Nathan Benderson Park and Linked In Pinks to Host Inaugural “Unleash the Dragons” Leadership Camp and Dragon Boat Racing

Presented by Alpha Law Group, this global event unites cancer survivors worldwide.

Nathan Benderson Park (NBP), in partnership with Linked in Pinks, will host its first annual "Unleash the Dragons" leadership camp and dragon boat racing event from January 22-25, 2025. Presented by Alpha Law Group, this international event will bring together cancer survivors and veterans from around the globe and feature multiple clinics and Dragon Boat competitions to build camaraderie among cancer and veteran communities. Dragon Boat racing, one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world, is a team sport that involves paddling long, canoe-like vessels that are adorned with carved dragon heads.

Media and attendees are encouraged to attend this three-day event. Interviews are available with spokespersons from Alpha Law Group, Nathan Benderson Park and/or Linked in Pinks on request. Spectator opportunities and event highlights for onsite media coverage can be viewed as follows:

 

OPENING RECEPTION: Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 @ 6pm
Where: Gold Coast Eagle Distributing, 7051 Wireless Court, Sarasota, Florida 34202
About: A reception featuring a keynote address by world-renowned Dr. Don McKenzie, a pioneer in cancer and exercise, who challenged outdated restrictions on physical activity for breast cancer survivors.

 

LEADERSHIP CAMP & PARTICIPANT ACTIVITIES: Friday, January 24th, 2025
9:00am - 4pm, Practice Races 
Where: Nathan Benderson Park (NBP), 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235
About: Registered athletes will participate in on-water and off-water instruction and practice racing at NBP, along with roundtable discussions with coaches. Event food and vendors will be onsite.

 

5:15pm-7pm, Parade of Teams Opening Ceremony 

Where: Nathan Benderson Park (NBP), 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235
About: All registered athletes and participants will assemble near NBP’s Finish Tower for the event’s official opening ceremony. Family, friends, and community members are welcome to join for “Light Up the Lake”, a short walk around NBP’s lake that will immediately proceed opening ceremony remarks at the Finish Tower.

 

RACE DAY: Saturday, January 25th, 2025, from 7:00am– 5:30pm 
Where: Nathan Benderson Park (NBP), 5851 Nathan Benderson Circle, Sarasota, FL 34235
About: Athletes will warm up with Club Pilates, followed by Dragon Boat races beginning at 8am. Races will include 500m, 200m knockout, and 1km race over a 250m course. 500m race results will be used to seed crews into divisions of 4 crews for the 200m and 1km races. A flower ceremony will take place at noon, and a closing party/beer garden will begin at 4pm.

More information can be found by visiting NBP’s event bulletin on their website: www.nathanbendersonpark.org/dragonboatfest

 

 

About the Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy (NBPC):
The Nathan Benderson Park Conservancy is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 business created to manage Nathan Benderson Park, a community/public asset and world-class, multi-use sports venue. Our mission is to improve the quality of life for our community and be an economic generator for our region. The Conservancy’s primary purpose is to develop and promote the park as a world-class event center, team training site and Sarasota County Park, while providing outreach programs through recreation, safety training, education and volunteering as a service to our community. See more at nathanbendersonpark.org.

About Alpha Law Group
Alpha Law Group is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, where both founders were raised. Deeply rooted in the local community, Alpha Law Group specializes in personal injury cases, including car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and dog bites, as well as first-party property claims, such as hurricane damage.
It is well known that insurance companies often fail to offer fair compensation to policyholders for injuries and property damages. That is why Alpha Law Group has continued to grow and takes pride in representing citizens within the community. Founder, Alex Kompothecras, frequently states that his inspiration for establishing Alpha Law Group was to create a firm that a young Alex would look up to—one admired not only for the quality of its legal work and results, but also for its meaningful contributions to the community. Alex recognizes the spike in cancer diagnoses as well as Autism diagnoses in young children. Given back to the community, raising awareness, showing respect, and offering support for those who are struggling is what the organization is all about. 
Alex’s inspiration also stems from his mother, a two-year stage-three colon cancer survivor. He deeply admires her strength and resilience as she continues her battle with cancer, qualities that motivate him in his professional and personal life. Co-founder Chase Engelbrecht’s father was diagnosed with rectal cancer back in 2024, and is now cancer free! 
Alpha Law Group is proud to be the presenting sponsor Unleash the Dragons, an impactful event dedicated to supporting cancer survivors and raising awareness for this critical cause. Alpha Law Group believes in standing with those in the community who have shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. Cancer survivors are an inspiration to all, demonstrating the power of perseverance, hope, and strength.

About Linked in Pinks (LIPS):
Linked in Pinks (LiPs) is a composite team made up of Breast Cancer Survivors (BCS) from around the country and the world. It’s founder, JoAnn Moore, is a breast cancer survivor whose passion for dragon boating has helped to fuel her recovery. LIPS provides opportunities for skilled paddlers to enrich their own paddling experiences beyond their home team events, as well as providing dragon boat training for newly diagnosed cancer survivors. JoAnn’s LIPS crews have recently trained newly formed cancer survivor teams in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico

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MEDIA CONTACT
Pre-Event Interviews 
Visit Sarasota County 
Elizabeth Knight 
[email protected]
941-468-1554
 

Onsite Interviews  
Nathan Benderson Park 
Marnie Buchsbaum
[email protected] 
305-890-6626