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Their coach is Kate Wilson, from England.
“I’m sure they will do great,” she said. “They’ve been working hard.”
The game begins at 6 p.m.
Tickets: $14 for adults; kids: $6 at www.miamifc.com
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The Maccabiah Games is an Olympic-style event for Jewish athletes from around the world. It is the third largest international competition, behind the Olympics and Pan American Games. This year, with more than 10,000 athletes from 85 countries, the Games was the largest in its history.
Fertel won gold medals in the 400-meter individual medley, 200 individual medley, 400 freestyle, 800 freestyle and 400 medley relay. She took silver in the 200 backstroke and 400 freestyle relay.
Fertel swam two seasons for Coral Reef High School and then two seasons at Gulliver Prep. A High School All-American, she was a five-time state high school champion. A qualifier for the U.S. Olympic Trials in 2016, she is currently a sophomore on the University of Florida swim team.
The Alper Jewish Community Center in Miami hosted the JCC Maccabi Games.
The JCC Maccabi Games is a week-long Olympic-style sports competition for teens that began in 1982. The Games featured baseball, basketball, lacrosse, ice hockey, soccer and volleyball.
Each year, three communities host the Games, with one also hosting JCC Maccabi ArtsFest.
The Alper JCC asked for 500 volunteer families to host more than 1,500 kids participting from throughout the world. Kosher homes were especially needed. The hosts housed them, helped feed the kids, provided transportation daily to and from their respective sporting events as well as to the opening and closing ceremonies.
The Games give teens a chance to meet other Jewish youth while participating in sports they love or within an intense immersion in their art.
Community service is also an integral component of the JCC Maccabi Games. In the spirit of Tikum Olam (Repairing the World) and Tzedakah (Deeds of Charity), the athletes take time from the competition to volunteer within the host community.
The project this year under the JCC Cares Project helped underprivileged children in Africa. The athletes made shoes -- from a thick denim material -- which will be sent to Africa by the JCC.
Maccabi Hunter Haifa, the 2016-17 Israeli Basketball Super League runner-up, announced they have signed point guard Angel Rodriguez for the 2017-18 season. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Rodriguez, 24, appeared in 24 contests during the 2016-17 season for Cholet Basket in France ProA and averaged 9.9 points while shooting 33.3 percent from three-point range and 86.6 percent from the charity stripe, along with 2.5 rebounds and 2.8 assists in 23.1 minutes.
The 5-foot-11 point guard had a prolific collegiate career at Kansas State and the University of Miami. He played 132 career games (65 at Kansas State and 67 at Miami) and averaged 11.1 points, 4.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 2.4 rebounds in 27.2 minutes per game. He spent his first two seasons at Kansas State, tallying 11.4 points, 2.1 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 1.5 steals during his sophomore season (2012-13) in which the team earned BIG-12 Co-Champion. Rodriguez was named to the All-BIG 12 Second Team and BIG-12 All-Defensive team.
The Cupey, Puerto Rico native transferred to the University of Miami his junior season -- returning to Florida where he starred at Dr. Michael M. Krop Senior High School in Miami.
As a Redshirt Senior at Miami (2015-16), Rodriguez guided his team to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament, appearing in 35 games while posting averages of 12.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.7 steals in 30.1 minutes. In three NCAA Tournament games, Rodriguez averaged 21.7 points, 5.7 assists, 3.0 steals and 3.3 rebounds in 35.3 minutes per game.
“We’ve known Angel for many years, and our plan was to one day bring his talents to Haifa,” Maccabi Hunter Haifa Owner Jeff Rosen said in a release. “We’re thrilled that the day has come as we're adding an ultimate competitor and the true meaning of a leader.”
Maccabi Hunter Haifa head coach Offer Rahimi added: “Angel is a young and energetic point guard with a lot of upside. I believe he'll continue to improve his game in Haifa after his first year of experience in France.”
About Maccabi Haifa
Maccabi Haifa, an Israeli Basketball Super League team, has a long and storied legacy as they were one of the original eight teams to form the Premier League for the 1953-54 season. Under the ownership of American businessman, Jeffrey Rosen, the team earned its first title in franchise history after being crowned the 2012-13 Israeli League champion. The team was purchased by Jeffrey Rosen in July 2007.
For more information about Maccabi Haifa, visit www.mhbasket.co.il.
It was a tremendous season for Eddiyah Frye, 14, of the Runners Express Track Club in Miami. The Miami Gardens resident dominated Florida Region 4 in the 100m hurdles, 200m hurdles and the long jump on her way to nationals, where she won gold, silver and bronze.
At the USATF Jr. Olympics in Lawrence, Kan., she placed among the best athletes nationally in the girls’ 13-14 age group. She was first in the 200m hurdles in 27.34 seconds, second in the 100m Hurdles in 14.40 and third in the long jump at 17-11 3 /4.
Eddiyah has been running since age 4. She completed eighth grade at the Young Women’s Preparatory Academy in Miami and will be a freshman at St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale.
“I am humbly awaiting competing against some of the top high school athletes in Dade and Broward counties,” she said in an email. “I would also like to send a special thanks to my coaches, my father Eddie Frye and Craig Howard. Thanks for getting me through this tough season.”
The Kendall Hammocks NFL Flag Football Season concluded with team champions and special awards.
U6 Division: MVP: Sadie Madsen (Rams). Champion: Cowboys, coached by Frank Cuesta and Vinny Diaz.
U8 Division: MVP: Chris Whitfield (49ers). Champion: Cowboys, coached by Vinny Diaz and Frank Cuesta.
U10 Division: MVP: Shawn James (Bengals). Champion: Raiders, coached by David Jauregui.
U12 Division: MVP: Ryan Gonzalez (Rams). Recreational Champion: Lions, coached by Howard Euster and Laz Corrales. Pro Champion: Rams, coached by Raul Gonzalez.
U14 Division: MVP: Justin Jarro (Falcons). Champion: Eagles, coached by Diana and John Collins.
Coach of the Year: Pedro Casanova. Rookie Coach of the Year: Jordan Trigoso. Volunteer of the Year: Gypsy Santovenia.
Palmer Trinity School will host its first football game on its new field on Friday, Sept. 15 when the Falcons play their Homecoming game against the Stallions of Somerset Academy Silver Palms.
Designated as the school’s Main Athletic Track and Field, it will be used by Palmer’s football, soccer, lacrosse, and track & field athletic teams. It will also serve as a space to host special events for the community.
The new athletic field took six months for the planning stages and another six months to build and is one of only three fields in the Miami-Dade area to have an eight-lane running track. In its construction, the field was depressed three feet to create a stadium-like feel by using the land’s topography. This design element highlights the school’s natural surroundings and allows ocean breezes to sweep across Palmer Trinity’s campus.
“We are proud to have this premier field as part of our 55-acre campus,” Patrick Roberts, Head of School, said in a release, “and we look forward to experiencing many future victories and creating fond memories for both the school and the community.”
The existing athletic fields on the school’s North Campus will continue to be used for other athletic games and physical education.
About Palmer Trinity School:
Palmer Trinity School—a coeducational, Episcopal day school—is dedicated to promoting academic excellence that integrates knowledge, compassion, global citizenship, and social responsibility. Providing a supportive environment, Palmer Trinity School serves students from a broad range of socio-economic, ethnic, and religious backgrounds in grades 6-12.
For more information about the school, visit www.palmertrinity.org.
To follow Palmer Trinity School on Facebook, click here.
Hooters of South Florida presented a donation of $13,300 to the Miami Dolphins Foundation at the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. The donation is part of Hooters’ sponsorship from the recent Fins Weekend Fishing Tournament.
LTP Management Director of Marketing Kristi Quarles and Hooters Girls presented the donation to representatives of the Miami Dolphins Foundation.
“Hooters South Florida has been a wonderful supporter of Fins Weekend for many years, and their commitment to the Fishing Tournament Weigh In not only brings a festive atmosphere to the dock, but leaves a lasting financial impact to support education through City Year Miami,” Miami Dolphins Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Jehn said in a release.
LTP Management, a Franchisee of Hooters of America, owns and operates 16 locations in South Florida.
“LTP Management is thrilled to have a long relationship supporting the Miami Dolphins Foundation and Miami Dolphins Fishing Tournament. Giving back and helping our local community is a priority and very important to us,” said Hooters of South Florida Director of Marketing Kristi Quarles.
For more information about South Florida Hooters and their charitable outreach visit www.HootersFlorida.com. Follow on Twitter @HootersFlorida, Instagram @SouthFLHooters and Facebook www.Facebook.com/SouthFloridaHooters.
Miami-Dade North (Arthur Snyder Tennis Center, North Miami Beach) won a state championship at the USTA Florida 18 & Over 3.0/4.0/5.0+ League Sectional Championships at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.
The event drew the top 18 & Over USTA League teams from throughout Florida, representing various clubs, parks, recreational departments and organizations that finished at the top of their local leagues. Teams consisting of two singles and three doubles lines competed in a non-elimination round-robin format, with flight winners advancing into a single-elimination semifinal followed by the final.
Miami-Dade County captured the Men’s 4.0 crown for the fourth consecutive year.
18 & Over Men’s 4.0 Final: Miami-Dade North (Arthur Snyder Tennis Center, North Miami Beach) d. Hillsborough County (Fishhawk Ranch, Lithia) 5-0
No. 1 Singles: Jorge Rodriguez d. David Spohn 6-4, 6-1. No. 2 Singles: Jose Costafreda d. Timothy Plossl 6-2, 6-2. No. 1 Doubles: Javier Castillo/Jorge Rodriguez d. Jose Torres/Greg Goodson 6-4, 4-2 (retired). No. 2 Doubles: Carlos Carmenate/Joel Namad d. Mark Kanarek/Carlos Sanchez 6-2, 6-4. No. 3 Doubles: Cesar Aviles/Ivan Vigo d. Gabriel Mead/Mike Johnson 6-1, 6-4.
Miami-Dade Season Roster: Dean Dworkin (captain), Cesar Aviles, Jose Costafreda, Jorge Rodriguez, Eric Cohen, Alejandro Arraiz, Max Flesher, Javier Castillo, Michel Kulcsar, Alfonso Garcia, Ivan Vigo, Ran Cohen, Gustavo Carbone, Joel Santos, Joel Namad, Carlos Carmenate, Jorge Rodriguez, Julio Zambrano, Luis Monteagudo.
The winning teams will represent the USTA Florida Section at the USTA League National Championships. The Surprise Tennis and Racquet Complex will host the 18 & Over 4.0 championships on Oct. 13-15.
NTRP levels of play were 3.0/4.0/5.0+. For more information on NTRP levels, go to
www.usta.com/Adult-Tennis/USTA-League/Information/About_NTRP.
Miami juniors proved themselves the kings and queens of Junior Team Tennis in the state of Florida for 2017.
The co-ed Miami Tornados and the Miami Thunder were the 14-under and 18-under champions, respectively, at the 2017 USTA Florida Junior Team Tennis Sectional Championships and advanced to represent Florida at the USTA Junior Team Tennis National Championships in September at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.
The Miami Tornados finished ahead of the Treasure Bay Swashbucklers in the 14-under-intermediate division, and the Miami Thunder won an all-Miami 18-under-intermediate division final, finishing ahead of the Miami Lightning.
“We achieved because we believed,” Kara Borromeo, who with Lee Pettis captained both Miami winning teams, said in a release. “We trained harder and played smarter. All the players on both of these teams understood that in order to win they needed to play as a team. Our ultimate goals are to win and have fun under the Florida sun.”
The 14-under champion Miami Tornados were captained by Lee Pettis and included players Fronz Emmanuelle, Laranang Bagayas, Andres Reynoso, Jaime Duran Perez, Sofia Isabella Palomino, Gabriela Martinez, Xiann Palenque and Jessica Bustamante.
The 14-under runners-up Treasure Bay Swashbucklers were captained by Michael Girardi and included players Julia Pierce, Sara Simmons, Ana Lense, Noah Riedle, Kayne Newby, Morgan Overman and Jay Melnick.
The 18-under champion Miami Thunder were captained by Kara Borromeo and included players Sara Christine Hartzell, Julian Lara, Deanna Vasserman, Anthony John Quetani, Khyl Gabriel Sostre and Frances Alonso.
The 18-under runners-up Miami Lightning were captained by Cyndi Johnston and included players Ray Azar, Kathrina Etienne, Alyson Nicolle Palma, Tyler Benjamin, Joseph Lewis Glidden, Zamanda Alonso and Hana Newby.
“The Florida section championships mark the end of the local Junior Team Tennis season and gives the players an opportunity to compete for a title while bonding with other players on and off the court,” said USTA Florida Junior Team Tennis Coordinator Liz Coates. “We wish to celebrate all of the teams who participated and wish our Florida champions the best of luck at the USTA JTT National Championships.”
The 14-under JTT nationals will be Sept. 21-24, and the 18-under nationals Sept. 28-Oct. 1, both at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.
Established in 1991, USTA Junior Team Tennis provides youth with all of the health and social benefits of tennis in a coed, fun and competitive team environment — all while allowing participants to compete with and against individuals of similar ages and skill levels.
With more than 85,000 players competing nationwide, USTA Junior Team Tennis brings players together to enjoy camaraderie and teamwork, providing a fun environment for kids to learn that succeeding is really more about how they play the game — win or lose.
For more information on USTA Junior Team Tennis in Florida go to
The Florida Panthers will host their second annual Viktor E. Dash in conjunction with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at BB&T Center on Nov. 4.
The 5K race will kick off at 8 a.m., and the one-mile race, honoring Peggy Ziady, will begin at 8:45 a.m.
All registered racers will receive one ticket for the Panthers vs. Rangers game on Nov. 4 or Panthers vs. Stars on Nov. 14. Each racer will receive a special Viktor E. Dash T-Shirt and custom finisher medal, with the top three in each age group receiving special recognition.
https://www.nhl.com/panthers/community/viktoredash
More events, leagues, programs
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” said James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
","kicker":"","text_alignment":"Left","href":"/web/v1/content/169651202","allow_ads":true,"allow_stn_player":true,"byline":"","template_type":"","story_teaser":"","lead_media":{"id":"169651172","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/dmi2so/picture169651172","asset_type":"picture","state":"published","title":"Photo-2-maccab","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"","home":"/web/v1/sections/5201","modified_date":1503820230,"allow_comments":false,"published_date":1503820230,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/dmi2so/picture169651172/alternates/FREE_1140/Photo-2-maccab","href":"/web/v1/content/169651172","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["5201"],"credit":"","dateline":"","caption":"Swimmer Kelly Fertel, 19, of Kendall won five gold and two silver medals and set five records at the Maccabiah Games in Israel.","is_mugshot":false,"text_alignment":"Default","summary":"","byline":"","kicker":""},"owner":"Miami","allow_comments":true,"image":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/dmi2so/picture169651172/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/Photo-2-maccab"},{"id":"169650117","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/article169650117.html","asset_type":"story","state":"published","title":"Champion teams, top awards for Kendall Hammocks NFL Flag Football","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"none","home":"/web/v1/sections/5201","home_section":{"name":"Youth Sports","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/"},"modified_date":1503818308,"published_date":1503818302,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/5i04nf/picture169650087/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/2017%20-%2010U%20Raiders","authors":[{"name":"Posted Jim Varsallone","email":"jvarsallone@miamiherald.com"}],"keywords":"kendall hammocks, flag football, nfl, youth football, ","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["5201"],"credit":"","dateline":"","summary":"The Kendall Hammocks NFL Flag Football Season concluded with team champions and special awards.","content":"
The Kendall Hammocks NFL Flag Football Season concluded with team champions and special awards.
U6 Division: MVP: Sadie Madsen (Rams). Champion: Cowboys, coached by Frank Cuesta and Vinny Diaz.
U8 Division: MVP: Chris Whitfield (49ers). Champion: Cowboys, coached by Vinny Diaz and Frank Cuesta.
U10 Division: MVP: Shawn James (Bengals). Champion: Raiders, coached by David Jauregui.
U12 Division: MVP: Ryan Gonzalez (Rams). Recreational Champion: Lions, coached by Howard Euster and Laz Corrales. Pro Champion: Rams, coached by Raul Gonzalez.
U14 Division: MVP: Justin Jarro (Falcons). Champion: Eagles, coached by Diana and John Collins.
Coach of the Year: Pedro Casanova. Rookie Coach of the Year: Jordan Trigoso. Volunteer of the Year: Gypsy Santovenia.
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","template_type":"","story_teaser":"","lead_media":{"id":"169650087","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/5i04nf/picture169650087","asset_type":"picture","state":"published","title":"2017 - 10U Raiders","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"","home":"/web/v1/sections/5201","modified_date":1503818307,"allow_comments":false,"published_date":1503818301,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/5i04nf/picture169650087/alternates/FREE_1140/2017%20-%2010U%20Raiders","href":"/web/v1/content/169650087","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["5201"],"credit":"","dateline":"","caption":"The Raiders won the 10U Division of Kendall Hammocks NFL Flag Football.","is_mugshot":false,"text_alignment":"Default","summary":"","byline":"","kicker":""},"owner":"Miami","allow_comments":true,"image":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/5i04nf/picture169650087/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/2017%20-%2010U%20Raiders"},{"id":"168800582","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/article168800582.html","asset_type":"story","state":"published","title":"Very Prado You: Marlins honor student athletes Budwick, Gaynor, Jelke, Neglia, Pavlou","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"none","home":"/web/v1/sections/5201","home_section":{"name":"Youth Sports","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/"},"modified_date":1503466657,"published_date":1503466504,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/up8ts6/picture168800517/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/20170815_184941","keywords":"miami marlins, martin prado, student athletes, marlins park, billy the marlin, baseball, softball, tomas telis, dovid budwick, rabbi alexander s. gross hebrew academy, jacob gaynor, marcell ozuna, tony perez, nautilus middle school, parker jelke, cushman school, nicholas neglia, north hialeah elementary school, isabella pavlou, calusa elementary school,","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["5201","5048","5176"],"credit":"","dateline":"","summary":"To recognize deserving South Florida youth baseball and softball players for doing well in school and displaying sportsmanship, the two-time champion Miami Marlins -- via Marlins third baseman Martin Prado -- have once again partnered with The Miami Herald for a special Team Player spotlight in the Neighbors sports section in print and online. August honorees participated in the Miami Herald Spotlight “Very Prado You” Batting Practice Experience and Meet & Greet, where they watched Marlins batting practice on the field and were recognized at an on-field, pre-game ceremony.","content":"
To recognize deserving South Florida youth baseball and softball players for doing well in school and displaying sportsmanship on the diamond, the two-time champion Miami Marlins -- via Marlins third baseman Martin Prado -- have once again partnered with The Miami Herald for a special Team Player spotlight in the Neighbors sports section in print and online.
The honorees for August are Dovid Budwick (Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy), Jacob Gaynor (Nautilus Middle School), Parker Jelke (Cushman School), Nicholas Neglia (North Hialeah Elementary School) and Isabella Pavlou (Calusa Elementary School).
On Tuesday, Aug. 15, these standout student athletes participated in the Miami Herald Spotlight “Very Prado You” Batting Practice Experience and Meet & Greet, where they watched Marlins and Giants batting practice on the field and participated in an on-field, pre-game ceremony.
During batting practice, Marlins outfielder Marcell Ozuna and second baseman Dee Gordon and MLB Hall of Famer Tony Perez signed autographs and posed for photos. Then, later, Marlins catcher Tomas Telis and Mascot extraordinaire Billy the Marlin participated in the ceremony.
Each honoree received an autographed certificate signed by Prado, a Very Prado You T-shirt, food and beverage, complimentary parking and game tickets -- all provided by Prado -- and a baseball signed by Telis.
ABOUT THE HONOREES
Dovid Budwick, 11, of Miami Beach is in sixth grade at Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy in Miami Beach.
Dovid is a straight A student as well as a standout pitcher and shortstop in the North Miami Beach Little League. This year he is on the Rockies.
Dovid has been playing in the North Miami Beach Little League for the past 4 seasons and he always displays excellent sportsmanship, supporting his team mates in every game and is not overly concerned with his personal performance because he chooses to focus on his team’s effort. He encourages his teammates to the best they can be and supports them whether they are up or down.
