A total of 45 participants in 26 kayaks and five jon boats turned out Saturday morning for the Ninth Annual Kayaking for Kids race along the Cumberland River.
“We greatly appreciate the turnout, and it looks like we are going to have a great raft. We have really been blessed with weather this year,” Whitley County Judge-Executive Pat White Jr. told participants Saturday morning before the start of the race. “You all have helped us build this into a very successful event over the years. Over the past nine years we have raised tens of thousands of dollars from this event. From the bottom of our hearts, we really thank you.”
Whitley County Projects Director Amber Owens said Monday that organizers didn’t have a final total yet on money raised, but that there was more than $13,000 in sponsorships this year, and that the Whitley County Tourism Board would be adding additional money to the sponsorships.
Race proceeds go for scholarships to Upward Basketball programs in Corbin and Williamsburg in addition to helping school family resource centers throughout Whitley County, Corbin and Williamsburg.
The 5.6 mile race started at Whitley County Fairground’s river access point, and the finish line was at the Croley Bend boat ramp.
In the kayak division, Sebastian Hicks took first place followed by Barry Rowe in second place and Damon Hicks in third place.
In the jon boat division, Ben and Travis Prewitt took first place honors followed by Jordan, Jacob and Dakota Crusenberry in second place and Jason and Katie Kersey in third place.
Race sponsors included: Forcht Bank, Forcht Group of Kentucky, Firestone, Southern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, Grace Health, Renfro, H5 Construction LLC, Whitley County Fiscal Court, Whitley County Tourism, the City of Williamsburg, the City of Corbin, Williamsburg Tourism, Commonwealth Insurance Advisors, ATS Construction, 911 Billing Services & Consultant Inc., Hometown Bank, Community Trust Bank, James Baker State Farm, Appalachian Wireless, Hinkle, W.D. Bryant & Son Inc., Compass Municipal Advisors, Municipal Equipment, Simply Secured, Dayspring Health, GMC, Whitley Enterprises, Larry and Sue Riddle, James Jones Excavating, Whitley County Jailer Jason Wilson, State Rep. Nick Wilson, Whitley East Elementary School, Magistrate Mondo Cima, Terry and Diane Skinner, Constable Ron “Bubba” Bowling, Whitley County Clerk Carolyn Willis, Williamsburg Lodge #490 and Cinema Social.
Sheltowee Trace provided kayak rentals.
