(9.18) Fans of the gargoyles and oracles they have consulted at WaterFire may not be aware of the wide range of figures that TEN31 Productions is capable of mounting. But nobody is going to ask a bowler to predict the future; you need a sibyl! For something different, head down to the river this Sunday when they will be presenting A Salute to the Spirit of Sports on the Michael Van Leesten Bridge starting at noon.
We aim to highlight Rhode Island’s history-making accomplishments and interests in sports as well as bring the community and tourist to visit the new pedestrian bridge and surrounding areas. This event also aims to honor Mr. Van Leesten a dedicated Rhode Island citizen, philanthropist, businessman and Hall of Fame athlete. There will be five living statues representing Rhode Island’s favorite sports and teams!
Noted political activist Michael Van Leesten had been a serious basketball player in his youth, playing varsity for Rhode Island College. (He would not have recognized the shorts on this figure.) Van Leesten’s biography is impressive: From voter registration with the Freedom Riders to founding the career and educational center, the Occupational Industrial Center of Providence, he changed lives and communities, and left this state a better place to live for all of us.
(This event overlaps with the Providence Flea which runs on the boardwalk along South Water Street from 10am to 3pm.)
Free, Spirit of Sports, noon to 2:30pm, Sunday, September 18, MVL Bridge, (directions)