Jacob Gaynor, 11, of Miami Beach is in sixth grade at Nautilus Middle School in Miami Beach.
He was MVP for the undefeated Miami Beach Bulls in the 11-14 age group of the Danny Berry Baseball League of Miami Beach Parks & Rec. An 11-year-old, he was the team’s lead-off hitter, second baseman, defensive captain and relief pitcher. He led the team in runs and RBI.
Off the field, he achieved Straight A’s each semester in fifth grade at North Beach Elementary School. A multi-sport athlete with a good attitude, he also enjoys and does well playing basketball.
Parker Jelke, 8, of Miami is in third grade at Cushman School in Miami.
Parker played for the Mudcats in the Coach Pitch 7-8 age group of the Danny Berry Baseball League of Miami Beach Parks & Rec. He played second base and hit .722. He led the team in hits and fielding percentage. He displayed sportsmanship as well as athletic and academic excellence.
At Cushman, he completed second grade with an E (excellent) in 11 subjects and an E- in two others. They score grades as E, E-, S+, S, S-, U. He was a member of the chess club, baseball club and golf club at school. His hobbies include swimming, golf, baseball card collecting, reading, and travel. He has been to 32 countries.
Nicholas Neglia, 10, of Davie via Miami Lakes is in fifth grade at North Hialeah Elementary School.
Nicholas plays baseball in the Cooper City Optimist program. He has been playing baseball since age 2. A solid player, he plays first base. He always demonstrates great sportsmanship to his opponents and his teammates. He is one of the leaders on his team. His primary focus is to get better and help others rather than winning.
In school, Nicholas is a role model and gifted student. Since kindergarten, he made the Honor Roll every quarter to date. He will be inducted into the school’s Honor Society in 2018. Nicholas treats his peers and teachers with respect. He gives 100-percent on the field and in the classroom. His has a love, a passion for baseball and academics.
Isabella Pavlou, 8, of Miami completed second grade at Kendale Elementary School and is now in third grade at Calusa Elementary School in Miami. She made the Principal’s Honor Roll since kindergarten, and she won the individual award for physical education the past two years.
She has a love and passion for softball. Enrolled in the Diamond Dreams Softball Academy, she tried out for the outstanding Miami Stingrays travel program. She excels at shortstop and the pitcher position. She maintains the same determination and dedication to her academics as she does softball. She is a great team player, leader and always demonstrates great sportsmanship with a positive attitude, win or lose.
ABOUT MARTIN PRADO
Martín Manuel Prado, 33, was born in Maracay, Venezuela. He was one of four siblings raised in a single-parent family headed by their mother, Irma Prado.
He signed with the Atlanta Braves as a non-drafted free agent on Feb. 23, 2001. He played in the Braves’ Dominican program in 2001 and 2002 and came to the United States to join the Gulf Coast League in 2003.
Prado made his major league debut for the Braves on April 23, 2006. He played for the Braves through the 2012 season. He then played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees, before joining the Marlins in 2015. A 2010 MLB All-Star, he is signed with the Marlins through the 2019 season.
Prado competed in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Miami Marlins social media
https://www.facebook.com/Marlins/
Youth Sports On The Web
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/
YouTube jim varsallone (jimmyv3 channel)
","kicker":"","text_alignment":"Left","href":"/web/v1/content/168800582","allow_ads":true,"allow_stn_player":true,"byline":"
","template_type":"","story_teaser":"","lead_media":{"id":"168800517","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/up8ts6/picture168800517","asset_type":"picture","state":"published","title":"20170815_184941","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"","home":"/web/v1/sections/5201","modified_date":1503466654,"allow_comments":false,"published_date":1503466501,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/up8ts6/picture168800517/alternates/FREE_1140/20170815_184941","href":"/web/v1/content/168800517","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["5201"],"credit":"","dateline":"","caption":"Miami Marlins catcher Tomas Telis during the ceremony to recognize the August honorees of the Very Prado You student athlete (baseball/softball) program in conjunction with the Miami Herald and the Marlins at Marlins Park. Pictured from left, honorees Isabella Pavlou (Calusa Elementary School), Nicholas Neglia (North Hialeah Elementary School), Parker Jelke (Cushman School), and Jacob Gaynor (Nautilus Middle School). Not pictured Honoree Dovid Budwick (Rabbi Alexander S. Gross Hebrew Academy).","is_mugshot":false,"text_alignment":"Default","summary":"","byline":"","kicker":""},"owner":"Miami","allow_comments":true,"image":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/up8ts6/picture168800517/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/20170815_184941"},{"id":"168249542","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/article168249542.html","asset_type":"story","state":"published","title":"Locals fare well at Maccabiah Games in Israel","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"none","home":"/web/v1/sections/5201","home_section":{"name":"Youth Sports","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/"},"modified_date":1503207251,"published_date":1503206726,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/nd3upf/picture168249512/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/Onlinedbactionmacc","keywords":"maccabiah games, israel, miami dolphins, st. thomas aquinas football, aventura, youth sports, usa soccer, usa fencing, usa gymnastics, felix varela high school football, palmetto high school football, usta florida,","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["5201","5048"],"credit":"","dateline":"","summary":"Click on headline and scroll for more local sports news; then for more photos, click arrows underneath photo","content":"
Emalie Belokon, 16, of Aventura won two silver medals in karate at the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel.
Selected to represent Team USA at the Games, Belokon was runner-up in kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). She was the only member of Team USA to win two silver medals in karate (no gold for Team USA in karate).
The Maccabiah Games is an Olympic-style event for Jewish athletes from around the world.
Born and raised in South Florida, Belokon trains at DB Karate School under the direction of Sensei Demian Bermudez in Sunny Isles Beach.
Belokon has competed locally and nationally, winning numerous medals and trophies. She is an AAU National Champion in kata (forms), an AAU National silver medalist in kumite (sparring) and Florida state champion in kata.
She also gives back, teaching young students at the DB Karate School, 17070 Collins Ave., Suite 264, Sunny Isles Beach, 33160. Call 786-624-1512. Visit info@dbkarateschool.com.
Matias Lancewicki, 16, of Aventura was one of 20 Jewish athletes selected to compete for the Team USA boys’ soccer team at the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel.
The Maccabiah Games, also known as the Jewish Olympics, is the third largest international competition, just behind the Olympics and Pan American Games. This year, with more than 10,000 athletes from 85 countries, the 20th Maccabiah Games was the largest in its history.
Matias, a striker, made his mark on the field throughout the tournament and scored in a win against Australia.
He began to play soccer as soon as he could walk, and after years of training, he achieved the level needed to compete against top athletes at the Maccabiah Games.
Matias also plays for the Scheck Hillel Community Day School boys’ soccer team as well as the Hollywood CTC Bandits, his travel club team. He helped teams win a silver medal in an ESPN tournament in Orlando and the Adidas South Florida Super Cup.
Although he is fully dedicated to soccer, Matias is well balanced. He maintains good grades and is a member of the National Honor Society.
During the 20th annual Maccabiah Games in Israel (coinciding with the USA Fencing Championships), Team USA member Abby Tartell of Aventura won two medals in fencing.
In Women’s Sabre, she earned gold in Open Team and silver in Senior Open.
Abby is a starting member of the NCAA Division I Northwestern University fencing team. She traveled to Wuxi, China to join her Northwestern teammates for the 2017 Absolute International Collegiate Fencing Invitational. Collegiate fencers from the USA (nine universities), China (10 universities), Korea (four universities) and Japan (one university) participated in camps and competition.
Abby is also a member of the Sabre Outreach Network travel team, training at the DuelLIFE Olympic Fencing Center in North Fort Lauderdale.
Sabre Outreach Network & DuelLIFE Olympic Fencing Center: 954-990-0090.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SONDLOFC/
Website: www.SabreOutreachNetwork.com
Miami-Dade South teams reached the finals in three divisions at the USTA Florida 40 & Over 3.5/4.5+ League Sectional Championships at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.
Miami-Dade South won the men’s 4.5+ division and was runner-up in women’s 3.5 and women’s 4.5+.
40 & Over Men’s 4.5+: Final: Miami-Dade South (Next Level Tennis Kendalltown) d. Pinellas County (McMullen Tennis Center, Clearwater) 4-1.
Championship: No. 1 Singles: Pedro Leon (M-D) d. Daniel Glezer 6-1, 6-3. No. 2 Singles: Rick Guevara (M-D) d. Jason Horwitz 6-3, 6-4. No. 1 Doubles: Mike Moenter/Jamie Mckibban (Pinellas) d. Javier Martinez/Jose Chavez 6-2, 6-4. No. 2 Doubles: Kenneth Thome/G. Emerson Fales (M-D) d. Thinh Duong/Clark Maccullough 6-0, 7-6. No. 3 Doubles: Marcos Lopez/Jorge Ramirez (M-D) d. Chris Canfield/Kurt Williams 7-5, 6-4.
Miami-Dade Season Roster: Herbert Portillo (captain), Marcos Lopez, Jorge Ramirez, Stephen Hanssen, G. Emerson Fales, Rick Guevara, Luis Portillo, Carlos Lopez, Isidro Gomez, Jose Chavez, Javier Martinez, Pedro Leon, Kenneth Thome
40 & Over Women’s 3.5: Final: Orange County (Orlando Tennis Center) d. Miami-Dade South (Doral Park Country Club) 3-2.
Championship: No. 1 Singles: Claudia Taboada (M-D) d. Timea Manfredi 6-7, 6-3, 1-0 (super-tiebreaker). No. 2 Singles: Tolly Spengler (Orange) d. Maria Benito 7-5, 6-4. No. 1 Doubles: Jennifer Adams/Wendy Sutch (Orange) d. Cristina Freitas/Mariana Salvioli 6-4, 6-1. No. 2 Doubles: Melissa Gonzalez/Andrea Andrade (M-D) d. Jennifer Carter/Michelle Kechriotis 6-2, 6-4. No. 3 Doubles: Tracy Cheek/Victoria Bushey (Orange) d. Carmen Alvarez/Cecilia Pissane 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (super-tiebreaker).
40 & Over Women’s 4.5+: Final: Hillsborough County (Harbour Island Athletic Club, Tampa) d. Miami-Dade South (Doral Park Country Club) 4-1
Championship: No. 1 Singles: Elizabeth Baldwin (Hillsborough) d. Maria Araujo 6-1, 6-3. No. 2 Singles: Joan Simmons (Hillsborough) d. Antoinette Looney 6-2, 6-1. No. 1 Doubles: Lisa Balsera/Allegra Campos (Hillsborough) d. Doris Montero/Maria Cors 6-2, 7-6. No. 2 Doubles: Laura Di Lauro/Natalia Moll (M-D) d. Maki Smith/Gueisy Herrmann 6-7, 6-4, 1-0 (super-tiebreaker). No. 3 Doubles: Avery Zercoe/Katarina Rutherford (Hillsborough) d. Jodi Appelbaum-Steinbauer/Sherril Colombo 6-1, 6-1
The winning teams advance to represent USTA Florida at the USTA League 40 & Over 3.5 National Championships on Oct. 27-29 in Fort Lauderdale and the USTA League 40 & Over 4.5+ National Championships on Oct. 20-22 at the Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala.
The event drew the top 40 & Over USTA League teams from throughout Florida, representing various clubs, parks, recreational departments and organizations that finished at the top of their local leagues. Teams consisting of two singles and three doubles lines competed in a non-elimination round-robin format, with flight winners advancing into a single-elimination semifinal followed by the final.
NTRP levels of play were 3.5 and 4.5+. For more information on NTRP levels go to www.usta.com/Adult-Tennis/USTA-League/Information/About_NTRP.
Tanya Eathakotti, 17, of Coral Gables and Leopoldo Herrera, 15, of Doral were the big winners of the 38th annual Palmetto Junior Golf Tournament.
Eathakotti shot 73-74-75 for 222 total to finish first in the girls’ 13-17 age group. Herrera fired 69-77-74 for a tournament best 220, which topped the boys’ 14-15 age group as well as the boys’ 16-17 age group.
Eathakotti and Herrera earned entry into the Orange Bowl Golf Tournament.
Sharif Amastha, 17, of Miami placed first in the boys’ 16-17 division. He scored 67-79-77 for 223. His 67 was a tournament best round. Sebastian Barcia, 13, of Miami won the boys’ 12-13 age group with 240 (82-78-80).
Trophies were awarded for first, second and third place in each division.
Giuliana Gomez, 13, of Miami was runner-up in girls’ 13-17 with 237 (83-75-79). Brett Kaufman, 12, of Palmetto Bay was second in boys’ 12-13 at 257 (83-87-87). Anthony Amoroso, 15, of Homestead was runner-up in boys’ 14-15 at 233 (77-79-77), and Luis Suarez, 17, of Doral was second in boys’ 16-17 at 228 (72-78-78).
The Miami Dolphins hosted 106 high school football programs from throughout South Florida in their fifth annual High School Media Day at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The event is another in the sample of signature events hosted by Youth Programs to develop South Florida high school athletes on and off the field. This event is catered to South Florida media, giving them an opportunity to interview and interact with the rising stars in the region.
“We’re honored to host football teams from the tri-county area for our fifth annual high school media day at Hard Rock Stadium,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said in a release. “Media day is an excellent opportunity for teams to showcase their talented coaches and student-athletes and preview what should be another exciting season of South Florida high school football.”
Teams from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties participated in the event, giving them real-world experience with media as well as preparing them for the upcoming season. Each team had individual head shots taken, teams photos and a three-minute press conference with media members.
More events, leagues, programs
Riddell kicked off season three of its Smarter Football program, inviting teams to apply for an equipment grant by demonstrating their commitment to advancing the game of football. Future Hall of Fame quarterback and Riddell brand ambassador Peyton Manning will join Riddell in reviewing this years applicants and selecting the winning teams.
The Smarter Football program is a grassroots campaign that recognizes and rewards teams across the country for implementing smarter tactics on and off the field. About 1,700 football programs across North America, from the youth level all the way up to semi-pro, have applied for an equipment grant through the initiative in its first two seasons.
“Our goal at Riddell is to challenge all members of the football community – including ourselves – to make smarter football part of their DNA,” Riddell President and CEO Dan Arment said in a release. “Seeing this program’s success year after year proves that the future of football is promising, which fuels our motivation to keep innovating. We look forward to recognizing and supporting a new class of recipients this year who display the same dedication to evolving the game.”
Smarter Football can take shape in many ways. At its core, it reflects the collective football community’s pledge to advance the sport. How it manifests itself, however, can look different for everyone involved.
For parents and administrators, it may mean more technologically advanced protective equipment. For players and coaches, it may mean optimizing strength training and more film study.
For Riddell, Smarter Football means leading innovation in product design and development to create more advanced protective technologies. This year, building upon the success of the Riddell SpeedFlex helmet, the company launched Riddell Precision-Fit, a state-of-the-art 3D head scanning process used to build a custom-fitting, player-specific helmet liner system that provides personalized protection.
Riddell also introduced enhanced player management software for its InSite Impact Response System, which summarizes players on-field alerts and identifies training opportunities for athletes based on their impact profile.
“I’ve always valued preparation and information, both on and off the field,” NFL great Peyton Manning said in a release. “I studied everything from the helmet I wore, to the tape I watched, to the plays I called to try to set myself and my team up for success. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the game I love and pay tribute to the players, coaches, parents and fans who share the same passion for the sport.”
This year’s program will continue to recognize and reward those at all levels of play who have taken steps toward improving and advancing the sport of football, especially when it comes to player safety and protection. Those interested in applying for a grant can visit Riddell.com/SmarterFootball.
The deadline for entries is Aug. 31, 2017 and recipients will be announced shortly after the submission period closes. Anyone in the football community is invited to join the movement by following @RiddellSports on social media and sharing their own examples of #SmarterFootball.
The Suniland Sundevils Tackle Football Registration is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thru August at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest.
Kids, age 5-13, are eligible. Fee $150 for the season. Suniland is a member of the Miami Xtreme Youth Tackle Football League.
The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches.
For information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.
The City of Miami Gardens presents new youth sports programs for boys and girls, age 5-17.
Bowling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Swimming.
Register at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 18605 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens 33056.
For fees and info, call 305-622-8080.
Visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/miamigardens.
The Florida Panthers will host their second annual Viktor E. Dash in conjunction with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at BB&T Center on Nov. 4.
The 5K race will kick off at 8 a.m., and the one-mile race, honoring Peggy Ziady, will begin at 8:45 a.m.
All registered racers will receive one ticket for the Panthers vs. Rangers game on Nov. 4 or Panthers vs. Stars on Nov. 14. Each racer will receive a special Viktor E. Dash T-Shirt and custom finisher medal, with the top three in each age group receiving special recognition.
https://www.nhl.com/panthers/community/viktoredash
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” said James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
Submit info to Sports Scene
Sports Scene spotlights news and notes from youth sports activities in your neighborhood. The aim is to feature game notes and the accomplishments of athletes from Miami-Dade County.
We rely on the directors and coaches of each league, as well as community members, parents and schools to submit information. We accept photos but ask that everyone pictured be identified with a first and last name and the name of the team or park they represent.
Email sportsscene@MiamiHerald.com.
Youth sports online
For more area sports photos, go to
www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth/miami-dade
YouTube youth sports and more
YouTube at the Jim Varsallone (the jimmyv3 channel)
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Miami-Dade South teams reached the finals in three divisions at the USTA Florida 40 & Over 3.5/4.5+ League Sectional Championships at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.
Miami-Dade South won the men’s 4.5+ division and was runner-up in women’s 3.5 and women’s 4.5+.
40 & Over Men’s 4.5+: Final: Miami-Dade South (Next Level Tennis Kendalltown) d. Pinellas County (McMullen Tennis Center, Clearwater) 4-1.
Championship: No. 1 Singles: Pedro Leon (M-D) d. Daniel Glezer 6-1, 6-3. No. 2 Singles: Rick Guevara (M-D) d. Jason Horwitz 6-3, 6-4. No. 1 Doubles: Mike Moenter/Jamie Mckibban (Pinellas) d. Javier Martinez/Jose Chavez 6-2, 6-4. No. 2 Doubles: Kenneth Thome/G. Emerson Fales (M-D) d. Thinh Duong/Clark Maccullough 6-0, 7-6. No. 3 Doubles: Marcos Lopez/Jorge Ramirez (M-D) d. Chris Canfield/Kurt Williams 7-5, 6-4.
Miami-Dade Season Roster: Herbert Portillo (captain), Marcos Lopez, Jorge Ramirez, Stephen Hanssen, G. Emerson Fales, Rick Guevara, Luis Portillo, Carlos Lopez, Isidro Gomez, Jose Chavez, Javier Martinez, Pedro Leon, Kenneth Thome
40 & Over Women’s 3.5: Final: Orange County (Orlando Tennis Center) d. Miami-Dade South (Doral Park Country Club) 3-2.
Championship: No. 1 Singles: Claudia Taboada (M-D) d. Timea Manfredi 6-7, 6-3, 1-0 (super-tiebreaker). No. 2 Singles: Tolly Spengler (Orange) d. Maria Benito 7-5, 6-4. No. 1 Doubles: Jennifer Adams/Wendy Sutch (Orange) d. Cristina Freitas/Mariana Salvioli 6-4, 6-1. No. 2 Doubles: Melissa Gonzalez/Andrea Andrade (M-D) d. Jennifer Carter/Michelle Kechriotis 6-2, 6-4. No. 3 Doubles: Tracy Cheek/Victoria Bushey (Orange) d. Carmen Alvarez/Cecilia Pissane 2-6, 6-4, 1-0 (super-tiebreaker).
