OCEAN CITY — On Saturday, July 18, the Ocean Games will be hosting its third annual swimming and paddleboard event starting at 10 a.m. just off the Boardwalk at Caroline Street.
The Ocean Games features a World Open Water Swim Association-sanctioned series of one-, three- and nine-mile swims as well as four-mile and two-mile elite and open paddleboard races. Both events have attracted participants from across the East Coast.
While the paddleboard race is the only one of its kind in the state of Maryland, the nine-mile ocean swim portion of the race is equally unique, constituting one of the few ocean-based marathon swimming events offered on the entire East Coast. Joining the nine-mile swim this year will be veteran marathon swimmers John Humenik and Dr. Rondi Davies.
But the Ocean Games is not only about providing participants with an incredible open water experience. After experiencing a traumatic brain injury in 2007, race director Corey Davis worked with the team at Johns Hopkins’ Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program to return to his previously active lifestyle. Today, Davis regularly races in triathlons, half marathons and long distance swimming events. To give back to the program that helped him so much, Davis founded the Ocean Games as a way to raise funds for the Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program, increase awareness of brain injuries and recovery, and promote the positive effects that sports have on the brain and the body.
Since its debut in 2013, the Ocean Games has raised over $49,000 for the Johns Hopkins Program and has garnered the support of over 30 local Ocean City businesses. This year’s premier sponsors include Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley, Walk on Water, Rottman Creative Group, Exacto, Swimspire and Crossing Currents.
“With the support of individuals like Mr. Davis and the Ocean Games, we can continue to raise awareness about the impact of brain injury on individuals and their families life-long,” said Hopkins Program Director Dr. Kate Bechtold,
Open to novices and seasoned athletes alike, the Ocean Games offers something for everyone, allowing for the perfect open water experience in a safe and structured environment.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for people to challenge their abilities in open water and bring awareness to traumatic brain injury while promoting the positive effect sports have on the brain cognitively,” said Davis. “Hope you’ll join us.”
For more information and to register, visit www.oceangamesusa.org