The 2014 Sarasota-Bradenton Pentathlon
By: Dana Gourley, COO, AquaNew, LLC
Two international sporting events were held for the first time in the Sarasota-Bradenton area during the month of June, 2014. The first was the grand pageantry and Olympic tradition of the Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final for 2014, hosted by the Honorable Katherine Harris and her team of Angel Volunteers. The second was the IMG Academy inaugural class reception for coaches participating in the International Sport and Social Impact Summit.
Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final (Sarasota-Bradenton)
The colors presented by the parade of proud athletes holding their respective country’s flag, brightened the courtyard at the Ringling Art Museum. The concept is to replicate cross-country survival involving swimming across a river, dueling with a sword against an opponent, guiding a horse to jump over field obstacles, and running a long distance while maintaining a steady hand for sharp shooting for defense.
Rob Gourley and I met USA Pentathlon Athlete, Lucas Schrimsher, who had injured one of his knees while fencing and was recovering from recent surgery. He was there to support his Pentathlete brother, Nathan. Schrimsher explained that several male and female athletes are selected by each participating country and each athlete competes for his/her own points scored from the five sporting venues. Based on the acrued points, the individual athlete may qualify for the next tournament. The goal is to beat the attrition odds and become one of only 68 athletes to receive an invitation to compete in the World Cup Final and ultimately qualify for the 2016 Olympics. We asked about the daunting unpredictability of jumping with an unknown horse randomly chosen for each athlete with only a 20-minute warmup prior to the equistrian jumping competition. Schrimsher smiled and told us that is the central challenge of the Pentathlon is to practice daily and become both mentally and physically prepared to overcome all unexpected circumstances, including coaxing a mystery horse that balks at a jump, and getting the horse to turn around and give it a try again … all while the clock is running.
International Sport and Social Impact Summit
The second international event is an honorary one originally conceived by the United Nations and Global Action Initiatives (GAI). Rob and I attended the reception at IMG Academy and met the inaugural class of next generation coaches to participate in the 10-day program called the International Sport and Social Impact Summit. There were more than 40 selected participants representing North, Central and South Americas and Asia. Each coach has challenges of being models for children to overcome discrimination, poverty, and despair, and encourage the next generation to create a life full of grace, peace and respect for others. The Honorable Nelson Mandela said…
”Sport has the power to change the world … it has the power to unite in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand … Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”
Both of these international sporting events spotlight the Sarasota-Bradenton area as more than a sports performance destination … this community has accepted the commitment of bringing together athletes and other ambassadors who promote World Peace through positive change, understanding and tolerance.
About the Above Photo: Rob and Dana Gourley attending the Opening Night Ceremony for the Inaugural International Power Sport Summit, IMG Academy Golf Club, Bradenton, FL., June 8, 2014. Photo credit: Katy Watson/Bradenton Herald