40 & Over Women’s 4.5+: Final: Hillsborough County (Harbour Island Athletic Club, Tampa) d. Miami-Dade South (Doral Park Country Club) 4-1
Championship: No. 1 Singles: Elizabeth Baldwin (Hillsborough) d. Maria Araujo 6-1, 6-3. No. 2 Singles: Joan Simmons (Hillsborough) d. Antoinette Looney 6-2, 6-1. No. 1 Doubles: Lisa Balsera/Allegra Campos (Hillsborough) d. Doris Montero/Maria Cors 6-2, 7-6. No. 2 Doubles: Laura Di Lauro/Natalia Moll (M-D) d. Maki Smith/Gueisy Herrmann 6-7, 6-4, 1-0 (super-tiebreaker). No. 3 Doubles: Avery Zercoe/Katarina Rutherford (Hillsborough) d. Jodi Appelbaum-Steinbauer/Sherril Colombo 6-1, 6-1
The winning teams advance to represent USTA Florida at the USTA League 40 & Over 3.5 National Championships on Oct. 27-29 in Fort Lauderdale and the USTA League 40 & Over 4.5+ National Championships on Oct. 20-22 at the Mobile Tennis Center in Mobile, Ala.
The event drew the top 40 & Over USTA League teams from throughout Florida, representing various clubs, parks, recreational departments and organizations that finished at the top of their local leagues. Teams consisting of two singles and three doubles lines competed in a non-elimination round-robin format, with flight winners advancing into a single-elimination semifinal followed by the final.
NTRP levels of play were 3.5 and 4.5+. For more information on NTRP levels go to www.usta.com/Adult-Tennis/USTA-League/Information/About_NTRP.
Emalie Belokon, 16, of Aventura won two silver medals in karate at the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel.
Selected to represent Team USA at the Games, Belokon was runner-up in kata (forms) and kumite (sparring). She was the only member of Team USA to win two silver medals in karate (no gold for Team USA in karate).
The Maccabiah Games is an Olympic-style event for Jewish athletes from around the world.
Born and raised in South Florida, Belokon trains at DB Karate School under the direction of Sensei Demian Bermudez in Sunny Isles Beach.
Belokon has competed locally and nationally, winning numerous medals and trophies. She is an AAU National Champion in kata (forms), an AAU National silver medalist in kumite (sparring) and Florida state champion in kata.
She also gives back, teaching young students at the DB Karate School, 17070 Collins Ave., Suite 264, Sunny Isles Beach, 33160. Call 786-624-1512. Visit info@dbkarateschool.com.
Matias Lancewicki, 16, of Aventura was one of 20 Jewish athletes selected to compete for the Team USA boys’ soccer team at the 20th Maccabiah Games in Israel.
The Maccabiah Games, also known as the Jewish Olympics, is the third largest international competition, just behind the Olympics and Pan American Games. This year, with more than 10,000 athletes from 85 countries, the 20th Maccabiah Games was the largest in its history.
Matias, a striker, made his mark on the field throughout the tournament and scored in a win against Australia.
He began to play soccer as soon as he could walk, and after years of training, he achieved the level needed to compete against top athletes at the Maccabiah Games.
Matias also plays for the Scheck Hillel Community Day School boys’ soccer team as well as the Hollywood CTC Bandits, his travel club team. He helped teams win a silver medal in an ESPN tournament in Orlando and the Adidas South Florida Super Cup.
Although he is fully dedicated to soccer, Matias is well balanced. He maintains good grades and is a member of the National Honor Society.
During the 20th annual Maccabiah Games in Israel (coinciding with the USA Fencing Championships), Team USA member Abby Tartell of Aventura won two medals in fencing.
In Women’s Sabre, she earned gold in Open Team and silver in Senior Open.
Abby is a starting member of the NCAA Division I Northwestern University fencing team. She traveled to Wuxi, China to join her Northwestern teammates for the 2017 Absolute International Collegiate Fencing Invitational. Collegiate fencers from the USA (nine universities), China (10 universities), Korea (four universities) and Japan (one university) participated in camps and competition.
Abby is also a member of the Sabre Outreach Network travel team, training at the DuelLIFE Olympic Fencing Center in North Fort Lauderdale.
Sabre Outreach Network & DuelLIFE Olympic Fencing Center: 954-990-0090.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SONDLOFC/
Website: www.SabreOutreachNetwork.com
Tanya Eathakotti, 17, of Coral Gables and Leopoldo Herrera, 15, of Doral were the big winners of the 38th annual Palmetto Junior Golf Tournament.
Eathakotti shot 73-74-75 for 222 total to finish first in the girls’ 13-17 age group. Herrera fired 69-77-74 for a tournament best 220, which topped the boys’ 14-15 age group as well as the boys’ 16-17 age group.
Eathakotti and Herrera earned entry into the Orange Bowl Golf Tournament.
Sharif Amastha, 17, of Miami placed first in the boys’ 16-17 division. He scored 67-79-77 for 223. His 67 was a tournament best round. Sebastian Barcia, 13, of Miami won the boys’ 12-13 age group with 240 (82-78-80).
Trophies were awarded for first, second and third place in each division.
Giuliana Gomez, 13, of Miami was runner-up in girls’ 13-17 with 237 (83-75-79). Brett Kaufman, 12, of Palmetto Bay was second in boys’ 12-13 at 257 (83-87-87). Anthony Amoroso, 15, of Homestead was runner-up in boys’ 14-15 at 233 (77-79-77), and Luis Suarez, 17, of Doral was second in boys’ 16-17 at 228 (72-78-78).
The Miami Dolphins hosted 106 high school football programs from throughout South Florida in their fifth annual High School Media Day at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The event is another in the sample of signature events hosted by Youth Programs to develop South Florida high school athletes on and off the field. This event is catered to South Florida media, giving them an opportunity to interview and interact with the rising stars in the region.
“We’re honored to host football teams from the tri-county area for our fifth annual high school media day at Hard Rock Stadium,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said in a release. “Media day is an excellent opportunity for teams to showcase their talented coaches and student-athletes and preview what should be another exciting season of South Florida high school football.”
Teams from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties participated in the event, giving them real-world experience with media as well as preparing them for the upcoming season. Each team had individual head shots taken, teams photos and a three-minute press conference with media members.
The Suniland Sundevils Tackle Football Registration is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thru August at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest.
Kids, age 5-13, are eligible. Fee $150 for the season. Suniland is a member of the Miami Xtreme Youth Tackle Football League.
The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches.
For information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.
More events, leagues, programs
Riddell kicked off season three of its Smarter Football program, inviting teams to apply for an equipment grant by demonstrating their commitment to advancing the game of football. Future Hall of Fame quarterback and Riddell brand ambassador Peyton Manning will join Riddell in reviewing this years applicants and selecting the winning teams.
The Smarter Football program is a grassroots campaign that recognizes and rewards teams across the country for implementing smarter tactics on and off the field. About 1,700 football programs across North America, from the youth level all the way up to semi-pro, have applied for an equipment grant through the initiative in its first two seasons.
“Our goal at Riddell is to challenge all members of the football community – including ourselves – to make smarter football part of their DNA,” Riddell President and CEO Dan Arment said in a release. “Seeing this program’s success year after year proves that the future of football is promising, which fuels our motivation to keep innovating. We look forward to recognizing and supporting a new class of recipients this year who display the same dedication to evolving the game.”
Smarter Football can take shape in many ways. At its core, it reflects the collective football community’s pledge to advance the sport. How it manifests itself, however, can look different for everyone involved.
For parents and administrators, it may mean more technologically advanced protective equipment. For players and coaches, it may mean optimizing strength training and more film study.
For Riddell, Smarter Football means leading innovation in product design and development to create more advanced protective technologies. This year, building upon the success of the Riddell SpeedFlex helmet, the company launched Riddell Precision-Fit, a state-of-the-art 3D head scanning process used to build a custom-fitting, player-specific helmet liner system that provides personalized protection.
Riddell also introduced enhanced player management software for its InSite Impact Response System, which summarizes players on-field alerts and identifies training opportunities for athletes based on their impact profile.
“I’ve always valued preparation and information, both on and off the field,” NFL great Peyton Manning said in a release. “I studied everything from the helmet I wore, to the tape I watched, to the plays I called to try to set myself and my team up for success. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the game I love and pay tribute to the players, coaches, parents and fans who share the same passion for the sport.”
This year’s program will continue to recognize and reward those at all levels of play who have taken steps toward improving and advancing the sport of football, especially when it comes to player safety and protection. Those interested in applying for a grant can visit Riddell.com/SmarterFootball.
The deadline for entries is Aug. 31, 2017 and recipients will be announced shortly after the submission period closes. Anyone in the football community is invited to join the movement by following @RiddellSports on social media and sharing their own examples of #SmarterFootball.
The City of Miami Gardens presents new youth sports programs for boys and girls, age 5-17.
Bowling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Swimming.
Register at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 18605 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens 33056.
For fees and info, call 305-622-8080.
Visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/miamigardens.
The Florida Panthers will host their second annual Viktor E. Dash in conjunction with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at BB&T Center on Nov. 4.
The 5K race will kick off at 8 a.m., and the one-mile race, honoring Peggy Ziady, will begin at 8:45 a.m.
All registered racers will receive one ticket for the Panthers vs. Rangers game on Nov. 4 or Panthers vs. Stars on Nov. 14. Each racer will receive a special Viktor E. Dash T-Shirt and custom finisher medal, with the top three in each age group receiving special recognition.
https://www.nhl.com/panthers/community/viktoredash
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” said James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
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To recognize deserving South Florida youth baseball and softball players for doing well in school and displaying sportsmanship on the diamond, the two-time champion Miami Marlins -- via Marlins third baseman Martin Prado -- have once again partnered with The Miami Herald for a special Team Player spotlight in the Neighbors sports section in print and online.
The honorees for July are Nathan Betz (Calvary Christian Academy), Noah Cantor (North Beach Elementary School), Ayron Diaz (West Hialeah Gardens Elementary School), Nicholas Pavlou (Herbert A. Ammons Middle School) and Kaitlyn Perdomo (Saint Louis Covenant School).
On Tuesday, July 18, these standout student athletes participated in the Miami Herald Spotlight “Very Prado You” Batting Practice Experience and Meet & Greet, where they watched Marlins batting practice on the field and met Prado in the dugout and during an on-field, pre-game ceremony.
Mascot extraordinaire Billy the Marlin also participated in the ceremony.
Each honoree received an autographed certificate signed by Prado, a Very Prado You T-shirt, food and beverage, complimentary parking and game tickets -- all provided by Prado.
Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club announced that Jeremy Hewett and Katerina Molina were selected to travel to Europe to participate in the generation adidas international select program.
They are two of 96 players selected nationwide to train in August at Real Madrid Foundation, A.F.C. Ajax, and Olympique Lyonnais - three of the world’s most powerful soccer clubs.
This an opportunity presented to very few American players.
Hewett, an incoming junior at Westminster Christian School, will travel to Madrid, Spain to train with Real Madrid Foundation coaches. He secured one of 32 spots for the generation adidas international Real Madrid Foundation Select Program.
Molina, an incoming sophomore at Lourdes Academy, will travel to Lyon, France to train with Olympique Lyonnais Academy coaches. She secured one of 32 spots for the generation adidas international Olympique Lyonnais Select Program.
Hewett, 16, plays for Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club. From the program, he looks forward to going to Spain and training with one of the best clubs in the world. He is excited to train with the team of elite coaches and is grateful for the chance to work with other players like himself. In addition to being trained by Real Madrid Foundation coaches, Hewett will play in international friendly matches against Academy teams and receive individual evaluation from Real Madrid Foundation coaches.
Molina, 14, also plays for Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club. She has played as a forward for the club for seven years. From the program, she looks forward to learning new ways to improve her game and different ways to train. Molina will be trained by Olympique Lyonnais Academy coaches and will play in international friendly matches against Academy teams. She will also receive individual evaluation from Olympique Lyonnais Academy coaches.
Relevent Sports, a division of RSE Ventures, announced 11 South Florida students were awarded $10,000 scholarships.
All scholarship recipients plus a guest received a free ticket to the International Champions Cup, presented by Heineken at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. That high-profile soccer match pitted Real Madrid CF and F.C. Barcelona.
Recipients from Miami-Dade County are: David Espantoso (Mater Academy Charter), Sandruny Fortune (Miami Northwestern HS), Giovani Marks (Booker T. Washington HS), Marvens Mertune (William H. Turner Technical Art), Khareem Oliver (Coral Gables HS), Frantz Paul (North Miami Beach Senior HS).
The students are graduated high school seniors who demonstrated a financial need to attend college, has a 2.5 GPA (B average or comparable on the scale) or higher and submitted a 300-500 word essay on the impact the game of soccer has made in their life.
For information, go to
www.internationalchampionscup.com.
The Miami Dolphins, in partnership with the NFL, joined NFL Hall of Fame offensive tackle Anthony Muñoz in hosting an NFL PLAY 60 Character Camp locally for the fourth time.
Ted Hendricks Stadium in Hialeah received approximately 300 youth, many Hispanic, age 9-13, with little or no football experience for the free camp.
The mission of the event was to make a positive impact on youth through teaching football skills, emphasizing exercise and reinforcing the importance of character in athletics and life. The program is currently working in collaboration with USA Football and its NFL FLAG curriculum, which introduces participants to be physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football, lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship.
In addition, the camps taught character values that are core to the Anthony Muñoz Foundation, and promoted NFL PLAY 60’s health and fitness message. NFL PLAY 60 is the league’s youth health and fitness campaign, aimed at getting kids active for 60 minutes a day.
This is part of a series of NFL PLAY60 camps occurring in the summer and fall as part of the NFL’s year-round Hispanic outreach initiative, focused on offering youth opportunities to play and experience the game of football.
Riddell kicked off season three of its Smarter Football program, inviting teams to apply for an equipment grant by demonstrating their commitment to advancing the game of football. Future Hall of Fame quarterback and Riddell brand ambassador Peyton Manning will join Riddell in reviewing this year’s applicants and selecting the winning teams.
The Smarter Football program is a grassroots campaign that recognizes and rewards teams across the country for implementing smarter tactics on and off the field. About 1,700 football programs across North America, from the youth level all the way up to semi-pro, have applied for an equipment grant through the initiative in its first two seasons.
“Our goal at Riddell is to challenge all members of the football community – including ourselves – to make smarter football part of their DNA,” Riddell President and CEO Dan Arment said in a release. “Seeing this program’s success year after year proves that the future of football is promising, which fuels our motivation to keep innovating. We look forward to recognizing and supporting a new class of recipients this year who display the same dedication to evolving the game.”
Smarter Football can take shape in many ways. At its core, it reflects the collective football community’s pledge to advance the sport. How it manifests itself, however, can look different for everyone involved.
For parents and administrators, it may mean more technologically advanced protective equipment. For players and coaches, it may mean optimizing strength training and more film study.
For Riddell, Smarter Football means leading innovation in product design and development to create more advanced protective technologies. This year, building upon the success of the Riddell SpeedFlex helmet, the company launched Riddell Precision-Fit, a state-of-the-art 3D head scanning process used to build a custom-fitting, player-specific helmet liner system that provides personalized protection.
Riddell also introduced enhanced player management software for its InSite Impact Response System, which summarizes players on-field alerts and identifies training opportunities for athletes based on their impact profile.
“I’ve always valued preparation and information, both on and off the field,” NFL great Peyton Manning said in a release. “I studied everything from the helmet I wore, to the tape I watched, to the plays I called to try to set myself and my team up for success. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the game I love and pay tribute to the players, coaches, parents and fans who share the same passion for the sport.”
This year’s program will continue to recognize and reward those at all levels of play who have taken steps toward improving and advancing the sport of football, especially when it comes to player safety and protection. Those interested in applying for a grant can visit Riddell.com/SmarterFootball.
The deadline for entries is Aug. 31, 2017 and recipients will be announced shortly after the submission period closes. Anyone in the football community is invited to join the movement by following @RiddellSports on social media and sharing their own examples of #SmarterFootball.
The Suniland Sundevils Tackle Football Registration is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thru August at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest.
Kids, age 5-13, are eligible. Fee $150 for the season. Suniland is a member of the Miami Xtreme Youth Tackle Football League.
The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches.
For information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.
The City of Miami Gardens presents new youth sports programs for boys and girls, age 5-17.
Bowling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Swimming.
Register at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 18605 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens 33056.
For fees and info, call 305-622-8080.
Visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/miamigardens.
The Florida Panthers will host their second annual Viktor E. Dash in conjunction with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at BB&T Center on Nov. 4.
The 5K race will kick off at 8 a.m., and the one-mile race, honoring Peggy Ziady, will begin at 8:45 a.m.
All registered racers will receive one ticket for the Panthers vs. Rangers game on Nov. 4 or Panthers vs. Stars on Nov. 14. Each racer will receive a special Viktor E. Dash T-Shirt and custom finisher medal, with the top three in each age group receiving special recognition.
https://www.nhl.com/panthers/community/viktoredash
More events, leagues, programs
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” said James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
Submit info to Sports Scene
Sports Scene spotlights news and notes from youth sports activities in your neighborhood. The aim is to feature game notes and the accomplishments of athletes from Miami-Dade County.
We rely on the directors and coaches of each league, as well as community members, parents and schools to submit information. We accept photos but ask that everyone pictured be identified with a first and last name and the name of the team or park they represent.
Email sportsscene@MiamiHerald.com.
Youth sports online
For more area sports photos, go to
www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth/miami-dade
YouTube youth sports and more
YouTube at the Jim Varsallone (the jimmyv3 channel)
","template_type":"","story_teaser":"","lead_media":{"id":"166967922","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/lqsxeq/picture166967922","asset_type":"picture","state":"published","title":"NORTH-1-LEDEAug13","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"","home":"/web/v1/sections/5201","modified_date":1502608897,"allow_comments":false,"published_date":1502608886,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/lqsxeq/picture166967922/alternates/FREE_1140/NORTH-1-LEDEAug13","href":"/web/v1/content/166967922","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["5201"],"credit":"","dateline":"","caption":"Miami Marlins third baseman Martin Prado congratulated the July honorees of the Very Prado You student athlete (baseball/softball) program in conjunction with the Miami Herald and the Marlins. (From left) Kaitlyn Perdomo (Saint Louis Covenant School), Nicholas Pavlou (Herbert A. Ammons Middle School), Ayron Diaz (West Hialeah Gardens Elementary School), Noah Cantor (North Beach Elementary School), and Nathan Betz (Calvary Christian Academy) were recognized for their academics and sportsmanship at a ceremony behind home plate before the Marlins game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Marlins Park. Prado provided an autographed certificate of achievement, four game tickets, food and beverage, parking, and a Very Prado You T-shirt. The honorees met Prado earlier in the dugout and attended batting practice. Mascot extraordinaire Billy the Marlin also participated.","is_mugshot":false,"text_alignment":"Default","summary":"","byline":"","kicker":""},"owner":"Miami","allow_comments":true,"image":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/lqsxeq/picture166967922/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/NORTH-1-LEDEAug13"},{"id":"166191052","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/article166191052.html","asset_type":"story","state":"published","title":"Very Prado You: Marlins, Prado honor student athletes for July","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"none","home":"/web/v1/sections/5201","home_section":{"name":"Youth Sports","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/"},"modified_date":1502254304,"published_date":1502254200,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/1avzbo/picture166191037/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/IMG_2233","keywords":"martin prado, miami marlins, marlins park, student athletes, broward, miami-dade, baseball, softball, billy the marlin, nathan betz, calvary christian academy, noah cantor, north beach elementary school, ayron diaz, west hialeah gardens elementary school, nicholas pavlou, herbert a. ammons middle school, kaitlyn perdomo, saint louis covenant school,","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["5201","5046","5048","5176"],"credit":"","dateline":"","summary":"To recognize deserving South Florida youth baseball and softball players for doing well in school and displaying sportsmanship, the two-time champion Miami Marlins -- via Marlins third baseman Martin Prado -- have once again partnered with The Miami Herald for a special Team Player spotlight in the Neighbors sports section in print and online. July honorees participated in the Miami Herald Spotlight “Very Prado You” Batting Practice Experience and Meet & Greet, where they watched Marlins batting practice on the field and met Prado during an on-field, pre-game ceremony.","content":"
To recognize deserving South Florida youth baseball and softball players for doing well in school and displaying sportsmanship on the diamond, the two-time champion Miami Marlins -- via Marlins third baseman Martin Prado -- have once again partnered with The Miami Herald for a special Team Player spotlight in the Neighbors sports section in print and online.
