World Rowing Championship’s Scully flies over to Sarasota Memorial Hospital

August 24, 2017 | Sande Caplin | SRQ Scoop

On Monday, August 21st, Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH) got a very special visitor. Scully, the official mascot of the 2017 World Rowing Championship, stopped by to make some new friends at the hospital.

Scully’s a pelican born on Longboat Key who flocked inland to make his new home at Nathan Benderson Park, the home of the 2017 World Rowing Championships. A furry feathered friend of few words, Scully’s excitement for this SMH visit was apparent. From meeting emergency physicians and nurses, to swooping in to say hello to families in the pediatric unit, Scully greeted his new friends with open wings.

Max Winitz, Media and PR Manager for the World Rowing Championships was thankful to join Scully at SMH in hopes to help bring a smile to faces of patients, visitors, and staff at the hospi-tal.

No smile was bigger than on 15-month old Esther Sue from Venice, who quickly took a lik-ing to Scully. Esther Sue was eager to share her plush Scully toy with passerby’s while dad Nyantu joked that he’s glad she’s so good at sharing – her little brother born just the day before would be taking advantage of that soon enough.

2-year-old Eloise from Nokomis was a little slower to warm up to Scully but after some encouragement from mom Eileen, she was excited for her new plush toy.

Both families were pleased with the care they had received at SMH, and pleasantly surprised by Scully’s visit.

SMH is the Official Health Care Provider of the 2017 World Rowing Championship, providing the team and equipment for the medical village at Nathan Benderson Park. With over 1,200 athletes competing and an expected 40,000+ spectators from over 70 different countries, having a top-notch emergency care team in place was top priority for this large event.

Dr. Reuben W. Holland, shared that the team at SMH is really happy to be a part of this event and assured that Sarasota Memorial Hospital is prepared to treat all athletes and visitors- both on site and with backup at their facilities.

Although they’re hoping for the best and not anticipating an influx of medical emergencies, they will be on standby and equipped to care for any injuries for athletes of bystanders.

With just under a month until the opening ceremonies of this exciting international sporting event hosted right here in Sarasota, the medical teams are in place, the competitors flights are booked and Scully is ready to make some more friends at Nathan Benderson Park.