poor in Guatemala, especially to the many infants and children at their recently opened malnutrition center. Mir Pace empowers teens to change the lives of the poor and forgotten in Guatemala through sponsored mission trips, enabling long-term relationship building with the indigenous community.

In April a group of students from Scituate High School went on one of Mir Pace’s trips to Guatemala. Two participants reflect:

“Guatemala was a life changing experience. Being able to interact with these foreign people and give them the help they deserve was incredible. Their smiles will stay with me forever.” – Lindsay Zappolo

“Going to Tamahu, Guatemala was an amazing experience and you could really tell how much you were helping out the families. It was amazing just to see how happy they are even though they don’t have much. Going to Guatemala was just a fun and amazing experience.” –Jillian Hutt

For more information about the event go to www.mirpace.org or email info@mirpace.org.