The honorees for July are Nathan Betz (Calvary Christian Academy), Noah Cantor (North Beach Elementary School), Ayron Diaz (West Hialeah Gardens Elementary School), Nicholas Pavlou (Herbert A. Ammons Middle School) and Kaitlyn Perdomo (Saint Louis Covenant School).
On Tuesday, July 18, these standout student athletes participated in the Miami Herald Spotlight “Very Prado You” Batting Practice Experience and Meet & Greet, where they watched Marlins batting practice on the field and met Prado in the dugout and during an on-field, pre-game ceremony.
Mascot extraordinaire Billy the Marlin also participated in the ceremony.
Each honoree received an autographed certificate signed by Prado, a Very Prado You T-shirt, food and beverage, complimentary parking and game tickets -- all provided by Prado.
ABOUT THE HONOREES
Nathan Betz, 9, of Fort Lauderdale completed third grade at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale.
Nathan is a solid all-around student athlete, earning an ‘A’ average. He is well-liked by many kids inside and outside the classroom.
In February, Nathan won an ASCI speech competition for Christian schools in Broward County.
In baseball, he participates in that Margate Recreation League. In his first full year of kids pitch, he received game balls four times for his game performance and sportsmanship.
A versatile player, Nathan pitches and plays second base and centerfield.
---
Noah Cantor, 7, of Miami Beach completed first grade at North Beach Elementary School in Miami Beach.
Noah played coach pitch baseball in the spring season for the Miami Beach Scrappers in the City of Miami Beach Rookie League. He primarily played pitcher and outfield, helping the Scrappers finish first.
He consistently practiced with a positive attitude, cheering on his teammates and always ready to work hard.
Noah is also an excellent student. He made the Superior Honor Roll and also received a Student of the Month award.
The Scrappers came in 1st place in the league this season. Noah was a new member of the team and a true asset to the Scrappers
---
Ayron Diaz, 11, of Hialeah Gardens completed fifth grade at West Hialeah Gardens Elementary School in Hialeah.
He is an excellent baseball player, competing at Westland Gardens Park in Hialeah Gardens, and he is an outstanding student, earning straight A’s.
A centerfielder, he won four league championships playing with the Angels, Hurricanes and Bombers. Last season he led his team in RBI, home runs and triples.
In school, he made the Principal’s Honor Roll and received the Citizenship award. He finished elementary school with a 3.9 GPA.
His favorite team is the Miami Marlins, and his favorite player is Dee Gordon. His other favorite player is Jackie Robinson.
His hobbies are baseball, basketball and Pokémon cards.
---
Nicholas Pavlou, 11, of Miami completed sixth grade at Herbert A. Ammons Middle School in Miami.
He’s made the Principals Honor Roll since kindergarten. He also received the Presidential Award.
He is a team player on and off the field. He has a love and passion for baseball. He has been playing the game since he was 5-years-old. He maintains the same determination and dedication to his academics as to baseball.
He is a great team player, leader and always demonstrates sportsmanship with a positive attitude, win or lose.
---
Kaitlyn Perdomo, 14, of Palmetto Bay completed eighth grade at Saint Louis Covenant School in Pinecrest.
She is a four-year starter for the Saint Louis Covenant Middle School softball team. She helped the team go 10-0 this past season to finish first in the All Catholic Conference. For that team, she was the starting second baseman and lead them in runs.
Off the field, she was the school’s student body president. She earned the STL Service Award and won first prize in broadcast and journalism by the two-time Emmy Award winning Christopher Columbus News Network. She is also a member of the National Junior Honor Society.
She has played on numerous recreational and travel teams since she was in third grade. She will be a freshman in the fall at Our Lady of Lourdes Academy.
---
ABOUT MARTIN PRADO
Martín Manuel Prado, 33, was born in Maracay, Venezuela. He was one of four siblings raised in a single-parent family headed by their mother, Irma Prado.
He signed with the Atlanta Braves as a non-drafted free agent on Feb. 23, 2001. He played in the Braves’ Dominican program in 2001 and 2002 and came to the United States to join the Gulf Coast League in 2003.
Prado made his major league debut for the Braves on April 23, 2006. He played for the Braves through the 2012 season. He then played for the Arizona Diamondbacks and New York Yankees, before joining the Marlins in 2015. A 2010 MLB All-Star, he is signed with the Marlins through the 2019 season.
Prado competed in the 2017 World Baseball Classic.
Miami Marlins social media
https://www.facebook.com/Marlins/
Youth Sports On The Web
http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/
YouTube jim varsallone (jimmyv3 channel)
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Miami-Dade South (Alper Jewish Community Center) won the state title in the 40 and older women’s 3.0 division during the 2017 USTA Florida 40 & Over 3.0/4.0 League Sectional Tennis Championships at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.
The Alper Jewish Community Center garnered Miami its first USTA Florida League Sectionals title of the 2017 season. They will represent Florida at nationals.
“This title took a full team commitment, and my ladies didn’t let me down,” Miami captain Jane Forman said in a release. “They overcame extreme adversities and proved to be true champions by working together. My only advice going into the finals was ‘Leave nothing on the court’ and they did just that. Thank you for a phenomenal weekend at this most beautiful facility.”
Alper Jewish Community Center defeated Clay County (Eagle Harbor County Club, Fleming Island) 3-2 in the finals.
No. 1 Singles: Elizabeth Velasco (Miami) d. Patricia Braun 6-3, 6-0. No. 2 Singles: Ximenia Otero (Miami) d. Elaine Canaan 6-1, 6-2.
No. 1 Doubles: Lori Aiosa/Sharon Surdyke (Clay) d. Liliana Salmon/Maria Odon 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 (super-tiebreaker). No. 2 Doubles: Andrea Sullivan/Stephanie Rouse (Clay) d. Silvana Caamano/Maria Torres 6-2, 6-1. No. 3 Doubles: Carole Bernstein/Mellissa Cili (Miami) d. Sheri Woods/Sherrie Hamilton 6-1, 6-4
The champions are: Jane Forman (captain), Maria Torres, Maria Odon, Bernardine Rogan, Nancy Ware, Ximena Otero, Malu Atkinson, Carole Bernstein, Mellissa Cili, Ely Cora, Angela Musso, Faye Lumsden, Elizabeth Velasco, Silvana Caamano, Rosana Aronson, Liliana Salmon.
In the 40 and older men’s 4.0 final, Broward County (Quigley Park, Parkland) edged Miami-Dade South (Ron Ehmann Tennis Center) 3-2.
No. 1 Singles: Santiago Restrepo (Broward) d. Jose Nunez 6-2, 7-5. No. 2 Singles: Javier Dalmau (Miami) d. Barry Rittman 6-4, 6-0.
No. 1 Doubles: Mark Banens/Alex Barrellier (Miami) d. Mark Miller/David Netburn 6-1, 6-0. No. 2 Doubles: Greg Brusey/Jorge Rodriguez (Broward) d. Maireni Ramirez/Gerardo Perdigon 6-2, 5-7, 1-0 (super-tiebreak). No. 3 Doubles: David Aron/Christian Reyes (Broward) d. Robert Rogers/Carlos Lopez 6-3, 6-2
The event drew the top 40 & Over USTA League teams from throughout Florida, representing various clubs, parks, recreational departments and organizations that finished at the top of their local leagues. Teams consisting of two singes and three doubles lines competed in a non-elimination, round-robin format, with flight winners advancing into a single-elimination semifinal followed by the final.
NTRP levels of play were 3.0 and 4.0.
For more information on NTRP levels go to:
www.usta.com/Adult-Tennis/USTA-League/Information/About_NTRP.
Established in 1980, USTA League has grown from 13,000 participants in a few parts of the country in its first year to more than 904,000 players across the nation today, making it the world’s largest recreational tennis league. The league groups players by using six National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) levels, ranging from 2.5 (entry) to 5.0+ (advanced). USTA League is open to any USTA member 18 years of age or older.
For more information on USTA Florida Leagues go to:
Five South Florida teenagers returned from an international sailing regatta in Thailand as world champions.
At the Optimist World Championships, it marked the first time all five American team qualifiers are members of the same club (Coral Reef Yacht Club in Coconut Grove).
Twins Justin and Mitchell Callahan, 14, Liam O’Keefe, 14, Stephan Baker, 13, and Charlotte Leigh, 14, competed against 281 of the best young sailors from 62 countries.
Representing Team USA, they won the IODA Challenge Cup for team racing for the second consecutive year and the Nations Cup for overall best combined performances of team members. Charlotte won the individual bronze medal in the Top Female category. Justin was a member of the team that won the Team Racing trophy last year.
Racing out of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand, in swirling seas and winds of up to 18 knots, Stephan finished fourth overall, Mitchell 14th and Liam 17th.
In the best-of-three Team Racing final, after victories over countries including Ireland, Germany, Thailand, and Singapore, Team USA beat Team China 2-1 in a dramatic ‘sail off,’ cheered on by family and supporters in a fleet of spectator boats.
Team USA’s sailor spokesman Justin Callahan said: “It was going to be challenging. All the teams are excellent. We knew that going into the day.”
Although all five are members of Coral Reef YC, only Liam and Charlie actually sail for the club, where they are coached by Omari Scott.
Justin, Mitchell and Stephan sail out of Lauderdale Yacht Club, where team coaches are Pilo Rocha and Arthur Blodgett.
Stefan and Liam are students at Ransom Everglades School. Charlotte attends Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. Mitchell and Justin studies at Florida Virtual School, the first statewide Internet-based public high school in the United States.
The high-achieving youngsters beat hundreds of America’s top 'Opti' sailors to qualify for the World Championships at a regatta in New Jersey earlier this year, where they were declared the top five Opti sailors in the United States.
Between them, the youngsters have already sailed across the world, from South America, Canada, Bermuda, and throughout Europe.
Team coach Lior Lavie, originally from Israel, has been coaching Opti sailors for seven years.
He said all five youngsters have fantastic sailing careers ahead of them. He pointed out that more than 85-percent of sailors who participated in the Rio Olympics sailed in Optimist dinghies when they were young. All five have ambitions to one day make it to the Olympics.
Paul Callahan, country representative, president of the US Optimist Dinghy Association, a two-time Paralympian – and father of Justin and Mitchell – praised the team’s “devotion to excellence.”
Thirteen-year-old Enzo Menditto, an eighth grader at Westminster Christian School, is one of four sailors representing the United States in the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) European Championship Regatta on the Black Sea off the coast of Bourgas, Bulgaria.
Menditto began his sailing career at age 8 and has trained the past five years at Coral Reef Yacht Club in Coconut Grove.
In May, Menditto competed in the United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) Team Trials in Long Beach Island, N.J., where he finished eighth in the country and retained his seat on the U.S. National Team. In previous years, Menditto has represented the United States at The South American Championship in Paraguay (2017), The North American Championship in Antigua (2016), The Lake Garda Optimist Meeting in Italy (2016) and British Nationals in Wales (2015).
Youth sailing in South Florida has the benefit of year-round sailing. Menditto looks to advance his ranking to top five in the next year so he can represent the USA in the 2018 Optimist World Championship in Cypress.
The Miami Dolphins, in conjunction with Warner Music Group, partnered with KaBOOM! to build a playground at Cotson Park in Hialeah. About 200 volunteers joined partners and children from Hialeah to erect the park designed by the kids with KaBOOM!.
“The Miami Dolphins are invested in developing our youth to make positive choices and engage in physical activity,” Miami Dolphins Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Jehn said in a release. “This playground provides an opportunity for kids in Hialeah to be able to have a space to play. We thank CB Lafayette Pitts and our alumni O.J. McDuffie, James Pruitt and Bryant Salter for coming out, as well as our great partners in KaBOOM, Warner Music Group and the City of Hialeah for working collaboratively to bring this great community initiative to fruition.”
The volunteers had a short “warm up” before being grouped into teams to assist with the mulching, concrete and playground build to begin working around 9 a.m. Teams took shifts breaking for lunch to ensure that the work never stopped. By 2 p.m. the finishing touches were put on the playground and the job was complete.
“At Warner Music Group, we take great pride in contributing to the communities we live and work in, particularly through youth programs,” said Gabriela Martinez, Senior Vice President, Marketing, & General Manager, Warner Music Latin America. “KaBOOM! is an amazing organization and we are thrilled to continue contributing to their mission, especially in partnership with the Miami Dolphins and on behalf of the City of Hialeah.”
All volunteers gathered to share in the accomplishments from the day. Together with the children who crafted the design, the park opened to the public by cutting an inaugural ribbon. All parties gathered for a group photo before breaking off to complete final cleanup and checks.
“It's an honor for the City of Hialeah Department of Parks and Recreation to be working today with the Miami Dolphins, Warner Music Group and more than 200 volunteers to build a new playground for the kids at Cotson Park,” City of Hialeah Parks & Recreation Director Joseph Dziedzic said. “This new playground will provide a safe and interactive environment for all kids in this community to enjoy play.”
On Friday, July 14, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, Miami-Dade County District 9 Commissioner Dennis C. Moss and local youth joined together for a tennis-themed play day at the newly resurfaced tennis courts at West Perrine Park, 10301 SW 170 Ter, Miami.
The event was a kick-off for the new Urban Tennis Program initiated by Commissioner Moss.
The tennis program will be offered free of charge to youth enrolled in Miami-Dade Parks’ summer camp program at West Perrine, Goulds, and Sgt. Delancy parks. Specifically designed for kids age 10 and younger, the program features a beginner progressive format that utilizes shorter courts and low compression balls, and offers tips on fitness and nutrition. The program will serve as a pathway to Junior Team Tennis and other USTA programs.
“I am so thrilled to debut the new Urban Tennis Program. This is a dream come true! Together with the Parks Department, we have created an innovative recreational opportunity for kids who would normally have little exposure to the sport of tennis, serving up fun, active-play in their neighborhood park,” Commissioner Moss said in a release.
Miami-Dade Parks Director Designee Maria Nardi, added: “We aim to help program participants enjoy their first experiences with tennis, so they can develop their athletic abilities and love for the sport.”
Miami-Dade Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 270 parks and 13,573 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world and focused on Placemaking, Health and Fitness and Conservation and Stewardship.
The non-profit Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade supports Miami-Dade Parks' efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors.
The Orange Bowl Family Fun & Fit Day presented by Sunshine Health will occur at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The event is free to the general public and will feature more than 60 vendors providing a variety of services and products including free health screenings, fitness classes, interactive demonstrations and essentials for children heading back to school. Now in its fifth year, the event previously known as the Orange Bowl Health and Wellness Fair, will address the health and medical needs of the South Florida community, encourage youth and families to improve their eating habits and maintain a physically active lifestyle.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year because of the opportunity to engage South Florida families and children in preparation for an exciting new school year,” Orange Bowl community outreach chair Henri Crockett said in a release.
Free haircuts, backpacks with school supplies, and health screenings will be available to all attendees as well a concussion awareness and safety recognition seminar presented by USA Football. Sunshine Health, presenting sponsor of the Orange Bowl Family Fun & Fit Day, will be one of the many exhibitors providing free information and services. More exhibitors and services are being added daily. Along with the exhibitors, the event will feature activities for the entire family including food trucks, a youth football clinic, live performances and demonstrations, music, games, raffle giveaways, bounce houses, caricaturists and face painting for children.
“Sunshine Health is proud to support the Orange Bowl and its Family Fun and Fit Day, an important community event that promotes health and wellness and gives hundreds of South Florida youth and families a head start on the school year with free back-to-school supplies,” said Chris Paterson, CEO of Sunshine Health. “People can come out and have a good time while also learning about the importance of an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits. This is just one of the many ways the Orange Bowl supports our community throughout the year.”
The Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex is at 3000 NW 199th St., Miami Gardens.
Presenting sponsor Sunshine Health is joined by community sponsor the City of Miami Gardens, media partner CBS4 and associate sponsors AutoNation, Florida Prepaid College Plans, Hard Rock Stadium, Wells Fargo and Clutch Insurance in support of the event.
For more information or if you are an exhibitor requesting to participate in the Orange Bowl Family Fun & Fit Day presented by Sunshine Health, email jlowry@orangebowl.org.
Riddell kicked off season three of its Smarter Football program, inviting teams to apply for an equipment grant by demonstrating their commitment to advancing the game of football. Future Hall of Fame quarterback and Riddell brand ambassador Peyton Manning will join Riddell in reviewing this years applicants and selecting the winning teams.
The Smarter Football program is a grassroots campaign that recognizes and rewards teams across the country for implementing smarter tactics on and off the field. About 1,700 football programs across North America, from the youth level all the way up to semi-pro, have applied for an equipment grant through the initiative in its first two seasons.
“Our goal at Riddell is to challenge all members of the football community – including ourselves – to make smarter football part of their DNA,” Riddell President and CEO Dan Arment said in a release. “Seeing this program’s success year after year proves that the future of football is promising, which fuels our motivation to keep innovating. We look forward to recognizing and supporting a new class of recipients this year who display the same dedication to evolving the game.”
Smarter Football can take shape in many ways. At its core, it reflects the collective football community’s pledge to advance the sport. How it manifests itself, however, can look different for everyone involved.
For parents and administrators, it may mean more technologically advanced protective equipment. For players and coaches, it may mean optimizing strength training and more film study.
For Riddell, Smarter Football means leading innovation in product design and development to create more advanced protective technologies. This year, building upon the success of the Riddell SpeedFlex helmet, the company launched Riddell Precision-Fit, a state-of-the-art 3D head scanning process used to build a custom-fitting, player-specific helmet liner system that provides personalized protection.
Riddell also introduced enhanced player management software for its InSite Impact Response System, which summarizes players on-field alerts and identifies training opportunities for athletes based on their impact profile.
“I’ve always valued preparation and information, both on and off the field,” NFL great Peyton Manning said in a release. “I studied everything from the helmet I wore, to the tape I watched, to the plays I called to try to set myself and my team up for success. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the game I love and pay tribute to the players, coaches, parents and fans who share the same passion for the sport.”
This year’s program will continue to recognize and reward those at all levels of play who have taken steps toward improving and advancing the sport of football, especially when it comes to player safety and protection. Those interested in applying for a grant can visit Riddell.com/SmarterFootball.
The deadline for entries is Aug. 31, 2017 and recipients will be announced shortly after the submission period closes. Anyone in the football community is invited to join the movement by following @RiddellSports on social media and sharing their own examples of #SmarterFootball.
Paris Saint-Germain players and the team’s coach made a special visit to the Paris Saint-Germain Academy in Miami, where they took time to meet children, share expert tips on development and discuss the growth of soccer in the local community with coaches.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery accompanied players Alphonse Areola and Yuri Berchiche as well as Paris Saint-Germain legend and new Team Coordinator Maxwell Scherrer, to the Academy in Hialeah. They met 120 young players at the Academy, offering expert advice on training and skill development.
Paris Saint-Germain has two extremely successful academies in the United States; Miami and New York. In the Miami community, the Paris Saint-Germain Academy runs soccer camps at FIU University throughout the summer and also has a presence in Tropical Park, Kendall Soccer Park, Coconut Grove, Riviera Preperatory School and West Palm Beach. Each year in Miami, the Paris Saint-Germain Academy coaches more than 400 registered players and hosts 200 children in holiday camps including in-school and after school programs.
All Academy activity has the goal of sharing the club’s ‘Dream Bigger’ philosophy, providing fun and experienced coaching sessions to help the growth of soccer within Miami and around the country.
The US programs are derived from the club’s professional center in Paris – the Paris Saint-Germain Youth Development Academy - which aims to develop the next generation of soccer talent.
About the Paris Saint-Germain Academy
The Paris Saint-Germain Academy is a football school that is open to boys and girls from 5 to 16 years of age. To date, it is present in 10 countries, with 58 year-round training centers and more than 150 seasonal camps. More than 10,000 children attend the Academies, half of whom live in countries other than France. In these training centers, around 110 coaches trained by the Club offer top-level coaching and guidance, with great attention paid to the values of excellence, pleasure and fair play in order to make the experience as fulfilling and as useful as possible.
The coaching at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy is representative of that of the world-renowned European club. Whether they attend the training school all year round or join a training camp during school holidays, the children benefit from top-quality coaching using Paris Saint-Germain methods. With 11 centers open in the Greater Paris region, 5 elsewhere in France, and 44 more in 8 other countries worldwide (Brazil, USA, Canada, Morocco, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Lebanon), the Paris Saint-Germain Academy is enjoying resounding success. It reflects the growing attractiveness of the Club both in France and abroad. The Paris Saint-Germain Academy is part of the Club’s international development strategy and provides a doorway into the Paris Saint-Germain universe for youngsters from all over the globe.
