Ocean Beach paddleboard event to raise money for swimming lessons
New London — Ocean Beach Park on Saturday hosts the New London Cup, a first-of-its-kind festival that features a series of paddleboard races.
Ike Brody, founder and organizer of the event, said the goal is to bring a world-class event to the city while raising enough money to teach the locals who want to learn how to swim. Brody said statistics show just 10% of local kids know how to swim.
The Aug. 28 event starts with the singing of the national anthem at 10:15 a.m. at the Ocean Beach pavilion. There will be music, beverages, local vendors, artists, boating safety demonstrations and New England Science & Sailing teaching kids how to paddleboard in Alewife Cove.
There are three different paddleboard races: a 7-mile long course, 2.5-mile short course and 0.5-mile youth course. For registration and more information, visit newlondoncup.com.
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