Pentathlon scores hit in sporting world

SARASOTA — Accolades are streaming in for the organizers and team of hundreds of volunteers behind the Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final held in the Sarasota-Bradenton region June 6-8.

This was the first time the competition, a combination of fencing, swimming, shooting, running and equestrian show jumping, has been held in the United States in more than four decades, according to a release. Events were held at the Sarasota Polo Club in Lakewood Ranch and the Selby Aquatic Center in Sarasota. Former U.S. congresswoman and Florida secretary of state Katherine Harris helped bring the event to town, and led the volunteer effort to host the games.

“Unequivocally this was the best Modern Pentathlon World Cup Final ever held in the United States,” USA Pentathlon board chairman Barry Marchett says in the release. “These polo grounds are a world-class venue. The local organizing committee did a fantastic job planning the event; the volunteers did a fantastic job running the event; and, without Katherine Harris, none of this would have happened.”

International pentathlon officials also praised the event. Comments include:

Klaus Schormann, President, Union International de Pentathlon Modern: “You are all now a part of the Modern Pentathlon family and it's great to have new friends and new supporters. It was organized beautifully. We had excellent horses, venues, accommodations, transportation, food and, of course, the weather. We also like so much the culture of Sarasota.”

Joel Bouzou, Vice President, Union International de Pentathlon Moderne; Vice President, World Olympian Association: “This was the perfect set-up for a Pentathlon and ...hopefully there will one day be champions — Olympians — from (the Sarasota-Bradenton) area.”

Juan Manzo, Member of Executive Board, Union International de Pentathlon Moderne; President, Mexican Modern Pentathlon Federation; President, North American, Central American and Caribbean Modern Pentathlon Confederation: “I've been working with Modern Pentathlon since 1970 and I think this is the best competition ever. Everything has been perfect, better that we would ever expect. Sarasota-Bradenton is a very special area.”