The annual Miami HEAT Camp continues.
The camp is under the direction of former Miami HEAT assistant coach and current television commentator Tony Fiorentino, and HEAT legend Glen Rice will be participating..
The individual sessions are one week each for kids, age 6-16.
During the first day of the session, campers will be split up into teams of 8-10 and have an assigned coach.
During a day camp (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), the campers will play two full court 5-on-5 games each day and learn various basketball skills.
Below is the remaining schedule.
Aug 7-11: Miami-Dade College (Kendall Campus)
Website to Register/Purchase: HEAT.com/HEATCamp or call 786-777-4113.
The City of Miami Gardens presents new youth sports programs for boys and girls, age 5-17.
Bowling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Swimming.
Register at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 18605 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens 33056.
For fees and info, call 305-622-8080.
Visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/miamigardens.
The Suniland Sundevils Tackle Football Registration is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thru August at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest.
Kids, age 5-13, are eligible. Fee $150 for the season. Suniland is a member of the Miami Xtreme Youth Tackle Football League.
The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches.
For information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.
More events, leagues, programs
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” said James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
Submit info to Sports Scene
Sports Scene spotlights news and notes from youth sports activities in your neighborhood. The aim is to feature game notes and the accomplishments of athletes from Miami-Dade County.
We rely on the directors and coaches of each league, as well as community members, parents and schools to submit information. We accept photos but ask that everyone pictured be identified with a first and last name and the name of the team or park they represent.
Email sportsscene@MiamiHerald.com.
Youth sports online
For more area sports photos, go to
www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth/miami-dade
YouTube youth sports and more
YouTube at the Jim Varsallone (the jimmyv3 channel)
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Five South Florida teenagers returned from an international sailing regatta in Thailand as world champions.
At the Optimist World Championships, it marked the first time all five American team qualifiers are members of the same club (Coral Reef Yacht Club in Coconut Grove).
Twins Justin and Mitchell Callahan, 14, Liam O’Keefe, 14, Stephan Baker, 13, and Charlotte Leigh, 14, competed against 281 of the best young sailors from 62 countries.
Representing Team USA, they won the IODA Challenge Cup for team racing for the second consecutive year and the Nations Cup for overall best combined performances of team members. Charlotte won the individual bronze medal in the Top Female category. Justin was a member of the team that won the Team Racing trophy last year.
Racing out of the Royal Varuna Yacht Club in Pattaya, Thailand, in swirling seas and winds of up to 18 knots, Stephan finished fourth overall, Mitchell 14th and Liam 17th.
In the best-of-three Team Racing final, after victories over countries including Ireland, Germany, Thailand, and Singapore, Team USA beat Team China 2-1 in a dramatic ‘sail off,’ cheered on by family and supporters in a fleet of spectator boats.
Team USA’s sailor spokesman Justin Callahan said: “It was going to be challenging. All the teams are excellent. We knew that going into the day.”
Although all five are members of Coral Reef YC, only Liam and Charlie actually sail for the club, where they are coached by Omari Scott.
Justin, Mitchell and Stephan sail out of Lauderdale Yacht Club, where team coaches are Pilo Rocha and Arthur Blodgett.
Stefan and Liam are students at Ransom Everglades School. Charlotte attends Carrollton School of the Sacred Heart. Mitchell and Justin studies at Florida Virtual School, the first statewide Internet-based public high school in the United States.
The high-achieving youngsters beat hundreds of America’s top 'Opti' sailors to qualify for the World Championships at a regatta in New Jersey earlier this year, where they were declared the top five Opti sailors in the United States.
Between them, the youngsters have already sailed across the world, from South America, Canada, Bermuda, and throughout Europe.
Team coach Lior Lavie, originally from Israel, has been coaching Opti sailors for seven years.
He said all five youngsters have fantastic sailing careers ahead of them. He pointed out that more than 85-percent of sailors who participated in the Rio Olympics sailed in Optimist dinghies when they were young. All five have ambitions to one day make it to the Olympics.
Paul Callahan, country representative, president of the US Optimist Dinghy Association, a two-time Paralympian – and father of Justin and Mitchell – praised the team’s “devotion to excellence.”
Thirteen-year-old Enzo Menditto, an eighth grader at Westminster Christian School, is one of four sailors representing the United States in the International Optimist Dinghy Association (IODA) European Championship Regatta on the Black Sea off the coast of Bourgas, Bulgaria.
Menditto began his sailing career at age 8 and has trained the past five years at Coral Reef Yacht Club in Coconut Grove.
In May, Menditto competed in the United States Optimist Dinghy Association (USODA) Team Trials in Long Beach Island, N.J., where he finished eighth in the country and retained his seat on the U.S. National Team. In previous years, Enzo has represented the United States at The South American Championship in Paraguay (2017), The North American Championship in Antigua (2016), The Lake Garda Optimist Meeting in Italy (2016) and British Nationals in Wales (2015).
Youth sailing in South Florida has the benefit of year-round sailing. Enzo looks to advance his ranking to top five in the next year so he can represent the USA in the 2018 Optimist World Championship in Cypress.
Miami-Dade South (Alper Jewish Community Center) won the state title in the 40 and older women’s 3.0 division during the 2017 USTA Florida 40 & Over 3.0/4.0 League Sectional Tennis Championships at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.
The Alper Jewish Community Center garnered Miami its first USTA Florida League Sectionals title of the 2017 season. They will represent Florida at nationals.
“This title took a full team commitment, and my ladies didn’t let me down,” Miami captain Jane Forman said in a release. “They overcame extreme adversities and proved to be true champions by working together. My only advice going into the finals was ‘Leave nothing on the court’ and they did just that. Thank you for a phenomenal weekend at this most beautiful facility.”
Alper Jewish Community Center defeated Clay County (Eagle Harbor County Club, Fleming Island) 3-2 in the finals.
No. 1 Singles: Elizabeth Velasco (Miami) d. Patricia Braun 6-3, 6-0. No. 2 Singles: Ximenia Otero (Miami) d. Elaine Canaan 6-1, 6-2.
No. 1 Doubles: Lori Aiosa/Sharon Surdyke (Clay) d. Liliana Salmon/Maria Odon 4-6, 6-3, 1-0 (super-tiebreaker). No. 2 Doubles: Andrea Sullivan/Stephanie Rouse (Clay) d. Silvana Caamano/Maria Torres 6-2, 6-1. No. 3 Doubles: Carole Bernstein/Mellissa Cili (Miami) d. Sheri Woods/Sherrie Hamilton 6-1, 6-4
The champions are: Jane Forman (captain), Maria Torres, Maria Odon, Bernardine Rogan, Nancy Ware, Ximena Otero, Malu Atkinson, Carole Bernstein, Mellissa Cili, Ely Cora, Angela Musso, Faye Lumsden, Elizabeth Velasco, Silvana Caamano, Rosana Aronson, Liliana Salmon.
In the 40 and older men’s 4.0 final, Broward County (Quigley Park, Parkland) edged Miami-Dade South (Ron Ehmann Tennis Center) 3-2.
No. 1 Singles: Santiago Restrepo (Broward) d. Jose Nunez 6-2, 7-5. No. 2 Singles: Javier Dalmau (Miami) d. Barry Rittman 6-4, 6-0.
No. 1 Doubles: Mark Banens/Alex Barrellier (Miami) d. Mark Miller/David Netburn 6-1, 6-0. No. 2 Doubles: Greg Brusey/Jorge Rodriguez (Broward) d. Maireni Ramirez/Gerardo Perdigon 6-2, 5-7, 1-0 (super-tiebreak). No. 3 Doubles: David Aron/Christian Reyes (Broward) d. Robert Rogers/Carlos Lopez 6-3, 6-2
The event drew the top 40 & Over USTA League teams from throughout Florida, representing various clubs, parks, recreational departments and organizations that finished at the top of their local leagues. Teams consisting of two singes and three doubles lines competed in a non-elimination, round-robin format, with flight winners advancing into a single-elimination semifinal followed by the final.
NTRP levels of play were 3.0 and 4.0.
For more information on NTRP levels go to:
www.usta.com/Adult-Tennis/USTA-League/Information/About_NTRP.
Established in 1980, USTA League has grown from 13,000 participants in a few parts of the country in its first year to more than 904,000 players across the nation today, making it the world’s largest recreational tennis league. The league groups players by using six National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) levels, ranging from 2.5 (entry) to 5.0+ (advanced). USTA League is open to any USTA member 18 years of age or older.
For more information on USTA Florida Leagues go to:
On Friday, July 14, the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department, Miami-Dade County District 9 Commissioner Dennis C. Moss and local youth joined together for a tennis-themed play day at the newly resurfaced tennis courts at West Perrine Park, 10301 SW 170 Ter, Miami.
The event was a kick-off for the new Urban Tennis Program initiated by Commissioner Moss.
The tennis program will be offered free of charge to youth enrolled in Miami-Dade Parks’ summer camp program at West Perrine, Goulds, and Sgt. Delancy parks. Specifically designed for kids age 10 and younger, the program features a beginner progressive format that utilizes shorter courts and low compression balls, and offers tips on fitness and nutrition. The program will serve as a pathway to Junior Team Tennis and other USTA programs.
“I am so thrilled to debut the new Urban Tennis Program. This is a dream come true! Together with the Parks Department, we have created an innovative recreational opportunity for kids who would normally have little exposure to the sport of tennis, serving up fun, active-play in their neighborhood park,” Commissioner Moss said in a release.
Miami-Dade Parks Director Designee Maria Nardi, added: “We aim to help program participants enjoy their first experiences with tennis, so they can develop their athletic abilities and love for the sport.”
Miami-Dade Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 270 parks and 13,573 acres of land. It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world and focused on Placemaking, Health and Fitness and Conservation and Stewardship.
The non-profit Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade supports Miami-Dade Parks' efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County’s world-class parks system for residents and visitors.
The Miami Dolphins, in conjunction with Warner Music Group, partnered with KaBOOM! to build a playground at Cotson Park in Hialeah. About 200 volunteers joined partners and children from Hialeah to erect the park designed by the kids with KaBOOM!.
“The Miami Dolphins are invested in developing our youth to make positive choices and engage in physical activity,” Miami Dolphins Foundation Executive Director Jennifer Jehn said in a release. “This playground provides an opportunity for kids in Hialeah to be able to have a space to play. We thank CB Lafayette Pitts and our alumni O.J. McDuffie, James Pruitt and Bryant Salter for coming out, as well as our great partners in KaBOOM, Warner Music Group and the City of Hialeah for working collaboratively to bring this great community initiative to fruition.”
The volunteers had a short “warm up” before being grouped into teams to assist with the mulching, concrete and playground build to begin working around 9 a.m. Teams took shifts breaking for lunch to ensure that the work never stopped. By 2 p.m. the finishing touches were put on the playground and the job was complete.
“At Warner Music Group, we take great pride in contributing to the communities we live and work in, particularly through youth programs,” said Gabriela Martinez, Senior Vice President, Marketing, & General Manager, Warner Music Latin America. “KaBOOM! is an amazing organization and we are thrilled to continue contributing to their mission, especially in partnership with the Miami Dolphins and on behalf of the City of Hialeah.”
All volunteers gathered to share in the accomplishments from the day. Together with the children who crafted the design, the park opened to the public by cutting an inaugural ribbon. All parties gathered for a group photo before breaking off to complete final cleanup and checks.
“It's an honor for the City of Hialeah Department of Parks and Recreation to be working today with the Miami Dolphins, Warner Music Group and more than 200 volunteers to build a new playground for the kids at Cotson Park,” City of Hialeah Parks & Recreation Director Joseph Dziedzic said. “This new playground will provide a safe and interactive environment for all kids in this community to enjoy play.”
The Orange Bowl Family Fun & Fit Day presented by Sunshine Health will occur at Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex on Saturday, Aug. 12 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
The event is free to the general public and will feature more than 60 vendors providing a variety of services and products including free health screenings, fitness classes, interactive demonstrations and essentials for children heading back to school. Now in its fifth year, the event previously known as the Orange Bowl Health and Wellness Fair, will address the health and medical needs of the South Florida community, encourage youth and families to improve their eating habits and maintain a physically active lifestyle.
“This is one of our favorite events of the year because of the opportunity to engage South Florida families and children in preparation for an exciting new school year,” Orange Bowl community outreach chair Henri Crockett said in a release.
Free haircuts, backpacks with school supplies, and health screenings will be available to all attendees as well a concussion awareness and safety recognition seminar presented by USA Football. Sunshine Health, presenting sponsor of the Orange Bowl Family Fun & Fit Day, will be one of the many exhibitors providing free information and services. More exhibitors and services are being added daily. Along with the exhibitors, the event will feature activities for the entire family including food trucks, a youth football clinic, live performances and demonstrations, music, games, raffle giveaways, bounce houses, caricaturists and face painting for children.
“Sunshine Health is proud to support the Orange Bowl and its Family Fun and Fit Day, an important community event that promotes health and wellness and gives hundreds of South Florida youth and families a head start on the school year with free back-to-school supplies,” said Chris Paterson, CEO of Sunshine Health. “People can come out and have a good time while also learning about the importance of an active lifestyle and healthy eating habits. This is just one of the many ways the Orange Bowl supports our community throughout the year.”
The Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex is at 3000 NW 199th St., Miami Gardens.
Presenting sponsor Sunshine Health is joined by community sponsor the City of Miami Gardens, media partner CBS4 and associate sponsors AutoNation, Florida Prepaid College Plans, Hard Rock Stadium, Wells Fargo and Clutch Insurance in support of the event.
For more information or if you are an exhibitor requesting to participate in the Orange Bowl Family Fun & Fit Day presented by Sunshine Health, email jlowry@orangebowl.org.
Riddell kicked off season three of its Smarter Football program, inviting teams to apply for an equipment grant by demonstrating their commitment to advancing the game of football. Future Hall of Fame quarterback and Riddell brand ambassador Peyton Manning will join Riddell in reviewing this years applicants and selecting the winning teams.
The Smarter Football program is a grassroots campaign that recognizes and rewards teams across the country for implementing smarter tactics on and off the field. About 1,700 football programs across North America, from the youth level all the way up to semi-pro, have applied for an equipment grant through the initiative in its first two seasons.
“Our goal at Riddell is to challenge all members of the football community – including ourselves – to make smarter football part of their DNA,” Riddell President and CEO Dan Arment said in a release. “Seeing this program’s success year after year proves that the future of football is promising, which fuels our motivation to keep innovating. We look forward to recognizing and supporting a new class of recipients this year who display the same dedication to evolving the game.”
Smarter Football can take shape in many ways. At its core, it reflects the collective football community’s pledge to advance the sport. How it manifests itself, however, can look different for everyone involved.
For parents and administrators, it may mean more technologically advanced protective equipment. For players and coaches, it may mean optimizing strength training and more film study.
For Riddell, Smarter Football means leading innovation in product design and development to create more advanced protective technologies. This year, building upon the success of the Riddell SpeedFlex helmet, the company launched Riddell Precision-Fit, a state-of-the-art 3D head scanning process used to build a custom-fitting, player-specific helmet liner system that provides personalized protection.
Riddell also introduced enhanced player management software for its InSite Impact Response System, which summarizes players on-field alerts and identifies training opportunities for athletes based on their impact profile.
“I’ve always valued preparation and information, both on and off the field,” NFL great Peyton Manning said in a release. “I studied everything from the helmet I wore, to the tape I watched, to the plays I called to try to set myself and my team up for success. I am honored to have the opportunity to give back to the game I love and pay tribute to the players, coaches, parents and fans who share the same passion for the sport.”
This year’s program will continue to recognize and reward those at all levels of play who have taken steps toward improving and advancing the sport of football, especially when it comes to player safety and protection. Those interested in applying for a grant can visit Riddell.com/SmarterFootball.
The deadline for entries is Aug. 31, 2017 and recipients will be announced shortly after the submission period closes. Anyone in the football community is invited to join the movement by following @RiddellSports on social media and sharing their own examples of #SmarterFootball.
Paris Saint-Germain players and the team’s coach made a special visit to the Paris Saint-Germain Academy in Miami, where they took time to meet children, share expert tips on development and discuss the growth of soccer in the local community with coaches.
Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery accompanied players Alphonse Areola and Yuri Berchiche as well as Paris Saint-Germain legend and new Team Coordinator Maxwell Scherrer, to the Academy in Hialeah. They met 120 young players at the Academy, offering expert advice on training and skill development.
Paris Saint-Germain has two extremely successful academies in the United States; Miami and New York. In the Miami community, the Paris Saint-Germain Academy runs soccer camps at FIU University throughout the summer and also has a presence in Tropical Park, Kendall Soccer Park, Coconut Grove, Riviera Preperatory School and West Palm Beach. Each year in Miami, the Paris Saint-Germain Academy coaches more than 400 registered players and hosts 200 children in holiday camps including in-school and after school programs.
All Academy activity has the goal of sharing the club’s ‘Dream Bigger’ philosophy, providing fun and experienced coaching sessions to help the growth of soccer within Miami and around the country.
The US programs are derived from the club’s professional center in Paris – the Paris Saint-Germain Youth Development Academy - which aims to develop the next generation of soccer talent.
About the Paris Saint-Germain Academy
The Paris Saint-Germain Academy is a football school that is open to boys and girls from 5 to 16 years of age. To date, it is present in 10 countries, with 58 year-round training centers and more than 150 seasonal camps. More than 10,000 children attend the Academies, half of whom live in countries other than France. In these training centers, around 110 coaches trained by the Club offer top-level coaching and guidance, with great attention paid to the values of excellence, pleasure and fair play in order to make the experience as fulfilling and as useful as possible.
The coaching at the Paris Saint-Germain Academy is representative of that of the world-renowned European club. Whether they attend the training school all year round or join a training camp during school holidays, the children benefit from top-quality coaching using Paris Saint-Germain methods. With 11 centers open in the Greater Paris region, 5 elsewhere in France, and 44 more in 8 other countries worldwide (Brazil, USA, Canada, Morocco, Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Lebanon), the Paris Saint-Germain Academy is enjoying resounding success. It reflects the growing attractiveness of the Club both in France and abroad. The Paris Saint-Germain Academy is part of the Club’s international development strategy and provides a doorway into the Paris Saint-Germain universe for youngsters from all over the globe.
The annual Miami HEAT Camp continues.
The camp is under the direction of former Miami HEAT assistant coach and current television commentator Tony Fiorentino, and HEAT legend Glen Rice will be participating..
The individual sessions are one week each for kids, age 6-16.
During the first day of the session, campers will be split up into teams of 8-10 and have an assigned coach.
During a day camp (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), the campers will play two full court 5-on-5 games each day and learn various basketball skills.
Below is the remaining schedule.
Aug 7-11: Miami-Dade College (Kendall Campus)
Website to Register/Purchase: HEAT.com/HEATCamp or call 786-777-4113.
The City of Miami Gardens presents new youth sports programs for boys and girls, age 5-17.
Bowling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Swimming.
Register at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 18605 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens 33056.
For fees and info, call 305-622-8080.
Visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/miamigardens.
The Suniland Sundevils Tackle Football Registration is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thru August at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest.
Kids, age 5-13, are eligible. Fee $150 for the season. Suniland is a member of the Miami Xtreme Youth Tackle Football League.
The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches.
For information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.
More events, leagues, programs
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” said James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
Submit info to Sports Scene
Sports Scene spotlights news and notes from youth sports activities in your neighborhood. The aim is to feature game notes and the accomplishments of athletes from Miami-Dade County.
We rely on the directors and coaches of each league, as well as community members, parents and schools to submit information. We accept photos but ask that everyone pictured be identified with a first and last name and the name of the team or park they represent.
Email sportsscene@MiamiHerald.com.
Youth sports online
For more area sports photos, go to
www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth/miami-dade
YouTube youth sports and more
YouTube at the Jim Varsallone (the jimmyv3 channel)
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Miami was well represented as Team Florida won six medals, including four gold, during the 2017 USA Volleyball High Performance Championships at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.
