Lake Erie Challenge happening this weekend

REGIONAL — Athletes of all ages are preparing to push their limits as they wingfoil, stand-up paddleboard (SUP), canoe and kayak Lake Erie on Saturday, August 28.

The 4th annual Lake Erie Challenge, hosted by the Canadian Freshwater Alliance, with support from community partners Pelee Island Winery and Pelee Wings Nature Store, will see three teams cover a combined 80km to raise awareness and funds to protect this precious freshwater ecosystem.

Members of Caldwell First Nation will also take part in the challenge.

Team SUP will paddle 25km from Kingsville to Leamington. Team Wingfoil will surf 25km from Kingsville to Pelee Island, where they will be greeted by a community celebration, before surfing the 25km return crossing to Leamington.

Team Caldwell will join Team SUP and Team Wingfoil for the final 5km, paddling them in for the final stretch of the Lake Erie Challenge. Team Caldwell is comprised of Caldwell First Nation youth, members, staff and elected councillors.

The athletes have teamed up with the Canadian Freshwater Alliance to support the Lake Erie Guardians, a program dedicated to improving the health of the Lake Erie watershed. These community scientists conduct monthly water quality testing, remove invasive species, reintroduce native plants, and educate and advocate for measures that will protect Lake Erie and its rivers.

Of particular concern are the toxic algal blooms that threaten Lake Erie every summer, especially in the western end of the lake where this year’s event is being hosted.

“While a smaller-than-average bloom has been predicted for this year,” said Raj Gill, the Great Lakes Program Director with the Canadian Freshwater Alliance, “it is already 360 square miles in size. It stretches from Monroe, MI to Marblehead, OH and out to the islands just west of Pelee Island. If it moves further east towards Pelee Island, we will have to re-evaluate Team Wingfoil’s planned route.”

Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae can produce toxins that are harmful to humans.

The athletes for Team SUP are Brad Petrus (Port Colborne), Sara Chojnicki (St. Catharines) and Derik Hyatt (Leamington). Team Wingfoil consists of Tim Blanchard (Puce) and Joe Mollard (Kingsville).

Team Caldwell will consist of Anellah Orosz (Youth Advisory Committee), Deklan Orosz (Youth Advisory Committee), Patricia Kittelberger, Sabrina Peters, Gary Lucier, Tracy Simpson, Julie Le, Michelle McCormack, Jason McKean, Councillor Robyn Perkins, Councillor Steve Simpson, Councillor James Peters, Councillor Stan Scott.

Team SUP and Team Wingfoil will launch into Lake Erie at approximately 9 am from Cedar Beach, Kingsville.

Cheer on Team Caldwell as they launch into Lake Erie from Seacliff Beach to paddle the final stretch with Team SUP and Team Wingfoil (anticipated launch is between 11am and 12 noon).

If you are on Pelee Island, cheer on Team Wingfoil as they arrive at Scudder Beach between 10 am and 12 noon.

Cheer on Team SUP, Team Wingfoil and Team Caldwell as they cover the final stretch of the Lake Erie Challenge, and land on shore at Pelee Wings Nature Store between 12 noon and 2 pm.

Event timing may vary and is dependent on weather conditions for the athletes.

In case of inclement weather, activities will be moved to Sunday, August 29.