FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact:
Jim Therrian
jtherrian@imuafamily.org
808-244-7467
KAHULUI, MAUI, April 17, 2019 – Imua Family Services is proud to announce the Eight Annual Paddle Imua on Saturday, May 4, 2019. A physical embodiment of the Hawaiian word Imua (‘to move forward’) Paddle Imua is a multi-discipline paddling race with proceeds directly benefiting Imua Family Services’ Camp Imua program, a week long recreational camp for children with special needs, a Maui summer tradition for over 43 years. Registration is currently open at www.paddleimua.com. All racers at registration are given the opportunity to magnify their impact by crowd fundraising from friends and family in support of their participation. Last year an additional $6,000 was added to the fundraiser event by Paddle Imua racers.
Paddle Imua 2019 will bring together hundreds of ocean athletes from around the world to support this worthy cause that provides an opportunity for children with developmental challenges or disabilities to enjoy a free summer camp experience. Paddle Imua’s goal is to raise $50,000 in 2019 which will play a monumental role in keeping Camp Imua’s tradition alive by providing over 30% of funds necessary to operate the program.
Paddle Imua follows the renowned Maliko Downwind Run and concludes at Hawaiian Canoe Club in Kahului. It is the fastest growing multiple discipline ocean paddle “fun race” open to men and women of all ages in Stand-up Paddle (SUP), OC1, OC2, OC6, prone paddleboard, and surf ski categories. In 2017, Paddle Imua added experimental Hydrofoil SUP and Laser Sailboat categories to the race and expect to see this competition increase again in 2019. Check-in will open at 10:00 a.m. at Maliko Gulch, and the race will begin promptly at 1 p.m. Medals will be given to the top three finishers in each division.
Paddle Imua also includes a post-race celebration called the ‘Ohana Festival, which is hosted at Hawaiian Canoe Club. This free event is open to the public where they can enjoy entertainment provided by Old Lahaina Luau, tasty food from a selection of local food trucks, relays, games, prizes and more. This year’s event will also include the United States Air Force Band of the Pacific at the finish line. Race registrants will receive lunch, a commemorative 8th anniversary canteen, event tee and access to the beer garden (ages 21+). The first 150 people to register will also receive a special Mahalo Bag filled with various gifts from sponsors.
Our current event sponsors include: Maui Jim, Aloha Mixed Plate, Hawaiian Canoe Club, Minit Medical, Deep Relief//Peak Performance, Maui Brewing Company, Aloha Aina Center, Bluesmiths, MauiTime Weekly, MauiNow and Old Lahaina Luau. For more info about becoming a sponsor or making a donation in support of Paddle Imua, visit www.paddleimua.com.
About Camp Imua:
Camp Imua is a FREE week-long recreational summer camp that gives school-age children with special needs an opportunity to try new activities and connect with each other and peers in their community. Over 150 high-school volunteer caregivers interact with 60 unique campers whom they may have otherwise never met. Camp Imua also serves as a respite opportunity for families and caregivers of these children.
About Imua Family Services
Since 1947, Imua Family Services has provided comprehensive early childhood development resources to children and their families, helping them to achieve their full potential in life. Imua Family Services is engaged in family-centered, community based, therapeutic services including Speech Language Pathology, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy and Special Instruction. www.imuafamilyservices.org
Fun Facts:
Paddle Imua follows the famed Maliko Run, a 10 mile downwind run off Maui’s North Shore.
Paddle Imua is the ONLY paddle benefit race of its kind in the state of Hawaii, offering Stand-up Paddle (SUP), Hydrofoil SUP, OC1, OC2, OC6, prone paddleboard, surf ski and laser sailboat categories on a single day.
Paddle Imua participants gather from near and far including: Hawaii, Australia, Canada, Brazil, New Caledonia, New Zealand, England and the U.S. mainland.
Camp Imua attendees welcome race finishers with fresh flower lei, a traditional Hawaiian offering.
Paddle Imua has been nominated as a “Top Philanthropic Effort” for 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 by SUP the Mag’s SUP Awards. Paddle Imua won the award for 2018.
Top Ocean athletes that have participated include: Dave Kalama, Devin Blish, Andrea Moller, Connor Baxter, Sonni Hönscheid, Livio Menelau, Julia Mancuso, Jeremy Riggs, Dane Ward, Kody Kerbox, Travis Baptist. Yuka Sato, Fiona Wylde, Annie Reickert, and Paige Alms.