Carlson Gracie Plant City raises big bucks for cancer research
The national Tap Cancer Out Grappling for Good tour came to Orlando on Oct. 5 and Carlson Gracie Plant City stepped up in a big way.
The Brazilian jiujitsu gi-only tournament series asks competitors to help it raise money for cancer research groups, and the Plant City gym wasted no time rounding up funds that will go to the Alex’s Lemonade Stand foundation. Carlson Gracie was the most successful fundraising group of the 24 teams that entered the tournament: the team raised a total of $6,104, a full $2,194 more than runner-up Third Law Academy and $1,100 more than its projected goal. Rocco Musto was recognized for having the most donors (44) and for raising the second-highest amount of money ($1,733) for an individual in any age group.
Alex’s Lemonade Stand is set to receive approximately $44,800 from the Orlando tournament fundraisers.
Carlson Gracie Plant City competitors include Musto, Cory West, Leonidas Guzman, Odin Guzman, Brantley Niles, Mia Rosario, Rhys Deck, Axil Pittman, Adrian Gonzales, Kara Ouzts, Colton Sprouse, Anna-Lucia Guzman, Derrick Sampedro, Dominic Sampedro and Zoey Guzman. Local businesses that helped the Plant City team raise funds include O’Reilly’s Auto Parts, Winn-Dixie, Jarrett-Scott Ford, Curves Fitness for Women, Brick City Bricks, Norma’s Plant City Cuban Sandwich Shop and Martin’s Place.
Area parks hosting events
Global Sports Alliance Florida will host a Florida Gulf Coast League tournament on multiple fields at the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex and Mike Sansone Park. Games start between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Also coming to Plant City this weekend is the Haunted House 10K Relay Race and Lap Race. This run, hosted by U.S. Road Running, will use the Ellis-Methvin Park walking trail from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturday. Relay teams can sign up for $50, while solo runners can sign up for $29 (10K) or $24 (5K). Awards will be given out to the top runners and for the best team costume. Medals will also be given out.
To sign up, visit runsignup.com/Race/FL/PlantCity/FLHauntedHouse10KRelayandHauntedHouse10KLapRaceEllisMethvinPark.
Next weekend, the Recreation and Parks Department will team up with the Optimist Club to host the 26th annual Tri-Star Punt, Pass and Kick competition from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at the Otis M. Andrews Sports Complex. The free event is for kids age 6-15 and you can register on-site before the competition begins. Winners will be announced at 11 a.m. and awards will be given out for the top three finishers in each age group.
Meanwhile, GSA Florida will hold its Halloween Havoc Super Regional baseball tournament at Mike Sansone Park, the Randy L. Larson Softball Four-Plex, Plant City Stadium, Ellis-Methvin Park, Snowden Park and the MLK Rec Complex from Oct. 25-27. Games start at 6 and 7:15 p.m. Oct. 25 and between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Oct. 26 and 27.
Sign up for youth basketball league
The PCRPD/Optimist Youth Basketball Program turns 51 this year and registration for the upcoming season has begun.
The league is open to all area youths age 8-16 (as of March 1, 2019) and runs from early January through late February. Games are typically played on Saturdays at the Plant City Family YMCA gym and in the gyms at Marshall and Tomlin middle schools. The youngest players will have most games on Saturdays and older players will mostly play on weeknights.
Registration costs $35 per player and covers all expenses. The league is also looking for coaches and referees. Sign up by 4:30 p.m. Nov. 20 at the PCRPD office, 1904 S. Park Road. Registration forms can be acquired by emailing recinfo@plantcitygov.com. Call 813-659-4255 for more information.
Sign up for Optimist/Rec & Parks golf tourney
The annual Plant City Optimist Club/Plant City Recreation and Parks Department Golf Classic returns Oct. 19 at Diamond Hill Golf Club, 13115 Sydney Dover Road, Dover. The annual tourney raises money to help youth programs run by both the city and the Optimists.
Registration begins at 11 a.m. and the four-person scramble shotgun start is at 1 p.m. The cost is $75 per player and that covers 18 holes, cart fees, range balls, a meal and awards. There will be prizes awarded for a putting contest, two long-rive holes and two closest to the pin holes, plus door and raffle prizes. Anyone interested in being a hole or tournament sponsor can also still get in on that action if they wish to help.
Registration forms are available at the Plant City Optimist Club website, from any Plant City Optimist Club member or from the front desk at the Recreation and Department administrative office, 1904 South Park Road (call 813-659-4255). For more information, contact Walt Arnold at walt34@gmail.com or 813-752-1602, or contact Jeb Hicks at papajeb56@gmail.com or 813-727-1204.
