Meet Nate Daniels, this week’s guest editor! Nate is here to get you active, motivated, and moving forward. He is the owner and lead trainer at Daniels Sports Performance where he helps Richmonders maximize their potential. Prior to opening his training facility, Nate enjoyed an illustrious athletics career of his own. After becoming a household name at Fairfax High School and Ferrum College, with hall of fame inductions at both institutions, Nate went on to play professionally. First, four seasons in the Arena Football League, followed by two in the American Indoor Football League for his hometown Richmond Bandits. Recently, Nate added author to his list of credentials. He wrote and published a children’s book, So You Want To Be A Pro?, in just six weeks -- all during quarantine. Take it away, Nate.
Keep your head in the game! Like everything this year, summer activities and outdoor sports look a little different. Here are a few fun ideas for how to stay active and keep moving forward this summer.
Maymont
When I want to get moving while still staying in the city, I head straight to Maymont. It has everything you need for a great day -- open fields to throw the ball around, a waterfall, walking paths, and an indoor (air conditioned) nature center. Pack a picnic or grab a sandwich from Coppola’s Deli in Carytown and plan to stay a while. The grounds and gardens are open from 10am-7pm daily. You can also hit the newly renovated Robins Nature Center, now a 29,000-square-foot attraction, from 10am-4pm, Thursday-Sunday. The largest facility of its kind in central Virginia, the center holds close to 30,000 gallons of aquaria showcasing animals of the James River and Chesapeake Bay. Whatever attracts you to Maymont, just get out there and keep moving.
While I’d typically recommend taking in a game at the ballfield as a way to unwind, we all know this summer is a bit different. That’s why I’m loving the Flying Squirrels Movies in the Outfield as a great way to get the family out and take in a movie in the outfield. My pick? The rescheduled showing of Remember the Titans coming up on August 8. Movies are shown on The Diamond’s video board on Thursday and Saturday nights. Admission is $8 per person (children 3 and younger are admitted free).
I recently wrote and published the first in a series of children's books. If you have a child or student who can’t wait to become a professional athlete, this book is for you! So You Want to Be a Pro? follows the story of Devon, a boy who loves football, on his journey to become a professional athlete. Any child, no matter their sport, can see themselves in Devon as he overcomes obstacles and learns perseverance.
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