1ST Algarve (Portugal) SUP Marathon Challenge
Between 15 and 20 April 2014 a small group of stand-up paddle surfers will attempt the first marathon of its kind in the Algarve. This event is a gruelling marathon paddle across the southern Algarve from Sagres to Vila Real de Santo Antonio, and the challenge was accepted by Sebastian Wolff, Tom Longhurst and Rui Meira to raise awareness and money to help stop the ever growing problem of pollution in our oceans and along our shores. This pollution is expected to increase significantly if the proposed oil and gas exploration planed for the Algarve, does go ahead later this year.
Pollution in the ocean kills more than one million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals and turtles each year through ingestion, entanglement as well as from sound waves as a result of offshore drilling and seismic surveys.
All proceeds from the event will benefit ASMAA’s campaigns SAY YES TO ALTERNATIVE ENERGY AND SAY NO TO OIL AND GAS IN THE ALGARVE. ASMAA is a non-profit organisation that advocates for healthy and diverse ocean ecosystems while promoting responsible surf and other marine business best practices.
SUP is the fastest growing water sport in the world. Originally it was created as an exclusive leisure and fun activity for Hawaiian royalty, but in the last couple of years, SUP has enjoyed a resurgence world-wide and in Portugal it is no different.
The beauty, purity and the challenge of this sport make it a wonderful platform to raise awareness about the extremely serious issue of ocean pollution. Our goal is to make this an annual event that will serve as an on-going fundraiser for, and reminder of, our need to be responsible stewards of the ocean.
We are seeking additional sponsors, donations and a limited number of experienced paddle surfers for this inaugural Algarve SUP Challenge. For additional information, please contact Laurinda Seabra at info@asmaa-algarve.org
Donations can be made by sending a check made out to ASMAA Algarve Surf and Marine Activities Association or by paying directly into our bank account. For information how to donate contact Laurinda at the contact information above so that donation forms can be emailed to you.
More information is also available at www.algarvesupchallenge.org
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