Columbia to stage first ever 'Recyclable Regatta'

CEBU, Philippines - Columbia Sportswear is opening its summer festivities with a unique boating event featuring recycled materials.

Aptly called, “Columbia Recyclable Regatta”, this unique boat race is in line with the brand’s “Blue is the new green” campaign and aims to promote concern for the environment, a better understanding of recycling, and developing a love for the outdoors, while still keeping things fun.

Different schools, organizations, and companies have been tapped to take part in this event to help create better awareness for the benefit of recycling in their respective areas. This event will also prompt the start of Columbia’s “recycling talks” for schools and organizations.

As this event is heavily focused on recycling, the main requirement for those participating in the recyclable regatta is for all boats to be made of at least 80% recycled materials.

How they’ll be able to do this is simply up to their creativity and ingenuity. Participants are encouraged to tap into their inner MacGyver and find a creative way to transform recyclable materials into a fully functional watercraft for the regatta.

As this is a race, participants must then paddle their recycled watercrafts over a 200-meter course on the designated venue. This match is open to teams (of 2 either under the “men's” or “mixed” categories) of all ages and professions.

Cash prizes and Columbia gift certificates await the winners.

The Cebu leg of the Columbia Recyclable Regatta is slated on May 19 at 6 am at Shangri-la Spa Resort in Mactan Island.  (FREEMAN)