New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo experienced the fun and beauty of the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River from a raft on June 30 when he brought his Catskills Challenge to western Sullivan County.

The Upper Delaware Council (UDC) joined the National Park Service; Sullivan County Visitors Association; state, county, and local elected officials; numerous river outfitters; and a cadre of security to welcome the governor and dozens of invited dignitaries to participate in a festive, timed competition.

The rafters paddled from the Delaware & Hudson Canal Towpath Trail at Roebling’s Delaware Aqueduct –the oldest existing wire suspension bridge in the United States built in 1848 and now owned by the National Park Service – to Lander’s Minisink Base in the Town of Highland.

The event was part of Governor Cuomo’s first-ever Catskills Summer Challenge which included boating, biking, hiking, fly fishing, motorcycle touring, resort games, sporting competitions, and visits to tourist attractions in Delaware, Sullivan, Ulster, and Greene Counties.

The objective was to highlight the diverse recreational opportunities available in the Catskills which are important drivers of the state and regional tourism economy.

For more information on the nationally-designated Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, please visit www.nps.gov/upde or www.upperdelawarecouncil.org.