The event is showcase for talent, age 13-18, being evaluated for future USA Teams; a mix of training and then five days of competition (July 18-22).
Team Florida won gold in Girls’ International Youth, Girls’ National Select, Girls’ Future Select and Boys’ Regional Youth. They also took silver in Boys’ National Youth and bronze in Girls’ National Youth.
Miami players on Team Florida medal winning teams include:
Saskia Hernandez (Miami Elite, Westminster Christian HS) played for the gold medal winning Team Florida in Girls’ National Select.
Elaisa Villar (High Voltage Volleyball Academy) played for the gold medal winning Team Florida in Girls’ Future Select.
Jomar Mondestin (Coastal Volleyball Club/Killian HS), Ryan Peluso (352 Elite/Ransom Everglades HS) and Diego Savelli (Coastal Volleyball Club/Killian HS) played for the gold medal winning Team Florida in Boys’ Regional Youth.
Michael Colonna (Ocean Bay Volleyball/Ransom Everglades HS) and Luis Kannee (Miami Volleyball Academy/St. Brendan HS) played for the silver medal winning Team Florida in Boys’ National Youth.
Andrea Bernal (Doral Volleyball Academy/Ronald Reagan HS) played for the bronze medal winning Team Florida in Girls’ National Youth.
There were 1,700 players on 130 teams. Many of the U.S. teams (75) are age-based regional all-star teams competing with national teams from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Peru and Bermuda.
This was the sixth time the HP Championships were in Fort Lauderdale.
Miami runner Cha’iel Johnson, 12, eclipsed her national record for the girls’ 800-meter race (12-year-old division) in 2:14.80 to win the AAU National Club Championship at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee.
Johnson – a member of the Miami Gardens Xpress Track Club and the nation’s No.1-ranked 800m runner in her age group – beat her previous mark 2:16.35.
She also won gold in the 400 in 57.01 and the 1500 in 4:47.92. It was her first time running the 1500.
Later this summer, Johnson will compete in the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Detroit, where she will attempt to defend her 2016 800m title (2:19.16). She also won an AAU Junior Olympic title in 2015 in the 400m (1:01.57).
She is the daughter of former NFL receiver Chad Johnson, formerly Chad Ochocinco. A Miami native, he played football at Miami Beach High School and Oregon State University.
More than 5,000 track and field athletes competed for top honors in the AAU National Club Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The event featured the best sprinters, distance runners and field competitors from across the country, Barbados and Puerto Rico. The AAU National Club Championships were the final qualifying event before the AAU Junior Olympic Games.
Nicholas Montalvo (bow) of Miami and Daniel Perez (stroke) of Fort Lauderdale won the National U23 Trials in rowing in heavyweight double in Mercer, N.J. and will represent the United States in the U23 World Championships in Bulgaria.
Nick, who competes for the University of Wisconsin, did his high school rowing with the Miami Rowing Club. Daniel, who competes for Dartmouth, rowed for Pine Crest in high school. The crew is being trained in a campaign led by Craftsbury in its Vermont facility.
Spartan Race, the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand, has created a program known as Spartan Edge, which is utilized in Miami-Dade County.
It is a program to educate at-risk kids about qualities that they can use to overcome obstacles that they will encounter in high school and beyond.
Spartan Edge accomplishes this through three main methods: Academic Classes, Physical Education Curriculum and After-School Programs.
Spartan Edge and Miami-Dade based AMI Kids have teamed to offer support by giving local, at risk kids, who were in a downward spiral, the tools to help them get their lives back together. They learned and tapped into the potential buried inside them, in hopes of bettering themselves and strengthening the local community and beyond.
http://amikids.org/programs-and-services/programs/amikids-miami-dade/story/about
AMI KIDS and SPARTAN RACE have been training these local at-risk youth to race and run in Spartan Race Sprints, in hopes of giving them the tools to conquer any obstacle life throws at them. The kids at both campuses AMIkids Miami Dade North and South have put in months of training to conquer the obstacles of Spartan Race and plan to continue this program.
Racing as a team, the youths of Miami-Dade based AMI Kids have had the opportunity to train together and work toward the goal of completing the race, while building on pro social, family relationships with one another. This great experience is teaching local, Miami-area students the importance of team work and patience.
Plus, participating in the Spartan Edge/Spartan race training has taught these children, firsthand the values that AMIkids encourages throughout their organization: Kids First, Safety, Diversity, Leadership, Enthusiasm, Loyalty, Family, Dedication, Creativity, and Goal Orientation to name a few. Committing to training several days a week to accomplish completing a Spartan Sprint – these students’ activities, choices, opportunities and lessons were a far cry from the other activities their life circumstance would have offered instead.
AMIKIDS MIAMI-DADE
Since 1974, AMIkids Miami-Dade has been dedicated to helping kids discover the potential within them, transform their lives and strengthen our community. Located in Miami, Florida, AMIkids Miami-Dade empowers our kids through care and guidance to reach that potential and, as a result, break the cycle of failure and poverty.
Due to the positive impact on the community and the increasing need for AMIkids services, a second location was added in North Miami Beach in 1988, and have been helping as many kids as possible transform their lives Even kids with a troubled past have the potential to achieve a bright future, and AMIkids Miami-Dade works every day to separate their troubled past from a bright future.
SPARTAN RACE is the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand, and the first in-sport to feature timing and global rankings. With more than 200 events across more than 30 countries in 2017, Spartan Race will attract more than one million global participants offering open heats for all fitness levels, along with competitive and elite athletes.
The Spartan Race lifestyle boasts a community of more than five million passionate social media followers, health and wellness products, training and nutrition programs, and a popular NBC television series, which has made obstacle racing one of the fastest growing sports in the world. The 2017 Spartan Race event season features a global championship series and races at three distances, 5+ km/20+ Obstacle “Sprint,” 13+ km/25+ Obstacle “Super,” and 20+ km/30+ Obstacle “Beast,” culminating in the Reebok Spartan Race World Championship in Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Visit http://www.spartan.com for more information and registration.
SPARTAN EDGE is a program that schools implement to educate students about qualities that will create more of these students who can use these characteristics to overcome obstacles that they will encounter in high school and beyond. Spartan Edge accomplishes this through three main methods: Academic Classes, Physical Education Curriculum and After-School Programs. The Spartan Edge journey can culminate in a Spartan Day at the end of the school year.
THE SPARTAN FOUNDATION (TSF) is Spartan Race’s community outreach initiative that will address improved health, wellness and personal development for children and young adults nationwide. TSF will generate funding and visibility to spotlight and support progress with organizations whose missions are in alignment with the Spartan principles of overcoming obstacles to enrich and accomplish one’s life goals.
The Miami Dolphins hosted the Fort Lauderdale High School, Gulliver Preparatory and Liberty City Optimist football teams at their Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices.
The teams were given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University and heard from Miami Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel and Youth Programs Ambassador and Dolphins alum Twan Russell about character, leadership and overcoming adversity.
“It was amazing. It was an outstanding experience. Players were engaged. Coaches felt like kids again watching a professional team out there execute,” Gulliver Preparatory Head Football Coach Earl Sims said. “We all just had a great experience.”
Liberty City Optimist Head Football Coach George Harris said: “It was electric. The kids were excited and even us as coaches were very excited. We’re going to take some of the criteria they’re using and implement it in our practice also.”
The three teams also had the opportunity to watch the Dolphins practice and meet with current players on the field. Following practice, the athletes had lunch provided by Wendy’s.
“When I was a child, I idolized Cameron Wake, and it was cool to see him up-close and personal,” Gulliver Preparatory defensive end D'Sean Perry said. “I picked up some of his technique, some of his hand placement, how fast he is around the ball, and it was very cool to see that.”
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to transform the lives of youth football players by instilling character building and reinforcing safety standards that help to increase football participation and grow a new generation of Dolphins fans.
Riccardo Silva Stadium at Florida International University in Kendall was the site for an adidas Football Camp featuring more than 650 participants.
FIU along with 13 other Division I programs, including Texas A&M, Nebraska, Rutgers, and N.C. State, held an intensive camp designed to teach each participant the football fundamentals needed to excel at their position. The camp also included hands-on individual techniques as well as competitions.
“Tonight was a huge success and was great for the FIU football program,” FIU Head Coach Butch Davis said. “Our coaches got an unbelievable opportunity to work with over 650 kids. For the kids, it was great for them because they got a chance to come out, showcase their skill level, get a chance to compete, have some fun and learn some football from our coaches. And obviously, because of our relationship with adidas, there were 13 other Division I schools here. So, a lot of kids got great exposure.”
The camp was open to anyone entering grades 9-12 as of Fall 2017 and junior college freshmen and sophomores.
For more information, log onto https://camps.jumpforward.com/ButchDavisFootballCamps.
About FIU Athletics: FIU Athletics is home to more than 400 student-athletes in 18 different sports. Athletic events are played in eight different venues on FIU’s campuses (Modesto A. Maidique and Biscayne Bay), including FIU Arena and Riccardo Silva Stadium.
The Suniland Sundevils Tackle Football Registration is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thru August at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest.
Kids, age 5-13, are eligible. Fee $150 for the season. Suniland is a member of the Miami Xtreme Youth Tackle Football League.
The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches.
For information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.
Nineteen Guilford College students were named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference’s 2016-17 Sportsmanship Teams in their respective sports.
Guilford is an NCAA Division III program in Greensboro, N.C.
The squad is comprised of student-athletes identified by a team’s coaching staff and contains representatives from every team and school among the league’s 24 championship sports.
The Quakers recognized include: Senior David Felipe (Miami/Killian HS) - Lacrosse.
The annual Miami HEAT Camp continues.
The camp is under the direction of former Miami HEAT assistant coach and current television commentator Tony Fiorentino, and HEAT legend Glen Rice will be participating..
The individual sessions are one week each for kids, age 6-16.
During the first day of the session, campers will be split up into teams of 8-10 and have an assigned coach.
During a day camp (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), the campers will play two full court 5-on-5 games each day and learn various basketball skills.
Below is the remaining schedule for each session.
July 31-Aug 4 / Aug 7-11: Miami-Dade College (Kendall Campus)
Website to Register/Purchase: HEAT.com/HEATCamp or call 786-777-4113.
The City of Miami Gardens presents new youth sports programs for boys and girls, age 5-17.
Bowling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Swimming.
Register at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 18605 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens 33056.
For fees and info, call 305-622-8080.
Visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/miamigardens.
More events, leagues, programs
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” said James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
Submit info to Sports Scene
Sports Scene spotlights news and notes from youth sports activities in your neighborhood. The aim is to feature game notes and the accomplishments of athletes from Miami-Dade County.
We rely on the directors and coaches of each league, as well as community members, parents and schools to submit information. We accept photos but ask that everyone pictured be identified with a first and last name and the name of the team or park they represent.
Email sportsscene@MiamiHerald.com.
Youth sports online
For more area sports photos, go to
www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth/miami-dade
YouTube youth sports and more
YouTube at the Jim Varsallone (the jimmyv3 channel)
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Miami runner Cha’iel Johnson, 12, eclipsed her national record for the girls’ 800-meter race (12-year-old division) in 2:14.80 to win the AAU National Club Championship at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort in Kissimmee.
Johnson – a member of the Miami Gardens Xpress Track Club and the nation’s No.1-ranked 800m runner in her age group – beat her previous mark 2:16.35.
Video of Cha’iel and her coach, Darius Lawshea
She also won gold in the 400 in 57.01 and the 1500 in 4:47.92. It was her first time running the 1500.
Later this summer, Johnson will compete in the AAU Junior Olympic Games in Detroit, where she will attempt to defend her 2016 800m title (2:19.16). She also won an AAU Junior Olympic title in 2015 in the 400m (1:01.57).
She is the daughter of former NFL receiver Chad Johnson, formerly Chad Ochocinco. A Miami native, he played football at Miami Beach High School and Oregon State University.
More than 5,000 track and field athletes competed for top honors in the AAU National Club Championships at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The event featured the best sprinters, distance runners and field competitors from across the country, Barbados and Puerto Rico. The AAU National Club Championships were the final qualifying event before the AAU Junior Olympic Games.
Miami was well represented as Team Florida won six medals, including four gold, during the 2017 USA Volleyball High Performance Championships at the Broward County Convention Center in Fort Lauderdale.
The event is showcase for talent, age 13-18, being evaluated for future USA Teams; a mix of training and then five days of competition (July 18-22).
Team Florida won gold in Girls’ International Youth, Girls’ National Select, Girls’ Future Select and Boys’ Regional Youth. They also took silver in Boys’ National Youth and bronze in Girls’ National Youth.
Miami players on Team Florida medal winning teams include:
Saskia Hernandez (Miami Elite, Westminster Christian HS) played for the gold medal winning Team Florida in Girls’ National Select.
Elaisa Villar (High Voltage Volleyball Academy) played for the gold medal winning Team Florida in Girls’ Future Select.
Jomar Mondestin (Coastal Volleyball Club/Killian HS), Ryan Peluso (352 Elite/Ransom Everglades HS) and Diego Savelli (Coastal Volleyball Club/Killian HS) played for the gold medal winning Team Florida in Boys’ Regional Youth.
Michael Colonna (Ocean Bay Volleyball/Ransom Everglades HS) and Luis Kannee (Miami Volleyball Academy/St. Brendan HS) played for the silver medal winning Team Florida in Boys’ National Youth.
Andrea Bernal (Doral Volleyball Academy/Ronald Reagan HS) played for the bronze medal winning Team Florida in Girls’ National Youth.
There were 1,700 players on 130 teams. Many of the U.S. teams (75) are age-based regional all-star teams competing with national teams from the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Peru and Bermuda.
This was the sixth time the HP Championships were in Fort Lauderdale.
Nicholas Montalvo (bow) of Miami and Daniel Perez (stroke) of Fort Lauderdale won the National U23 Trials in rowing in heavyweight double in Mercer, N.J. and will represent the United States in the U23 World Championships in Bulgaria.
Nick, who competes for the University of Wisconsin, did his high school rowing with the Miami Rowing Club. Daniel, who competes for Dartmouth, rowed for Pine Crest in high school. The crew is being trained in a campaign led by Craftsbury in its Vermont facility.
Spartan Race, the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand, has created a program known as Spartan Edge, which is utilized in Miami-Dade County.
It is a program to educate at-risk kids about qualities that they can use to overcome obstacles that they will encounter in high school and beyond.
Spartan Edge accomplishes this through three main methods: Academic Classes, Physical Education Curriculum and After-School Programs.
Spartan Edge and Miami-Dade based AMI Kids have teamed to offer support by giving local, at risk kids, who were in a downward spiral, the tools to help them get their lives back together. They learned and tapped into the potential buried inside them, in hopes of bettering themselves and strengthening the local community and beyond.
http://amikids.org/programs-and-services/programs/amikids-miami-dade/story/about
AMI KIDS and SPARTAN RACE have been training these local at-risk youth to race and run in Spartan Race Sprints, in hopes of giving them the tools to conquer any obstacle life throws at them. The kids at both campuses AMIkids Miami Dade North and South have put in months of training to conquer the obstacles of Spartan Race and plan to continue this program.
Racing as a team, the youths of Miami-Dade based AMI Kids have had the opportunity to train together and work toward the goal of completing the race, while building on pro social, family relationships with one another. This great experience is teaching local, Miami-area students the importance of team work and patience.
Plus, participating in the Spartan Edge/Spartan race training has taught these children, firsthand the values that AMIkids encourages throughout their organization: Kids First, Safety, Diversity, Leadership, Enthusiasm, Loyalty, Family, Dedication, Creativity, and Goal Orientation to name a few. Committing to training several days a week to accomplish completing a Spartan Sprint – these students’ activities, choices, opportunities and lessons were a far cry from the other activities their life circumstance would have offered instead.
AMIKIDS MIAMI-DADE
Since 1974, AMIkids Miami-Dade has been dedicated to helping kids discover the potential within them, transform their lives and strengthen our community. Located in Miami, Florida, AMIkids Miami-Dade empowers our kids through care and guidance to reach that potential and, as a result, break the cycle of failure and poverty.
Due to the positive impact on the community and the increasing need for AMIkids services, a second location was added in North Miami Beach in 1988, and have been helping as many kids as possible transform their lives Even kids with a troubled past have the potential to achieve a bright future, and AMIkids Miami-Dade works every day to separate their troubled past from a bright future.
SPARTAN RACE is the world’s largest obstacle race and endurance brand, and the first in-sport to feature timing and global rankings. With more than 200 events across more than 30 countries in 2017, Spartan Race will attract more than one million global participants offering open heats for all fitness levels, along with competitive and elite athletes.
The Spartan Race lifestyle boasts a community of more than five million passionate social media followers, health and wellness products, training and nutrition programs, and a popular NBC television series, which has made obstacle racing one of the fastest growing sports in the world. The 2017 Spartan Race event season features a global championship series and races at three distances, 5+ km/20+ Obstacle “Sprint,” 13+ km/25+ Obstacle “Super,” and 20+ km/30+ Obstacle “Beast,” culminating in the Reebok Spartan Race World Championship in Lake Tahoe, Calif.
Visit http://www.spartan.com for more information and registration.
SPARTAN EDGE is a program that schools implement to educate students about qualities that will create more of these students who can use these characteristics to overcome obstacles that they will encounter in high school and beyond. Spartan Edge accomplishes this through three main methods: Academic Classes, Physical Education Curriculum and After-School Programs. The Spartan Edge journey can culminate in a Spartan Day at the end of the school year.
THE SPARTAN FOUNDATION (TSF) is Spartan Race’s community outreach initiative that will address improved health, wellness and personal development for children and young adults nationwide. TSF will generate funding and visibility to spotlight and support progress with organizations whose missions are in alignment with the Spartan principles of overcoming obstacles to enrich and accomplish one’s life goals.
The Miami Dolphins hosted the Fort Lauderdale High School, Gulliver Preparatory and Liberty City Optimist football teams at their Organized Team Activity (OTA) practices.
The teams were given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility at Nova Southeastern University and heard from Miami Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel and Youth Programs Ambassador and Dolphins alum Twan Russell about character, leadership and overcoming adversity.
“It was amazing. It was an outstanding experience. Players were engaged. Coaches felt like kids again watching a professional team out there execute,” Gulliver Preparatory Head Football Coach Earl Sims said. “We all just had a great experience.”
Liberty City Optimist Head Football Coach George Harris said: “It was electric. The kids were excited and even us as coaches were very excited. We’re going to take some of the criteria they’re using and implement it in our practice also.”
The three teams also had the opportunity to watch the Dolphins practice and meet with current players on the field. Following practice, the athletes had lunch provided by Wendy’s.
“When I was a child, I idolized Cameron Wake, and it was cool to see him up-close and personal,” Gulliver Preparatory defensive end D'Sean Perry said. “I picked up some of his technique, some of his hand placement, how fast he is around the ball, and it was very cool to see that.”
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to transform the lives of youth football players by instilling character building and reinforcing safety standards that help to increase football participation and grow a new generation of Dolphins fans.
Riccardo Silva Stadium at Florida International University in Kendall was the site for an adidas Football Camp featuring more than 650 participants.
FIU along with 13 other Division I programs, including Texas A&M, Nebraska, Rutgers, and N.C. State, held an intensive camp designed to teach each participant the football fundamentals needed to excel at their position. The camp also included hands-on individual techniques as well as competitions.
“Tonight was a huge success and was great for the FIU football program,” FIU Head Coach Butch Davis said. “Our coaches got an unbelievable opportunity to work with over 650 kids. For the kids, it was great for them because they got a chance to come out, showcase their skill level, get a chance to compete, have some fun and learn some football from our coaches. And obviously, because of our relationship with adidas, there were 13 other Division I schools here. So, a lot of kids got great exposure.”
The camp was open to anyone entering grades 9-12 as of Fall 2017 and junior college freshmen and sophomores.
For more information, log onto https://camps.jumpforward.com/ButchDavisFootballCamps.
About FIU Athletics: FIU Athletics is home to more than 400 student-athletes in 18 different sports. Athletic events are played in eight different venues on FIU’s campuses (Modesto A. Maidique and Biscayne Bay), including FIU Arena and Riccardo Silva Stadium.
