The life plan community Scotia Village in Laurinburg is making a splash this summer with its first-ever Regatta Boat Race.
And it’s anything but ordinary!
Residents and team members are diving into the fun by building fully functional boats using only two things: cardboard and duct tape.
Three spirited teams – two made up of residents and one representing Scotia Village team members – have spent the past few weeks designing and constructing their one-of-a-kind vessels. From the “S.S. Scottie,” a nod to the beloved Scotia Village mascot, to a Viking-themed creation, each team is bringing creativity and competitive energy to the pool.
The rules are simple. Each team of four must work together to race their handmade boat across the pool. One team member climbs inside the boat as the captain and paddles – either with their arms or with custom paddles made of duct tape and cardboard – while the rest of the team helps launch and steer from the edge of the pool. The two fastest teams will go head-to-head in a final round to crown a champion.
But this race isn’t just about speed. Teams also will compete for “Best Team Spirit” and “Most Creative Design,” with resident and staff judges on hand to award the winners. The excitement is already building; one team completed its boat in under a week, and everyone is eager to show off their teamwork and craftsmanship.
Inspired by sister community Well-Spring in Greensboro, where the annual regatta has become a resident favorite, Scotia Village’s wellness team saw this event as a perfect way to promote fun, fitness and community spirit.
“This is about more than just paddling across the pool,” said Sarah Laviner, wellness director. “Residents are working together, using problem-solving skills, staying active and building new friendships. It’s wellness in every sense — physical, social and intellectual.”
With plans already in place to make the regatta an annual tradition, Scotia Village hopes to one day expand the event into a multi-community tournament involving other Kintura communities.
For now, excitement is high for the big day, complete with cheering spectators, an awards ceremony and a celebration to follow.
Because at Scotia Village, retirement isn’t about slowing down. It’s about staying active, building connections and living life to the fullest — even if that means paddling your way across a pool in a boat made of cardboard and duct tape.