Canoe/Kayak competition is as much about fun as winning in State Games
By Staff
This is one in a series of stories highlighting the competitions that make up The State Games of Mississippi. The State Games are set for June 18-20 and June 24-27 in Meridian.
By Robby Atkinson / staff writer
May 10, 2004
The one event in the State Games of Mississippi that may be more about fun than winning is the Canoe/Kayak competition held at Bonita Lakes.
The event has grown in numbers over the years and second-year commissioner Beverly Henson is excited about the possible great number of participants once again. In 2003 the Canoe/Kayak event drew more than 40 athletes.
The races are set to begin Saturday, June 26 on the upper lake at Bonita Lakes.
The competition will be broken down into three divisions and several age groups. The Olympic Sprint portion of the day will feature a 500-meter course for solo athlete and pairs. Each of the three events will have doubles (Male/Female/Mixed) and children will be able to compete with an adult in the canoe or kayak.
The other two divisions are Long Course and Short Course. The Long Course with be divided into three laps with the same rules for races in the Olympic 500 meter. The Short Course will be only one lap. Children will not take part in this race.
The doubles partners must send all of their entry forms in together before the June 18 deadline. U.S. Coast Guard approved life jackets are required for all participants.
Founding Gold Sponsors of The State Games of Mississippi an Olympics-style sports festival are Rush Foundation Hospital and Meridian's Coca-Cola, while Gold Sponsors are The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, The Partnership For a Healthy Mississippi, Bell South and Meridian Airport Authority.
For event applications or schedules call 1-800-462-0205 or visit the State Games of Mississippi website at www.stategamesofms.org. Mississippi, Bell South and Meridian Airport Authority.
For event applications or schedules call 1-800-462-0205 or visit the State Games of Mississippi Web site at www.stategamesofms.org.