The Suniland Sundevils Tackle Football Registration is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thru August at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest.
Kids, age 5-13, are eligible. Fee $150 for the season. Suniland is a member of the Miami Xtreme Youth Tackle Football League.
The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches.
For information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.
Nineteen Guilford College students were named to the Old Dominion Athletic Conference’s 2016-17 Sportsmanship Teams in their respective sports.
Guilford is an NCAA Division III program in Greensboro, N.C.
The squad is comprised of student-athletes identified by a team’s coaching staff and contains representatives from every team and school among the league’s 24 championship sports.
The Quakers recognized include: Senior David Felipe (Miami/Killian HS) - Lacrosse.
The annual Miami HEAT Camp continues.
The camp is under the direction of former Miami HEAT assistant coach and current television commentator Tony Fiorentino, and HEAT legend Glen Rice will be participating..
The individual sessions are one week each for kids, age 6-16.
During the first day of the session, campers will be split up into teams of 8-10 and have an assigned coach.
During a day camp (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), the campers will play two full court 5-on-5 games each day and learn various basketball skills.
Below is the schedule for each session.
July 31-Aug 4 / Aug 7-11: Miami-Dade College (Kendall Campus)
Website to Register/Purchase: HEAT.com/HEATCamp or call 786-777-4113.
The City of Miami Gardens presents new youth sports programs for boys and girls, age 5-17.
Bowling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Swimming.
Register at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 18605 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens 33056.
For fees and info, call 305-622-8080.
Visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/miamigardens.
More events, leagues, programs
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” said James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
Submit info to Sports Scene
Sports Scene spotlights news and notes from youth sports activities in your neighborhood. The aim is to feature game notes and the accomplishments of athletes from Miami-Dade County.
We rely on the directors and coaches of each league, as well as community members, parents and schools to submit information. We accept photos but ask that everyone pictured be identified with a first and last name and the name of the team or park they represent.
Email sportsscene@MiamiHerald.com.
Youth sports online
For more area sports photos, go to
www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth/miami-dade
YouTube youth sports and more
YouTube at the Jim Varsallone (the jimmyv3 channel)
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“Mommy, next year I’m going to win medals and break records,” 7-year-old Sky Arnold-Brown told her mother, Renate, last year at the AAU Junior Olympics in Houston.
Sky placed third in the 1,500-meter distance run for girls age 8 and under.
Renate Arnold-Brown, 47, says Sky “is mighty close” to making good on her promise.
During regional qualifiers in June, Sky, now 8, qualified to run in the 1,500-meter, 800-meter and 400-meter races at this year’s Junior Olympics through Wednesday, Aug. 5, in Detroit, Michigan.
This is the third time Sky has qualified for the national competition, starting in 2015 when she was 6.
Back then, she was unable to go because of the costs involved. The same barrier stands now, which is why Arnold-Brown started a GoFundMe page for Sky.
“It would mean that all of her hard work and the sacrifices we have made were worth it if she can go up and beat her personal best,” Arnold-Brown said. “A medal around her neck … to me, it is a step to producing a functioning, productive, happy and confident young lady.”
Sky — who suddenly realized the Junior Olympics’ importance during her Miami Herald interview — wavered between fiery eagerness and nervousness. When asked how she felt, her candid reply was “bad.”
The retort was toward her recent practices, which have intensified for the Junior Olympics. Sky said the workouts are a part of what bonds her to the other Goulds Panther Track Club runners, though.
“What I like about track is that sometimes when we have parties, I feel like other people on my team are my family,” Sky said. “I say [they’re] cousins and stuff, but I know they’re not my family. It just feels like it to me.”
Sky joined the Goulds Panthers in 2015, coached by the club’s founder, David Jacque.
Jacque trains the group of roughly 25 kids nearly year-round, having produced several Junior Olympics competitors over the years.
“I make it my business not to have a lunch club, but a sizable amount of kids that I can really work with on a one-on-one basis. We try to take kids that [are] competitive, [who] know they want to go far,” he said. “When you get that mixture, you know you have somebody you can work with and develop for years to come.”
Jacque is confident that as the runners mature, they can take the (adult) Olympic stage. It’s a matter of patience and dedication he said, along with some understanding, too.
“[Sky’s] a wonderful kid. She has tremendous potential and the ability to go far, but she’s a kid,” Jacque said. “Like all kids, she has good days and bad days.”
Track and field has been a priority, but it’s by no means the only sport for Sky.
Between tennis, basketball and gymnastics, she showed interest in a plethora of activities, ready to tackle them all head on.
During her Herald interview, Sky noticed a few kids playing basketball nearby. After watching a missed shot, she was confident she could play better than them, even without a coach.
When her mom reminded her that she needed a coach for running, Sky grudgingly replied: “OK, you got me there. But they still suck at it.”
","kicker":"","text_alignment":"Left","href":"/web/v1/content/163297858","allow_ads":true,"allow_stn_player":true,"byline":"","template_type":"","story_teaser":"","lead_media":{"id":"163297853","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/fp7rgv/picture163297853","asset_type":"picture","state":"published","title":"NE JUNIOR OLYMPICS TRACK RU_2","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"","home":"/web/v1/sections/5048","modified_date":1501099161,"allow_comments":false,"published_date":1500918027,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/fp7rgv/picture163297853/alternates/FREE_1140/NE%20JUNIOR%20OLYMPICS%20TRACK%20RU_2","href":"/web/v1/content/163297853","access_tags":["matbasic"],"additional_sections":["5048"],"credit":"pfarrell@miamiherald.com","dateline":"","caption":"Sky Arnold-Brown works out at Goulds Park on Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Sky, an 8-year-old who runs for the Goulds Panthers Track Club, is aiming to win medals at this year's Junior Olympics in Detroit.","photographer":"PATRICK FARRELL","is_mugshot":false,"text_alignment":"Default","summary":"","byline":"","kicker":""},"owner":"Miami","allow_comments":true,"image":"https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/community/miami-dade/fp7rgv/picture163297853/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/NE%20JUNIOR%20OLYMPICS%20TRACK%20RU_2"},{"id":"163153583","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/article163153583.html","asset_type":"story","state":"published","title":"Miami Rahman, Rico place well at USTA state tournament","publication":"miamiherald","layout_option":"none","home":"/web/v1/sections/5201","home_section":{"name":"Youth Sports","url":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/"},"modified_date":1500785104,"published_date":1500784718,"thumbnail":"https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth-sports/9etsfj/picture163153558/alternates/LANDSCAPE_768/SOUTH-1-LEDEBoys12s","keywords":"yannik rahman, ysabel gonzalez rico, usta, florida, tennis, adrian farradas, emmanuel dowuona, westwood christian school, basketball, barry university, julie brito, pines charter school, miami dolphins, doral football, carol city football, gymnastics, nya harris-middleton, gym kidz, youth sports, miami herald,","access_tags":["matbasic","matsport"],"additional_sections":["5201","5048"],"credit":"","dateline":"","summary":"Tennis player Yannik Rahman of Miami won the Boys 12s title of the 69th USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Singles Championships at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs. Ysabel Gonzalez Rico of Miami was runner-up in the Girls 18s at the USTA National Campus in Orlando.","content":"
Tennis player Yannik Rahman of Miami won the Boys 12s title of the 69th USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Singles Championships at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.
The top-seeded Rahman defeated No.2 seed Leanid Boika of Delray Beach 6-2, 6-3.
In the semifinals, Rahman beat No.5 seed Carter Swope of Boca Raton 6-0, 7-6 (7-5). In the quarterfinals, he beat No.11 seed Manuel Palmieri of Miami Beach 6-0, 6-1.
Ysabel Gonzalez Rico of Miami was runner-up in the Girls 18s at the USTA National Campus in Orlando. Top-seeded Alana Wolfberg of Orlando outlasted No.9 seed Gonzalez Rico 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-2 in the finals.
In the semifinals, Gonzalez Rico beat unseeded Alexandra Yepifanova of Aventura 7-5, 6-2.
In the Boys 18s semifnals, top-seeded Evan Bynoe of Parkland defeated No.14 seed Randy Wilson of Miami 6-1, Retired (ill).
In the Girls 16s quarterfinals, No.4 seed Rosie Dickson of Bradenton beat No.8 seed Sophia Fornaris of Pinecrest 7-5, 4-6, 6-3.
In the Girls 12 quarterfinals, No.2 seed Valeria Ray of Doral defeated No.5 seed Ava Chambers of Boca Raton 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). In the semifinals, No.3 seed Grace Levelston of Vero Beach beat Ray 6-4, 6-4.
The USTA Florida “Bobby Curtis” Junior State Championships is the most competitive USTA Section junior championships in the nation, spawning the most players of any USTA Section to go on to the professional circuit and rank No.1 in the world.
Former “Bobby Curtis” champs who have gone on to rank No.1 in the world on the ATP and WTA rankings: Chris Evert, Jennifer Capriati, Jim Courier and Andy Roddick.
In 2012 the tournament was renamed the USTA Florida “Bobby Curtis” Junior State Championships in honor of legendary Florida junior tennis organizer Bobby Curtis.
For more tournament info, including links to complete draws and results, go to www.ustaflorida.com/bobbycurtis.
Tennis player Sofia Sewing of Doral did well in Juniors Girls at Wimbledon in London.
Sewing, seeded 14th, reached the quarterfinals in singles and semifinals in doubles. She teamed with Maria Jose Portillo of Mexico.
Sewing, who turned 18 on July 22, trains in Miami with private coach Wilson Usina.
Miami’s Nya Harris-Middleton, 8, recently competed at the AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championships in Kingsport, Tenn.
She placed third on vault, fifth on bars, fourth on floor and fifth all-around.
The five-day competition involved more than 1,500 athletes from around the United States.
Harris-Middleton, who trains at Gym Kidz in North Miami Beach, has been taking lessons since she was four and competing since she was 7. An Honor Roll student at Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School, she works very hard, balancing school studies and gymnastics practice with her team three days a week. Every day she is somewhere practicing cartwheels and back walk over.
“I had a lot of fun,” she said. “I am happy about my accomplishments and can’t wait to get to Level 3.”
Her gymnastics coach, Tawana Daniel, said: “I have had the pleasure of coaching Nya for three years. Nya’s hard work ethnic and positive attitude are a winning combination. Although she is very young, Nya’s focus and determination has progressed her greatly through gymnastics at a fast rate. Not only is she dedicated to the commitment of her training, when ever she is in the gym her carefree, easy going attitude is a great infectious stress reliever for her teammates. Nya continually strives for great, whether she is in practice or at a competition. She is a pleasure to coach and I am honored that I have the opportunity to watch her grow in the sport”.
Her mom, Yvette N. Harris, said: “I am extremely proud of the way she competed. What I love about Nya is that she works hard and really has fun with gymnastics. She competed on beam first and fell off. She could of just given up , but in true Nya form, she jumped right back up on the beam and finished perfectly. She embraced it and went on to do well in all of the other areas of the competition. Her mental attitude and work ethic are strong. I learn from her daily.”
This is the second year Harris-Middleton competed at AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championship. She is looking forward to training this summer to qualify for Level 3.
About Gym Kidz
Its No.1 goal is to build each child’s confidence and self-esteem while improving coordination, flexibility and physical strength.
Fun is part of the curriculum, too.
Follow a weekly curriculum to ensure each child is learning at his/her own pace. Gymnastics coaches are certified and train year round. No two students have exactly the same skills or learning style. They create an individual learning plan for every gymnast.
Visit www.gymkidzgymnastics.com.
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs hosted 44 high school team and 23 youth teams as part of the 10th annual High School and Youth 7-on-7 Tournament.
The event began with a symposium at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. High school athletes heard from Miami Dolphins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum, Director of Player Engagement Kaleb Thornhill and Youth Programs Manager & Dolphins Alum Troy Drayton.
“Starting with the symposium, we were first able to engage and encourage the high school student-athletes off the field, which is a core piece of the Dolphins’ youth programs mission,” Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Manager Troy Drayton said. “Building off the symposium’s energy, the level of competition at both the high school and youth level was extremely high during the 10th year of the tournament.”
The high school football tournament commenced at Plantation Central Park. The tournament consisted of round-robin play and then moved into a single elimination format. The high school teams competed in the championship round.
Carol City won the tournament for the third consecutive year. The Chiefs beat Miramar 14-7 in the finals.
Twenty three teams competed in the youth tournament, which consisted of three age groups (10U, 12U, 14U). Rac Squad won the 10U, SFYF won the 12U, and the Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes won the 14U division.
The Miami Dolphins hosted the Doral Academy Preparatory tackle football team at their Organized Team Activity practice. The team was given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility, where the Dolphins train at Nova Southeastern University in Davie.
They also heard from Miami Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel about the importance of having good character and leadership.
“It’s exciting for our program, our kids to see the pros do it. They see how practice is run from a different point of view,” said Doral Academy Preparatory Head Coach Jase Stewart. “It’s just a great, all-around feeling for our kids to be part of this.”
Doral Academy also had the opportunity to watch the Dolphins practice and meet with current players on the field. Following practice, the athletes had lunch provided by Wendy’s.
“What I learned from [Tom Garfinkel] was being competitive in life can get you far, because you fight for what you want,” said Doral Academy Preparatory receiver Natavius Payne. “He was also telling us leadership can get you far.”
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to transform the lives of youth football players by instilling character building and reinforcing safety standards that help to increase football participation and grow a new generation of Dolphins fans.
A 2015 Barry University graduate, Julie Brito (Pembroke Pines Charter HS) will bike from Cedar City, Utah to San Francisco to support the Bike the US for MS cause to help fight multiple sclerosis.
Brito is the niece of former Barry men’s basketball coach Cesar Odio, who passed away in July 2016 of leukemia.
“After I finished playing softball at Barry University, I was very interested in finding another passion to train for where I could use my athleticism to help other people,” Brito said in a release. “As such, I began looking into different non-profits that organize long-distance bike rides. After a lot of research, I decided to finally join the Bike the US for Multiple Sclerosis TransAmerican team. I was immediately amazed by this organization's commitment to providing direct assistance for those suffering from multiple sclerosis.”
Brito began the journey in Cedar City on July 19 and will finish in San Francisco Aug. 1. Her bike ride will cover 781 miles.
“This is a great cause that Julie is supporting,” Barry head softball coach Danielle Penner said. “Part of the Barry mission is to serve others, and she's continuing to do that as an alumni. She is a great example of what it means to personify what Barry is all about. Clearly, she is thinking about ways to help other people in doing this. I know this cause is something that is important to Julie, and we couldn't be more proud of her for wanting to be involved in it. We support her commitment to the MS cause, and I know she will truly embrace this experience.”
Brito was a .320 career hitter with 11 home runs and 111 runs batted in while playing for the Buccaneers from 2012-15. She batted .341 in back-to-back seasons as a sophomore and junior, and had a career-high five home runs as a senior when the Bucs went 32-15. She had 37 doubles in her four seasons with the Buccaneers, which ranks 10th in Barry history. Her 11 homers also are tied for 10th. Her .994 career fielding percentage ranks second in school history, as does her 31 double plays turned.
“I have been an athlete for as long as I remember -- whether it was bike riding, running or playing softball or volleyball,” Brito said. “This cause hit home, and is important for me because it is very difficult to know that there is a large population affected by MS, which disables them from simply being able to walk. MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. However, new treatments and advances in research are giving hope to those affected by this disease. I am very excited about being able to contribute my part by combining a very important cause with what will be an incredible experience with a great group of selfless individuals.”
Brito is putting her accounting career on hold to bike from Utah to California.
“This ride will give me the opportunity to directly impact the lives of some pretty inspirational people, while also getting to see a different part of the United States,” she said. “The parts that I am mostly excited about are stopping along the way to volunteer for patients and their families, as well as personally delivering checks from what our team has fundraised to MS centers that fund projects across the U.S.
“In addition, we will be camping at our arrival destinations. the sights that I am most looking forward to seeing are Great Basin National Park in Nevada, where we will be camping for a night, the beautiful mountains of Utah and San Francisco, California.”
To support Brito and the Bike the US for MS cause click
http://biketheusforms.org/cyclists/detail.asp?cid=1075
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust, said in a release. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The annual Miami HEAT Camp continues in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
The camp is under the direction of former Miami HEAT assistant coach and current television commentator Tony Fiorentino, and HEAT legend Glen Rice will be participating..
The individual sessions are one week each for kids, age 6-16.
During the first day of the session, campers will be split up into teams of 8-10 and have an assigned coach.
During a day camp (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), the campers will play two full court 5-on-5 games each day and learn various basketball skills.
Below is the schedule for each session.
July 24-28/ July 31 - Aug 4 / Aug 7-11: Miami-Dade College (Kendall Campus)
Website to Register/Purchase: HEAT.com/HEATCamp or call 786-777-4113.
The City of Miami Gardens presents new youth sports programs for boys and girls, age 5-17.
Bowling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Swimming.
Register at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 18605 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens 33056.
For fees and info, call 305-622-8080.
Visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/miamigardens.
The Suniland Sundevils Tackle Football Registration is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thru August at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest.
Kids, age 5-13, are eligible. Fee $150 for the season. Suniland is a member of the Miami Xtreme Youth Tackle Football League.
The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches.
For information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.
More events, leagues, programs
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
Submit info to Sports Scene
Sports Scene spotlights news and notes from youth sports activities in your neighborhood. The aim is to feature game notes and the accomplishments of athletes from Miami-Dade County.
We rely on the directors and coaches of each league, as well as community members, parents and schools to submit information. We accept photos but ask that everyone pictured be identified with a first and last name and the name of the team or park they represent.
Email sportsscene@MiamiHerald.com.
Youth sports online
For more area sports photos, go to
www.miamiherald.com/sports/youth/miami-dade
YouTube youth sports and more
YouTube at the Jim Varsallone (the jimmyv3 channel)
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Miami’s Nya Harris-Middleton, 8, recently competed at the AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championships in Kingsport, Tenn.
She placed third on vault, fifth on bars, fourth on floor and fifth all-around.
The five-day competition involved more than 1,500 athletes from around the United States.
Harris-Middleton, who trains at Gym Kidz in North Miami Beach, has been taking lessons since she was four and competing since she was 7. An Honor Roll student at Phyllis Ruth Miller Elementary School, she works very hard, balancing school studies and gymnastics practice with her team three days a week. Every day she is somewhere practicing cartwheels and back walk over.
“I had a lot of fun,” she said. “I am happy about my accomplishments and can’t wait to get to Level 3.”
Her gymnastics coach, Tawana Daniel, said: “I have had the pleasure of coaching Nya for three years. Nya’s hard work ethnic and positive attitude are a winning combination. Although she is very young, Nya’s focus and determination has progressed her greatly through gymnastics at a fast rate. Not only is she dedicated to the commitment of her training, when ever she is in the gym her carefree, easy going attitude is a great infectious stress reliever for her teammates. Nya continually strives for great, whether she is in practice or at a competition. She is a pleasure to coach and I am honored that I have the opportunity to watch her grow in the sport”.
Her mom, Yvette N. Harris, said: “I am extremely proud of the way she competed. What I love about Nya is that she works hard and really has fun with gymnastics. She competed on beam first and fell off. She could of just given up , but in true Nya form, she jumped right back up on the beam and finished perfectly. She embraced it and went on to do well in all of the other areas of the competition. Her mental attitude and work ethic are strong. I learn from her daily.”
This is the second year Harris-Middleton competed at AAU Gymnastics Age Group National Championship. She is looking forward to training this summer to qualify for Level 3.
About Gym Kidz
Its No.1 goal is to build each child’s confidence and self-esteem while improving coordination, flexibility and physical strength.
Fun is part of the curriculum, too.
Follow a weekly curriculum to ensure each child is learning at his/her own pace. Gymnastics coaches are certified and train year round. No two students have exactly the same skills or learning style. They create an individual learning plan for every gymnast.
Visit www.gymkidzgymnastics.com.
Tennis player Yannik Rahman of Miami won the Boys 12s title of the 69th USTA Florida Bobby Curtis Junior State Singles Championships at Sanlando Park in Altamonte Springs.
