Karina Petroni's Never Quit Tour
Over the years, Atlantic Beach resident and professional surfer Karina Petroni has been asked to speak at schools on a number of occasions. Her healthy lifestyle, positive attitute, and successful career certainly make her an excellent candidate. But it wasn’t until another area youngster contacted Karina that she was finally ready to share her message.
Katie Hunt, a freshman and president of the Ponte Vedra High School surf club, first learned of Karina’s struggles caring for her sick father from a newspaper article. A fan of Karina’s, Katie had never met her, but felt compelled to help. The day after sending an email offering her support, Katie received a call. Just a short time later, Katie found herself in the middle of planning the Never Quit Tour.
Having suffered a stroke and brain bleed, Karina’s father, Captain Gerard Petroni, could not eat or speak in the midst of his sickness. Yet when Karina asked for his advice, he let nothing stop him from writing two simple words on a sheet of paper – “never quit.”
Having just returned from a surf trip abroad, Karina will spend the month of April speaking to area non-profits, churches, and schools about her father’s never quit message, the important of living a healthy lifestyle, protecting the environment, building character, and loving your family. She’s honest about her past, answers the most difficult questions, and aims to connect with her audience.
You, too, can see Karina’s Never Quit message at two events open to the public, during the Jacksonville Beach Pavilion movie night events on May 22 and 29. Then, check out the Never Quit Beach Fest on May 31 in Jacksonville Beach near the Casa Marina. The event includes a 5K run/walk, surf lessons and competitions, volleyball, relay races, a fitness obstacle course, sand castle contest, flag football, health screenings, CPR courses, and Karina herself.
Check out a video of Karina’s visit to the Beaches Boys and Girls Club, and her own Never Quit video below.
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