2017 Ocoee River Race participants
photo by Karl Whipp
Each year Tennessee Valley Canoe Club, a recreational paddling club in the region, raises and donates thousands of dollars to local charities. This year TVCC will present a check for $2,500 to Team River Runner Chattanooga and $1,100 to Friends of the Hiwassee/Ocoee State Park.
TVCC will present the checks to TRR and Friends of the Hiwassee/Ocoee this Saturday. TRR helps wounded military veterans “on the river to recovery,” and TVCC has been supporting the local chapter for five years. This is the first year that TVCC has supported Friends of the Hiwassee/Ocoee, who's mission is to improve facilities in the state park.
The donations are raised via the annual Ocoee River Race held in October each year and hosted by TVCC. The Race brings about 150 local, national and even international paddlers to the region, and is supported by local businesses with donations of goods and services. Proceeds from the entry fees and the auction of these goods and services result in raising thousands of dollars annually to support local charities.
"For more than 50 years, the Tennessee Valley Canoe Club has brought together paddlers for recreational canoeing, kayaking, camping and other outdoor activities; helping members learn about and experience safe paddling on the many creeks, rivers and lakes in the Southeast and beyond," officials said.
"TVCC also supports conservation and preservation of recreational waterways as well as other community programs such as Ironman and other triathlons, Scouting, and Rescue Organizations."