It was perfect sailing weather on Skeleton Lake last Saturday.
And that was just one reason why the 2011 Battle of the Paddle was a big success.
The annual event, which falls under the fundraising banner of the Bryan Mudryk Golf Classic and raises money for Edmonton’s Cross Cancer Institute, raised approximately $22,000 this year, though the final tally may be higher.
With five teams of four women each raising money, and four of them heading out on to the water in paddle boats for the race, the event was as fun as it was meaningful.
“Bryan Mudryk is one of my personal heroes. He and the Mudryk family went through so much and persevered. Everyone is really proud of them,” said Barb Kowalchuk, a member of the Pink Ladies team that won the race.
“We’re all really proud to be a part of this event.”
Other teams that hit the water included the Mojito Machine, the Harbarenko Beach Cruisers and the Pussycat Dolls.
All of them dressed up in colorful costumes befitting the occasion, and all of them wore big smiles while they were out on the water.
Last year’s event suffered due to poor weather conditions, including rain and sleet, but this year the skies were clear and wind was at a minimum, at least at the beginning of the race.
That allowed the four teams to focus on having fun. Some of the teams were all business, heading right for the finish line, while others took more roundabout paths and enjoyed their time on the water.
But all of them worked hard raising money for the worthy cause, a cause that continues to be a personal one for event organizer Terry Mudryk.
“It’s important to everyone here,” she said.
“They all have somebody who has been through the battle (with cancer). But this battle is just for fun. It’s awesome to see everyone here. We’re all winners.”
