Participants Receive Training in Paddlesports, Risk Management and Community Building
The Tennessee RiverLine recently celebrated the successful completion of the 2024 Paddlesports Leadership Academy (PLA), a transformative program that brought together ten participants from diverse backgrounds across the nation. Over the course of four days, these emerging leaders received comprehensive training in kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddleboarding, equipping them with essential skills in technical paddling, risk management and community-building
This year’s PLA, held from June 13 through June 16 in Knoxville, was conducted in partnership with Anna Levesque of Mind Body Paddle, Gerry Seavo James of the Explore Kentucky Initiative and George and Zenovia Stephens of Black Kids Adventures. The academy’s curriculum was designed not only to enhance participants’ paddling skills but also to foster leadership qualities that promote access to and representation in outdoor recreation.
“The Paddlesports Leadership Academy empowers individuals to become leaders in their communities by introducing others to the joys of paddlesports. It’s particularly inspiring to see Academy graduates use the experience and skills they’ve gained to introduce paddlesports to their communities, creating a ripple effect of inclusivity and representation on the water,” said Brad Collett, Tennessee RiverLine executive director and professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “This program is a cornerstone in our efforts to make outdoor recreation on the Tennessee River accessible to all.”
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a principal partner of the Tennessee RiverLine, has been a strong advocate for the PLA. TVA’s support aligns with their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, recognizing the importance of providing diverse communities with the opportunity to engage in and lead outdoor activities.
“TVA’s mission of service is for all people. We want everyone to enjoy the rich beauty and recreational opportunities that exist within the Tennessee Valley. PLA is another way we can partner to build advocacy and awareness of recreational opportunities along the 652 miles of the Tennessee River,” said Rebecca Hayden, director of TVA’s Natural Resources group.
The Tennessee RiverLine, UT Extension and TVA all strive to enhance the quality of life in the Tennessee River Valley through increased access to and engagement in outdoor recreation. The PLA stands as a testament to this shared vision, addressing barriers to access and fostering a new generation of leaders who are ready to champion inclusivity in their communities.
The 2024 graduates of the PLA are now equipped not only with paddling expertise but also with the leadership skills necessary to advocate for and create inclusive spaces on the water. Their journey in the PLA reflects a broader commitment to transforming communities through the power of outdoor recreation.
The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension, with principal partners UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority, and is a continuous system of outdoor recreation experiences along the Tennessee River’s 652-mile reach. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture comprises the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond.
This program was made possible with additional support from REI’s Cooperative Action Fund. For more information about the Paddlesports Leadership Academy and the Tennessee RiverLine, visit www.tennesseeriverline.org.
ABOUT TENNESSEE RIVERLINE
The Tennessee RiverLine is a transformative initiative that connects a vast system of outdoor recreation experiences along the Tennessee River. This historic multi-generational project aims to enhance economic development, improve public health, promote resource stewardship, and ensure equitable access for the 2.4 million residents in diverse communities across four states. The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension and principal partners, UT Knoxville and TVA. For more information, visit tnriverline.org.
ABOUT TVA
The Tennessee Valley Authority is the nation’s largest public power supplier, delivering energy to 10 million people across seven southeastern states. TVA was established 90 years ago to serve this region and the nation by developing innovative solutions to solve complex challenges. TVA’s unique mission focuses on energy, environmental stewardship, and economic development. With one of the largest, most diverse, and cleanest energy systems – including nuclear, hydro, solar, gas, and advanced technologies – TVA is a leader in our nation’s drive toward a clean energy future. TVA is a corporate agency of the United States, receiving no taxpayer funding, deriving virtually all of its revenues from sales of electricity. In addition to operating and investing its revenues in its electric system, TVA provides flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system, and assists local power companies and state and local governments with economic development and job creation.
ABOUT EXPLORE KENTUCKY INITIATIVE
Founded in 2013 by Gerry Seavo James, the Explore Kentucky Initiative is a Black-owned and led outdoor oriented social enterprise dedicated to inspiring Kentuckians and visitors to the Commonwealth to engage in an active lifestyle fueled by outdoor adventure while preserving the natural resources of our 120 counties.
ABOUT MIND BODY PADDLE
Mind Body Paddle is a woman-owned business created to inspire women worldwide to thrive through mind, body and paddle coaching. Owner Anna Levesque is the leading expert in mental agility coaching for women in whitewater kayaking, a stand-up paddleboarding instructor, yoga teacher and ayurvedic health coach. Her years of passion and experience in paddling and holistic health grew to develop a business with a mission to empower women, share knowledge and curate experiences for her clients that lead to self-discovery, skill development and personal freedom.
ABOUT BLACK KIDS ADVENTURES
Black Kids Adventures is a not-for-profit organization paving the way for Black and Brown families to connect and participate in nature and recreational based outdoor activities. Serving families across Alabama and beyond, they are redefining, reimagining and challenging the idea of those that enjoy outdoor activities.
The Marion Tribune – August 1, 2024
