Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2010 | 10:10 a.m.
Beyond the Sun
Map of The Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino
Scott Hinson is willing to go to great lengths, about 50 stories at least, for a good cause. The Lake Mead National Recreation Area park ranger will join about 100 other brave souls on Friday as they rappel down the face of the Rio to raise money for the Special Olympics.
Daredevils will descend the casino’s 400-foot tower from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each participant garnered at least $1,000 in pledges, and Special Olympics organizers expect the event to raise as much as $150,000.
Hinson was actually called from the bench—his wife, Mary, also a park ranger at Lake Mead, had planned to take the plunge, but a family emergency forced a substitution. Scott will do his best in her stead, although rappelling is “more her cup of tea.”
After Mary ran a leg of the Special Olympics’ torch relay for several years, Hinson said the couple “felt compelled” to get involved in supporting the event.
Rappelling, as Hinson described it, involves a person descending a steep sloop using an affixed line. Using a precise amount of friction, he will slide down a rope attached to the top of the Rio at a slow and controlled rate.
A park ranger for more than 25 years, 10 of them at Lake Mead, Hinson said he’ll “show up with a lot of faith” that the team at the Rio ties a strong rope. Through his job, he has rappelled on cliff faces, buildings and from helicopters, Hinson said.
As long as the connection looks solid, Hinson doesn’t expect anything to be nervous about as he maneuvers down the casino’s northwest face.
Over the Edge, an outdoors adventure company based in Nova Scotia, will supervise the event. Proceeds will go directly to Special Olympics athletics in Nevada, providing money for training opportunities, equipment, uniforms and practice venues.
Carnival lasts all year at the Rio. With a float occasionally passing overhead and dropping beads while feathered dancers fire up the gamblers below, the Rio tries to keep its 120,000-square foot casino jumping with excitement. Special Brazilian mixed-drinks are also served throughout the casino. The hotel suites tend to be larger than similar priced rooms on the Strip and many offer excellent views with floor to ceiling windows.
The Rio offers some quality shows like "Penn & Teller" and "Chippendales." Many come to the Rio for the nightlife at the VooDoo Lounge, located on the 51st floor, or McFadden's Irish Pub on the casino level.
Others come for a bit relaxation at the Rio Spa or pool area and still others come to shop at the hotel's 60,000 square feet of shops. In each of these endeavors, the Rio attempts to make the experience a bit more fun and spontaneous.
The Rio also offers guests a variety of dining choices from all-American food at the All-American Bar & Grille to Gaylord India Restaurant for something a little spicier and even Carnival World Buffet for the indecisive.
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