Len Leshem to paddle for Special Olympics on 81st birthday March 17

To celebrate his 81st birthday, Len Leshem will kayak up the Broadkill River approximately 10 miles from Lewes to Milton Saturday, March 17. Leshem’s trek will begin at 10 a.m. at Oyster Rocks Road in Lewes, and it will end two to three hours later with a celebration at Irish Eyes in Milton.

In support of his kayak outing, Leshem has raised nearly $10,000 for Special Olympics through individual donations. The funds will support the 20 Delaware athletes will be competing in July at the 2018 Special Olympics USA games in Seattle.

“Over the years Len has supported our organization financially using his personal fitness activities as a way to raise money,” said Ann Grunert, Special Olympics Delaware executive director. “Whether it’s been a run, swim, bike, or in some cases a combination of all three, Len has set a fine example to our athletes and others that you’re never too old to stay in shape. And this year, he came up with a new idea by kayaking on a river.”

Leshem also coaches for Special Olympics and is a member of the organization’s hall of fame. Joining Leshem will be his brother-in-law Tom Thaler, a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps, and Steve Nieblas, a retired special education teacher at the Sussex Consortium and longtime Special Olympics coach. The trio will paddle in kayaks donated by Delaware Paddle Sports.

“Besides challenging myself, I’m challenging others to support my very special cause – Special Olympics Delaware,” Leshem said.