‘I’m pretty proud of our team’: Hundreds of kids race in the Mini Pole Pedal Paddle at Seventh Mountain Resort

(Update: Adding video, comments from participants, MBSEF staff)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- On Saturday, adults took on and accomplished the demands of the 46th SELCO Pole Pedal Paddle . On Sunday, it was the kids' turn to race their hearts out at the Kids Mini PPP.

The Mini PPP was in full swing on at the Seventh Mountain Resort, with hundreds of kids participating in the event.

Children in kindergarten through fifth grade got to experience a ninja-style obstacle course.

Participant Thielsen Groza said, "Our team sort of pulled ahead, but then we went down and got second place. But I'm pretty proud of our team."

Kids got to compete in teams of six with their friends. The obstacle course included aspects of balance, agility and running.

Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Foundation Executive Director Amy Tarnow said, "All those sports that help kids develop the skills they need to do the big PPP some day."

I asked participant Sawyer Groza before their race, "Do you have a plan for today? A strategy?"

He said, "I'm just going to try and go really fast and do my best."

The young participants dove, weaved and climbed their way through the obstacle course, running as fast as their legs could take them.

Participant Piper Thomas said afterward, "We had so much fun, and the competition was super-tough. I had to run as hard as I could to get the win."

Both the Pole Pedal Paddle and the Mini PPP serve as MBSEF's biggest fundraisers.

All of the money raised will go toward helping to offset the cost of the nonprofit's programs. MBSEF offers educational and competitive programs in alpine and Nordic skiing.

Tarnow said, "We love the way that it's just loud all day and that we really do get to celebrate kids and sports and being with friends in the community."

If you missed this year/s event, be sure to be on the lookout for registration next year. The registration closes a week before the Mini PPP.

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