SUMMERSVILLE — After years with lung- and arm-searing paddle power leading the way, this year’s Animal Upper Gauley race is adding another type of energy to its arsenal.

The 18th annual race, which has grown into one of the premier whitewater events in the country, has picked up a new title sponsor, race officials announced late last week.

While the competition is well-established and an icon in whitewater racing, race organizers felt it couldn’t hurt to locate some new power — green power. Enel Green Power, one of the world’s largest renewable energy companies, has come on board, according to race founder and director Donnie Hudspeth.

The company’s promotional material says it is dedicated to developing and managing energy generation from renewable sources at an international level, with a presence in Europe and the American continent. Enel Green Power is the world leader in this sector, covering the energy consumption of 7.8 million families, and avoiding over 15 million tons of CO2 emissions every year.

Hank Sennott, director of external relations and communications for Enel North America, recently visited the company’s Gauley Hydro Electric Project at Summersville Lake and the surrounding area.

“We’re excited that our partnership with the race on the Gauley is also the kick-off of our Nature and Territory initiative in North America,” he said.

Sennott explained that the mission of the “Nature and Territory” initiative is to join with local organizations near its operating facilities to promote through sporting events and other activities the community’s natural heritage.

“The Gauley race is a great way to start this program that we’ll be bringing to our more than 70 renewable energy facilities located in 20 states and three Canadian provinces over the next few years,” he said.

This year’s Animal Upper Gauley is planned for Monday, Sept. 20.

Started in 1992 as a friendly competition and a way to highlight the Gauley River and the area, the race has matured annually, while offering a downriver sprint on a legendary section of river.

“It is hard to believe that Sept. 20 marks the 18th anniversary of the race,” says Hudspeth. “The event has grown and taken on a life of its own. It has become a tradition in the fall Gauley season. People from all over the U.S. come back year after year; it’s almost like a reunion.”

As part of pre-race activities next month, the Summersville hydroelectric facility will also be open for tours.

The Animal Upper Gauley, Hudspeth said, is the “whitewater competition on which the entire nation of kayakers, rafters and paddlers of all sorts focus.”

“World champion athletes, professional boaters, as well as recreational boaters come to compete, making it a ‘Pro-Am’ competition,” he added. “My intent from the beginning was to have a high- quality event on a high-profile whitewater river. It was an ideal way to bring more exposure to the river and of course the surrounding area.”

Over the years, hundreds of whitewater enthusiasts have come to test their mettle on the Gauley. The race, which starts in the shadow of the Summersville Dam and finishes at Sweet’s Falls, has welcomed U.S. national champions, along with champions from Italy, Switzerland, Japan and Canada. While there are only a few winners technically, every person who participates walks away with an unforgettable experience and “bragging rights” about racing on the Gauley, Hudspeth stressed. The race has been featured in numerous local, regional and national publications. In 2001, the World Rafting Championships held here were a result of the race on the Gauley. That event footage was distributed to over 800 million households worldwide.

“A big part of the reunion and family feel comes from all of the volunteers that step up year after year to make the race happen,” Hudspeth said. “Local Canvas residents Chuck and Nancy Brabec have helped us for many years with the timing and registration, and Songer Whitewater has been incredibly supportive as a sponsor and with safety for the race.

“Our new relationship with Enel Green Power is also proof positive of our commitment to maintaining the excitement of the event, and we both feel strongly about the need for development of renewable energy sources.”

For more information on the race, visit www.gauleyrace.com or contact Hudspeth at 304-575-3294.