The 4th Annual Ocean Games: Racing for Brain Trauma Awareness

OCEAN CITY, Maryland - The beautiful beaches of Ocean City, Maryland will be offering more than just sunshine, golden sand and surf this summer. On Saturday, July 16th, 2016 the Ocean Games will be hosting its 4th annual athletic event starting at 10:00 am just off the Boardwalk at Caroline Street. The Ocean Games features a WOWSA-sanctioned series of 1, 3 and 9-mile swims, as well as 4 and 2-mile elite and open paddleboard races. And for the first time, an ultimate Frisbee tournament will be added to the repertoire this year. While the paddleboard race is the only one of its kind in the state of Maryland, the 9-mile ocean swim portion of the race is equally unique, constituting one of the few ocean-based marathon swimming events offered on the entire East Coast. This has attracted participants of all ages and levels, from first-time open water swimmers to experienced marathoners such as John Humenik.

But the Ocean Games is not only about providing participants with an incredible open water experience. After experiencing a traumatic brain injury in 2007, race director Corey Davis worked with the team at Johns Hopkins’ Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program to return to his previously active lifestyle. Today, Corey regularly races in triathlons, half marathons and long distance swimming events. To give back to the program that helped him so much, Corey founded the Ocean Games as a way to raise funds for the Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program, increase awareness of brain injuries and recovery, and promote the positive effects that sports have on the brain and the body.

Racers take off in the 2015 Ocean Games. | Photo Courtesy: Ocean Games

Since its debut in 2013, the Ocean Games has raised over $55,000 for the Johns Hopkins Program and has garnered the support of over thirty local Ocean City businesses. Says Hopkins Program director Dr. Kate Bechtold, “…the donations have afforded the Brain and Stroke Rehabilitation Program the resources to fund research, expand educational opportunities for our clinicians, and purchase needed equipment.”

Open to novices and seasoned athletes alike, the Ocean Games offers something for everyone, allowing for the perfect open water or beach experience in a safe and structured environment. “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to challenge their abilities in open water, and bring awareness to traumatic brain injury while promoting the positive effect sports have on the brain cognitively,” enthuses Corey Davis. “Hope you’ll join us!”Join the Ocean Games team this July for a competitive and fun day at the beach in support of a great cause! For more information and to register, please visit: www.oceangamesusa.org

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