The SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle in Bend has been cancelled for the second year in a row. the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation decided not to hold the event the third week in May out of an abundance of caution.
“Over half of the participants travel from outside of Central Oregon to compete in the event. Even with limiting participation, we believe the race would be extremely hard to produce given the current state guidelines,” said Race Director, Molly Cogswell-Kelley. The next SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is scheduled May 21, 2022.
“One of the most unique features of the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle is the transition exchange areas where fans, teammates and support crew gather. Not being able to gather in these areas would seriously diminish the overall experience of the race,” she said.
MBSEF is a nonprofit race training organization that relies on income generated from this and other events to offset the company’s operating costs. The PPP allows MBSEF to subsidize race and program training fees for over 650 youth athletes every year.It is MBSEF’s largest fundraiser and a financial hardship on the organization to postpone the SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle. “We understand the disappointment of the competitors and our volunteers; however, MBSEF wants to ensure that the community, volunteers, racers and all other entities that are involved in the event are kept safe and healthy, We look forward to holding the race next May, when conditions for this unique multi-sport event will be more conducive to gathering.”
