73°
Saugatuck Rowing Club fitness director Shaun Harrington watches and helps Paul Green lift, walk and stretch nearly every day as part of his exercise routine. Harrington is helping the 87-year-old go the extra mile in the his battle against Parkinson's disease by organizing a 5-kilometer race Saturday at the club.
"We've been talking about it for months,'' Harrington said. "We tried to do it in the spring, but we didn't get approval. I thought it'd be a perfect opportunity to support Paul. He's a staple in this town."
The race/walk begins at 9 a.m. The start and finish will be at the club, and people can register ($20) on Saturday Proceeds will be used to help find a cure for Parkinson's. Green, a longtime club member, has battled Parkinson's for 17 years. He credits his workout routine with helping ward off the disease's debilitating effects. The supportive community at SRC has helped keep him going.
"His relationship with the kids is unbelievable,'' Shaun says. "Paul has been a member here for a long time and you can see what exercise can do for people with Parkinson's disease. It's like a second home for him."
Green has developed an organization, Nevah Surrendah, which helps motivate people with Parkinson's to fight back in order to maintain the highest quality of life.
Harrington says there are 50 walkers or runners pre-registered and hopes for an additional 30-40 on the day of the event. Harrington, who has promoted races for other facilities, believes the event for Green will eventually become an important fixture on the race calendar. "I think this is something that will become very big in Westport,'' Shaun said.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Norwalk and receive free news updates.
