NAPLES, Fla. (Nov. 30, 2022) — For the first time, the annual Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride (PFC) will begin and end at the world-class Paradise Coast Sports Complex for the Naples portion of the ride. The state-of-the-art sports complex is known as a premiere destination offering professional-quality sports fields, on-site entertainment, and concessions for athletes and fans alike, making it a perfect setting for the PFC ride.
“Paradise Coast Sports Complex is honored to host the Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride and support the mission while continuing ours, which includes providing a variety of new and exciting events in Collier County,” said Paradise Coast Sports Complex General Manager Adrian Moses. “Our vision is to support both Collier County as well as regional and national activities as a best-in-class venue. This is the first time an event of this kind will be held here, and we are excited by the level of passion that PFC riders bring to the event and to the area. We open our gates, welcome, and support them in their important mission to help fight cancer.”
Pan-Florida Challenge is a non-profit organization that provides nutritious meals to underprivileged and hungry children, as malnutrition has been shown to increase the risk of developing cancer. In addition, Pan-Florida Challenge partners with organizations, such as Moffitt Cancer Center, to fund cancer research and support for cancer patients of all ages and their families. Every dollar raised by the riders directly supports Pan-Florida Challenge’s mission.
“The sheer size and flexibility of Paradise Coast Sports Complex provides endless opportunities to enjoy this amazing open-air location. Florida is so beautiful and to host the ride in a world-class facility like this adds to the excitement and enjoyment of the ride,” said Jeri Goetz, Executive Director at Pan-Florida Challenge. “Children are in greater need of food and other necessities due to inflation and Hurricane Ian, so we have extended very early registration to November 30 and early registration to December 15. We are extremely thankful for the support of Paradise Coast Sports Complex and the community.”
Whether you’re celebrating survival or honoring a loved one, the Pan-Florida Challenge Cancer Ride (PFC) welcomes cyclists of all ages and abilities to ride on March 25-26, 2023. Rides are designed for cyclists of all skill levels, with routes ranging from 10 to 125 miles and a PFC junior ride of a ¼ mile on a closed sidewalk. A fundraising minimum is required for most routes which is discounted by half for new riders. Pan-Florida assists all participating cyclists with reaching and exceeding their fundraising goals. To learn more about start times, registration fees, and fundraising minimums please visit https://panfloridachallenge.
The sprawling, 175-acre Paradise Coast Sports Complex features professional-level synthetic turf fields, on-site recreation and entertainment options with high quality food and beverage. Throughout the year, the site hosts tournaments including youth travel soccer, lacrosse, football, and live music entertains guests many nights at The Cove. Stocked with equipment and challenges to test even the fittest of souls, The Factory is an open-air weight room and fitness facility that provides beautiful sunrises each morning to feed your soul while also testing and improving your physical well-being. Paradise Coast Sports Complex is the perfect spot to congregate and enjoy the area’s fine weather or enjoy the beautiful Lake Trail, open to public use at no charge. For more information, please visit www.playparadisecoast.com.
About Pan-Florida Challenge
Pan-Florida Challenge (PFC) is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization with a mission to engage the community in cancer prevention research and education and distribute cancer fighting food to undernourished children throughout Florida. Founded in 2014, PFC partners with elementary schools throughout the state to distribute weekend backpack meals, also known as PFC Power Packs and Family Weekend Backpack Meals. These meals contain nutritious food items that meet or exceed the USDA’s dietary recommendation for elementary school aged children. To date, PFC has provided more than 8 million meals to hungry children – all with the help of annual fundraising events, grants, sponsorships, and benefactors. For more information, please visit panfloridachallenge.org.
About Paradise Coast Sports Complex
Paradise Coast Sports Complex is a state-of-the-art sports complex located in Naples, Fla. It’s a premiere travel destination that offers professional-quality sports fields, on-site entertainment, and concessions. Paradise Coast Sports Complex is a member of the SF Network, the Nation’s largest and fastest-growing network of sports facilities and is operated by the industry leader in outsourced operations, The Sports Facilities Companies. For more information, visit www.playparadisecoast.com.