In Pictures: Stand-up paddlers take to Florida Bay for the Special Olympics State Invitational

Roughly 80 athletes from 11 Florida counties jumped on their paddleboards, setting out on the bayside waters of Islamorada for the Florida Special Olympics Stand-Up Paddle Invitational on Aug. 22.

Ideal conditions and crystal-clear water made it a paddle to remember for the competitors, who came from the state’s west coast, Marion County in central Florida and Broward and Miami-Dade counties. 

“One athlete came across the finish line so excited to see fish. The water was so clear, you could see coral heads off the swim zone,” said Ruth Coleman, Special Olympics Florida sports and training manager for Monroe. “The local athletes loved competing in their backyard. This is the first time we hosted a state paddle event. It normally occurs in Nathan Benderson Park.”

The day before, opening ceremonies at Founders Park saw the “Flame of Hope” carried by athletes and members of the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Athletes and their families were served food thanks to the Upper Keys Rotary Club and Centennial Bank. Coleman said the event was a true community effort. The Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority provided water, while Vineyard Church dished out ice cream.

Deven Carrier, owner of Paddle the Florida Keys, and fellow employees spent their day helping the paddlers. 

“I’m just so proud of this community,” Coleman said.