Happenings at Nathan Benderson Park in Sarasota
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is Saturday, Oct. 16: Registration is at 7:30 a.m., and the 5K walk starts at Nathan Benderson Park at 9 a.m. More info: HERE.
NBP Survivors In Sync is Nathan Benderson Park’s first dragon boat paddling team, a team of breast cancer survivors. Some years ago, advocates in the medical community came forth to champion paddling as a great way for breast cancer survivors to recuperate — physically, emotionally and otherwise — and the “SISters” went on to be the fourth-best team in the world at the International Breast Cancer Paddling Commission festival in Florence, Italy, in 2018. They also outperformed their competition this past weekend in the BCS category at the U.S. Dragon Boat Federation Club Crew National Championships.— The park installed on Oct. 4 a grouping of a dozen outdoor signs along Regatta Island’s central walkway, honoring six SISters who’ve succumbed to breast cancer and paying tribute to those who’ve faced the fight of breast cancer.
Florida Inline Skating Marathon is Sunday, Oct. 17: This is a World Inline Cup race. Distances are marathon, half-marathon, 10K and 5K. More info: HERE.
NBP Rec Day! is Wednesday, Oct. 20: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6. This is a great opportunity for natural sound and family-friendly imagery on the water. For a small fee, children and their parents and siblings can get out on the water with their choice of our equipment, and switch out at their whim. There are kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards, and there may be a 15-foot sailboat with captain (masks required). See more about the family-friendly NBP Rec Days! at the park’s website. Future dates include:
Saturday, Oct. 30
Wednesday, Nov. 3
Saturday, Nov. 13
Wednesday, Nov. 17
Saturday, Nov. 27
Tidewell Trot is Thursday, Oct. 21: This run benefits the Tidewell Foundation, and moves from Lakewood Ranch to the park for 2021. The race was known before as the Tidewell Turkey Trot, and was run in Lakewood Ranch. More info: HERE.
Ride Together Rise Together is Saturday, Oct. 23: Starts at 8 a.m. Chase Pettey, the founder of GTFO and Adventure For All, will pedal the Rise and Nye’s mobile tricycle all around Nathan Benderson Park with the community of Sarasota to spread the power of inclusion. From the website: “This event raises money for Adventure For All and Inclusion Revolution by bringing a giving community together to show them the power of inclusion. This event will represent the message of “Stronger Together.” Rise & Nye’s and GTFO believe in an inclusive future, and we believe Sarasota has the ability to be the most inclusive city in the nation.” More info: HERE.
Learn To Row is Oct. 23-24: 9 a.m.-noon both days. Learn to Row 101 focuses on the fundamentals of sculling, or rowing with two oars. Individuals will be taken step by step through nomenclature, safety maneuvers, and independent boat handling skills. This course will provide you with the skill set to safely row a single scull. Taught by the park rowing staff and volunteers, no previous rowing experience is necessary! Students will begin instruction on land and end on the water with the skills needed to row independently.
Out Of The Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk is Sunday, Oct. 24: Benefits the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. Registration is at 8 a.m. and the event runs from 9-11 a.m. More info: HERE.
Photo from Nathan Benderson Park Facebook Page