Dear ACA Community,
In these unsettling times I am amazed by the acts of courage and selflessness exhibited by the heroes among us.
On behalf of all paddlers, please allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude to every ACA member who serves as a healthcare worker, emergency services provider, retail supply chain employee and/or a contributor in any other sector that supports current life as we know it. You are the heroes among us. Your sacrifices help ensure the continued flow of food and supplies, public safety, and medical care for those who need it, which enables the rest of us to remain at home to decrease the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your devotion to your neighbors and the larger community.
Our athletes and coaches are also heroes among us. Despite their disappointment at the postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and many other national and international competitions, they remain creative, optimistic, and resilient…continuing to look ahead to the day when they are unified and back on the water paddling their hearts out.
I also want to thank our dedicated and amazing staff; they too are heroes among us. They continue to provide our instructors with the information and assistance they need to reschedule classes and maintain their certifications; support our coaches and athletes by quickly pivoting on logistical planning, event organization, and selection procedures; and to maintain advocacy efforts for clean and accessible waterways.
We would like to hear your stories about the acts of heroism you are witnessing. Share with us in the comment section below, or on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #acapaddlesports and #heroesamongus
I hope you and your loved ones remain safe and healthy.
Sincerely,
Beth Spilman
ACA Executive Director