On Sunday, September 21, at 8 am, the Newburgh Rowing Club will again host the fun and family friendly “Paddle and Oars Challenge” said Coach Ed Kennedy, Programs Director.

“This event is open to the public, and kayakers of all levels, from newbies to highly experienced, are welcome to attend.  It is a ‘challenge’ so you do not have to complete the 5-Mile Course unless you choose to do so.  We will also have sculling events, for the rowers.  All participants get to enjoy a delicious pancake breakfast and we will have a $600 Trek bike up for raffle, beautiful event T-shirts and merchandise for sale and tours of the Boathouse, along with coupons for free Learn to Row lessons.  Everyone should come on down and enjoy the beautiful Ward Brothers Memorial Park and the Hudson River with us.”

“More than 200 people attended last year, this event just keeps getting better,” said Team Mom Juliana LoBiondo, who is also the Director of America Rows and Swims Newburgh.  “The purpose of the Challenge is to commemorate the ‘Great 5-Mile World Rowing Championship,’ which took place here in Newburgh, in the year 1857.  There were over 80,000 spectators who came to Newburgh to watch that race.”

The event is a fundraiser for beautification of the Ward Brothers Memorial Park, the City of Newburgh Park on which the Newburgh Rowing Boathouse is located, and for shoreline restoration, said Coach Kennedy.

All participants must register ahead of time, at www.NewburghRowClub.org.  Limited kayaks are still available for rent but they are going fast.  To reserve, or for  more information about the Newburgh Rowing Club,  contact Coach Ed Kennedy at (845) 541-2313 or Team Mom Juliana LoBiondo at newburghrowers@gmail.com.