The top-seeded Rahman defeated No.2 seed Leanid Boika of Delray Beach 6-2, 6-3.
In the semifinals, Rahman beat No.5 seed Carter Swope of Boca Raton 6-0, 7-6 (7-5). In the quarterfinals, he beat No.11 seed Manuel Palmieri of Miami Beach 6-0, 6-1.
Ysabel Gonzalez Rico of Miami was runner-up in the Girls 18s at the USTA National Campus in Orlando. Top-seeded Alana Wolfberg of Orlando outlasted No.9 seed Gonzalez Rico 6-4, 6-7 (3-7), 6-2 in the finals.
In the semifinals, Gonzalez Rico beat unseeded Alexandra Yepifanova of Aventura 7-5, 6-2.
In the Boys 18s semifnals, top-seeded Evan Bynoe of Parkland defeated No.14 seed Randy Wilson of Miami 6-1, Retired (ill). In the Girls 16s quarterfinals, No.4 seed Rosie Dickson of Bradenton beat No.8 seed Sophia Fornaris of Pinecrest 7-5, 4-6, 6-3. In the Girls 12 quarterfinals, No.2 seed Valeria Ray of Doral defeated No.5 seed Ava Chambers of Boca Raton 6-4, 7-6 (8-6). In the semifinals, No.3 seed Grace Levelston of Vero Beach beat Ray 6-4, 6-4.
The USTA Florida “Bobby Curtis” Junior State Championships is the most competitive USTA Section junior championships in the nation, spawning the most players of any USTA Section to go on to the professional circuit and rank No.1 in the world.
Former “Bobby Curtis” champs who have gone on to rank No.1 in the world on the ATP and WTA rankings: Chris Evert, Jennifer Capriati, Jim Courier and Andy Roddick.
In 2012 the tournament was renamed the USTA Florida “Bobby Curtis” Junior State Championships in honor of legendary Florida junior tennis organizer Bobby Curtis.
For more tournament info, including links to complete draws and results, go to www.ustaflorida.com/bobbycurtis.
Tennis player Sofia Sewing of Doral did well in Juniors Girls at Wimbledon in London.
Sewing, seeded 14th, reached the quarterfinals in singles and semifinals in doubles. She teamed with Maria Jose Portillo of Mexico.
Sewing, who turned 18 on July 22, trains in Miami with private coach Wilson Usina.
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs hosted 44 high school team and 23 youth teams as part of the 10th annual High School and Youth 7-on-7 Tournament.
The event began with a symposium at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. High school athletes heard from Miami Dolphins Executive Vice President of Football Operations Mike Tannenbaum, Director of Player Engagement Kaleb Thornhill and Youth Programs Manager & Dolphins Alum Troy Drayton.
“Starting with the symposium, we were first able to engage and encourage the high school student-athletes off the field, which is a core piece of the Dolphins’ youth programs mission,” Miami Dolphins Youth Programs Manager Troy Drayton said. “Building off the symposium’s energy, the level of competition at both the high school and youth level was extremely high during the 10th year of the tournament.”
The high school football tournament commenced at Plantation Central Park. The tournament consisted of round-robin play and then moved into a single elimination format. The high school teams competed in the championship round.
Carol City won the tournament for the third consecutive year. The Chiefs beat Miramar 14-7 in the finals.
Twenty three teams competed in the youth tournament, which consisted of three age groups (10U, 12U, 14U). Rac Squad won the 10U, SFYF won the 12U, and the Fort Lauderdale Hurricanes won the 14U division.
The Miami Dolphins hosted the Doral Academy Preparatory tackle football team at their Organized Team Activity practice. The team was given a tour of the Baptist Health Training Facility, where the Dolphins train at Nova Southeastern University in Davie.
They also heard from Miami Dolphins President & CEO Tom Garfinkel about the importance of having good character and leadership.
“It’s exciting for our program, our kids to see the pros do it. They see how practice is run from a different point of view,” said Doral Academy Preparatory Head Coach Jase Stewart. “It’s just a great, all-around feeling for our kids to be part of this.”
Doral Academy also had the opportunity to watch the Dolphins practice and meet with current players on the field. Following practice, the athletes had lunch provided by Wendy’s.
“What I learned from [Tom Garfinkel] was being competitive in life can get you far, because you fight for what you want,” said Doral Academy Preparatory receiver Natavius Payne. “He was also telling us leadership can get you far.”
The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to transform the lives of youth football players by instilling character building and reinforcing safety standards that help to increase football participation and grow a new generation of Dolphins fans.
A 2015 Barry University graduate, Julie Brito (Pembroke Pines Charter HS) will bike from Cedar City, Utah to San Francisco to support the Bike the US for MS cause to help fight multiple sclerosis.
Brito is the niece of former Barry men’s basketball coach Cesar Odio, who passed away in July 2016 of leukemia.
“After I finished playing softball at Barry University, I was very interested in finding another passion to train for where I could use my athleticism to help other people,” Brito said in a release. “As such, I began looking into different non-profits that organize long-distance bike rides. After a lot of research, I decided to finally join the Bike the US for Multiple Sclerosis TransAmerican team. I was immediately amazed by this organization's commitment to providing direct assistance for those suffering from multiple sclerosis.”
Brito began the journey in Cedar City on July 19 and will finish in San Francisco Aug. 1. Her bike ride will cover 781 miles.
“This is a great cause that Julie is supporting,” Barry head softball coach Danielle Penner said. “Part of the Barry mission is to serve others, and she's continuing to do that as an alumni. She is a great example of what it means to personify what Barry is all about. Clearly, she is thinking about ways to help other people in doing this. I know this cause is something that is important to Julie, and we couldn't be more proud of her for wanting to be involved in it. We support her commitment to the MS cause, and I know she will truly embrace this experience.”
Brito was a .320 career hitter with 11 home runs and 111 runs batted in while playing for the Buccaneers from 2012-15. She batted .341 in back-to-back seasons as a sophomore and junior, and had a career-high five home runs as a senior when the Bucs went 32-15. She had 37 doubles in her four seasons with the Buccaneers, which ranks 10th in Barry history. Her 11 homers also are tied for 10th. Her .994 career fielding percentage ranks second in school history, as does her 31 double plays turned.
“I have been an athlete for as long as I remember -- whether it was bike riding, running or playing softball or volleyball,” Brito said. “This cause hit home, and is important for me because it is very difficult to know that there is a large population affected by MS, which disables them from simply being able to walk. MS is an unpredictable, often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system. However, new treatments and advances in research are giving hope to those affected by this disease. I am very excited about being able to contribute my part by combining a very important cause with what will be an incredible experience with a great group of selfless individuals.”
Brito is putting her accounting career on hold to bike from Utah to California.
“This ride will give me the opportunity to directly impact the lives of some pretty inspirational people, while also getting to see a different part of the United States,” she said. “The parts that I am mostly excited about are stopping along the way to volunteer for patients and their families, as well as personally delivering checks from what our team has fundraised to MS centers that fund projects across the U.S.
“In addition, we will be camping at our arrival destinations. the sights that I am most looking forward to seeing are Great Basin National Park in Nevada, where we will be camping for a night, the beautiful mountains of Utah and San Francisco, California.”
To support Brito and the Bike the US for MS cause click
http://biketheusforms.org/cyclists/detail.asp?cid=1075
The Children’s Trust and the U.S. Soccer Foundation have partnered up to bring soccer to underserved children and youth in Miami-Dade County. Soccer for Success (SfS) is a health-centered, out-of-school mentoring program for children in grades K-8 designed to eliminate childhood obesity, encourage healthy lifestyles and strengthen families.
Meeting three times a week for 75-90 minutes, kids will enjoy physical activity, nutrition education, mentorship and family engagement, facilitated by specially trained community-based coach-mentors, who also engage parents and caregivers with activities such as Zumba classes, cooking classes, nutrition education, and preventative health services and other wellness-related local resources.
“Because of our partners, a wonderful program called Soccer for Success is launching in Miami, in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami,” James R. Haj, president and CEO of The Children’s Trust, said in a release. “Soccer and other organized sports teach kids responsibility, how to win, how to lose and how to work together. They learn that if they fall down, they get back up and persevere.
In addition to The Children’s Trust and U.S. Soccer Foundation, funding partners for SfS Miami include the City of Miami and the City of North Miami, the former made possible through the Office of District 5 County Commissioner Keon Hardemon.
Program partners include FLIPANY, Liberty City Optimist Club, City of North Miami Parks and Recreation, FAB Sports, 93rd Street Community Baptist Church, Greater Love Full Gospel Baptist Church and New Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Soccer for Success Miami’s launch includes sites in Liberty City, Little Havana and North Miami; locations in Sweetwater and Homestead are in the works.
“We’d like to see a million kids involved in Soccer for Success by 2026,” said Ed Foster-Simeon, president and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation. “That’s why partnerships like the one we’ve built here in Miami are so important. They’re how things get started and off the ground,” said U.S. Soccer Foundation President and CEO Ed Foster-Simeon.
Visit thechildrenstrust.org.
The annual Miami HEAT Camp continues in Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
The camp is under the direction of former Miami HEAT assistant coach and current television commentator Tony Fiorentino, and HEAT legend Glen Rice will be participating..
The individual sessions are one week each for kids, age 6-16.
During the first day of the session, campers will be split up into teams of 8-10 and have an assigned coach.
During a day camp (9 a.m.-3:30 p.m.), the campers will play two full court 5-on-5 games each day and learn various basketball skills.
Below is the schedule for each session.
July 24-28/ July 31 - Aug 4 / Aug 7-11: Miami-Dade College (Kendall Campus)
Website to Register/Purchase: HEAT.com/HEATCamp or call 786-777-4113.
The City of Miami Gardens presents new youth sports programs for boys and girls, age 5-17.
Bowling, Soccer, Tennis, Baseball, and Swimming.
Register at City Hall, Parks and Recreation Department, 18605 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens 33056.
For fees and info, call 305-622-8080.
Visit https://apm.activecommunities.com/miamigardens.
The Suniland Sundevils Tackle Football Registration is every Tuesday and Thursday from 6-8 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m. thru August at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest.
Kids, age 5-13, are eligible. Fee $150 for the season. Suniland is a member of the Miami Xtreme Youth Tackle Football League.
The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches.
For information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.
More events, leagues, programs
The Miami HEAT announced they will be one of 17 National Basketball Association franchises participating in the inaugural season of the NBA 2K esports league, set to debut in 2018.
Along with the HEAT, other participating organizations include:
Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Detroit Pistons, Golden State Warriors, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies, Milwaukee Bucks, New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz and Washington Wizards.
“This is the first step in what promises to be an extraordinary league, bringing together the world's best gamers and showcasing elite competition on an international stage,” said NBA 2K esports league Managing Director, Brendan Donohue. “Our teams have expressed tremendous enthusiasm for esports, and we are looking forward to forming something truly unique for basketball and gaming fans around the globe.”
In February 2017, the NBA and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO) announced plans to launch a new, professional competitive gaming league that will bring together the best basketball gamers in the world. In the coming months, the league and its teams will make a variety of announcements related to participating players, league structure and business updates.
The NBA 2K league is the latest move in esports for the HEAT. In January 2017, the franchise announced a partnership with esports expansion team Misfits. The partnership calls for the HEAT to assist in all duties including marketing, branding, promotion, retail, digital and sponsorship activation while cross-promoting the two franchises. Misfits compete in League of Legends, Overwatch, Heroes of the Storm, Super Smash Brothers and Heatherstone: Heroes of Warcraft.
“We are thrilled to be working alongside 16 other NBA teams on this innovative esports league,” said The HEAT Group President of Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. “Given our unique integration into the esports community through our relationship with Misfits, we feel confident in our ability to reach Miami HEAT and Misfits fans alike, as we help create a new and exciting league from scratch.”
Launch Franchising, LLC. is pleased to announce a Launch Trampoline Park will be opening in Doral. The new park will be owned and operated by Jonas P. Roter and scheduled to begin construction later this spring.
Launch Trampoline Park was founded in 2012 by Rhode Island entrepreneur Robert Arnold and retired New England Patriot cornerback and three-time Super Bowl Champion Ty Law. Arnold embarked on the vision for Launch in 2011 after he visited his first trampoline park with his wife and kids. Seeing the combination of family, fun and fitness and using his knack for entrepreneurship, Launch came to life.
The parks provide kids of all ages with endless fun of whether it is bouncing on trampolines, playing dodgeball in mid-air or falling into a massive foam pit. Launch Doral will be available for birthday parties, fundraisers, fitness classes, toddler time, teen nights, private events and more! The park has a full-redemption arcade, Launch Restaurant and private party rooms. Additionally, Launch Trampoline Park has its own mascot – “Joey,” a 7-foot tall green kangaroo mascot – who is in charge of fun at the park, assisting with birthdays and special events.
“The Launch Doral franchisees are excited to bring family fun to the area and are ecstatic to be a part of the Launch team. We can’t wait for the community to enjoy all the fun and action that Launch has to offer,” stated Robert Arnold, president and co-owner of Launch Franchising, LLC.
About Launch Franchising
Ty Law and Robert Arnold are co-owners of Launch Franchising, LLC, with two corporate locations in Warwick, R.I. and Hartford, Conn., and franchise locations along the East Coast. The company is expanding its franchise nationwide and utilizing the strength of positive branding, turn-key operational systems and proven marketing programs as attractive benefits to potential franchisees. For additional information, visit
FC Miami City, Miami's official soccer team, and Miami Media School’s technology teams, resources, students, media and interest groups will feature collaboration and resource sharing. This will significantly enhance the coverage of soccer and the Premier Development League in Miami while providing students with access to unique sports media facilities.
The partnership is created in an effort to develop open sources for Miami Media School students and provide career experiences that will prepare students for sports media careers. Within six months, the students will learn how to write, produce and call games.
“Our goal at Miami Media School is to build a world-class sports media program” according to Nancy Rodriguez, CEO at Miami Media School. “Students in sports media are as likely to be applying for jobs with college athletic departments, professional franchises or entities like PDL, USL or MLS entities as they are with traditional media outlets, like local television stations and newspapers.”
FC Miami City GM Youri Vaisse said. “Helping to provide real-world opportunities for the many talented students of the Miami Media School is consistent with one of our top priorities. We cannot thank [Miami Media School CEO] Nancy Rodriguez and the Media School enough for helping make this historic and unique partnership possible.”
The opportunities offered to sports journalism students through the partnership will help students adjust to changes in the field. It will help to give students valuable experience in media areas that don’t fall under traditional journalism, and it’s a great fit alongside the wonderful student journalism opportunities already in Miami’s metro.
It will surely strengthen FC Miami City’s reputation as a national center for excellence in sports communication.
About Miami Media School
The Miami Media School is an American Private Institution that instructs students in all areas of the broadcast media industry. It is a comprehensive, hands-on program, where students are trained by broadcast media professionals currently working in the field.
The Media schools possess a unique mix of broadcasting leadership and experience, educational excellence then combines this with industry technology and equipment that effectively replicates what students and graduates will see when they enter the workforce. These tools and methods of training and educating our students solidifies the Media Schools position at the forefront of broadcasting education.
Nineteen football leaders (including Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth development Twan Russell) have been selected to take a leading role within USA Football’s Heads Up Football program, promoting a better and safer game on youth and high school levels nationwide.
The new Master Trainers join more than 100 others to educate high school and youth football programs on Heads Up Football principles.
Representing 15 states, the group of individuals – which includes youth, high school and college football coaches, as well as former NFL players – actively participated in a USA Football-led workshop earlier this year that educated them on the core fundamentals of the Heads Up Football program.
After completing the workshop, Master Trainers will instruct youth and high school coaches in their regions on Heads Up Football principles and teach youth league- and high school-appointed Player Safety Coaches, who will oversee their programs’ implementation of the highest national coaching standards for football.
“We’re proud to welcome the expertise our new Master Trainers bring to an already strong roster of knowledgeable, committed football experts who help us advance and grow the game alongside the youth and high school football community,” USA Football CEO and Executive Director Scott Hallenbeck said. “Master Trainers are leaders and educators, and work nationwide to implement important standards for parents, administrators, and coaches to ensure proper health and safety protocols are in place and to unify the approach to teaching football-specific techniques for the well-being of our athletes.”
Russell played football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, the University of Miami and the Miami Dolphins.
Created and administered by independent non-profit USA Football, Heads Up Football is a comprehensive way to teach and play the sport, encompassing coaching education, equipment fitting, shoulder tackling and blocking fundamentals, CDC-approved concussion recognition/response, sudden cardiac arrest protocols and heat preparedness/hydration. It’s supported by the American College of Sports Medicine, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine, among other leading associations spanning medicine and sport.
More than 2,200 high schools and nearly 75 percent of all U.S. youth leagues enrolled in Heads Up Football in 2016 for the betterment of student-athletes. The program is endorsed by a combined total of 32 state high school athletic associations and high school football coaches associations spanning 26 states. USA Football, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, is the sport’s national governing body and certifies more high school and youth coaches combined than any organization in the U.S
About USA Football
USA Football designs and delivers premier educational, developmental and competitive programs to advance and grow the sport. As the sport’s national governing body, member of the U.S. Olympic Committee and organizer of the U.S. National Team for international competition, USA Football partners with leaders in medicine, child advocacy and athletics to support positive football experiences for youth, high school and other amateur players. Follow USA Football on Facebook or on Twitter.
The Miami Backgammon Club plays 7 p.m. Wednesdays at The 19th Hole Bar & Grill, Biltmore Hotel, 1200 Anastasia Ave., Coral Gables, 33134.
The Miami Backgammon Club is a friendly group of South Florida Backgammon players. Players of all levels welcome. No membership fees.
Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.
Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.
The Warrior Basketball Pre-Travel Team Program in Miami is intense training for boys and girls, age 8-15, to prepare athletes for a travel team level.
The athletes will train two times a week in a two-hour practice. To gain experience, scrimmages will be set up, and tournament like situations will slowly be introduced to the team.
Practice days are Wednesdays, Fridays and/or Sundays. Kids will receive a Warrior basketball jersey and shorts.
Call 305-777-7077.
PGA Certified Pro Philip Argianas, program director of GIG-Gifts In Golf, is proud to bring his expertise to special people with special needs to Coral Gables.
GIG programing -- like Golfing with Autism and Kids Swing Into Golf -- enrich the quality of life for families in the community.
Coach Phil said in a release: “Our fun programing impacts kids by teaching them life skills while providing physical and mental training through learning the game of golf.”
For information about registration including schedules and release forms, go to GIG’s website
http://giftsingolf.org/schedules-and-forms/
To volunteer or for any other questions on the Autism and Down syndrome golf programs, call Coach Phil at 888-909-5709, check the website http://www.giftsingolf.org and Facebook page for updates.
GIG was founded in 2009 and has been serving several communities in Miami-Dade County. The organization provides fun instruction and mentoring while empowering special people with special needs. Integrating families and community, it provides all the benefits that golfing delivers with a focus on a person’s ability.
The international sport Footgolf is being introduced to the South Miami-Dade community at Killian Greens Golf Club, 9980 SW 104th St.
Footgolf (18 holes) can be played in two hours and is a great source of exercise for those who enjoy kicking a soccer ball. Times are available everyday of the week after 4:30 p.m. to players of all skill levels, families and groups. Balls are available for rent for $5 to those who do not already own one.
Killian Greens is an accredited Footgolf course with the American Footgolf League. Call 305-271-0917.
USTA Florida and the USTA Florida Section Foundation announced a landmark three-way agreement with Special Olympics Florida to provide more tennis playing opportunities to athletes in Florida.
The formal agreement builds on the existing support that USTA Florida and its charitable arm have provided to local Special Olympics programs by offering free 10 and Under Tennis workshops, grants and other resources to providers that offer tennis programs to Special Olympics athletes.
Likewise, Special Olympics Florida will encourage their athletes to participate in USTA Florida programs and events.
To get a program started, Special Olympics coaches may apply for a USTA Florida Section Foundation equipment grant for adaptive tennis equipment and other program needs by contacting Jessica Flynn at Special Olympics Florida.
For additional training opportunities and training resources, contact Linda Curtis at the USTA Florida Section Foundation at www.USTAFloridaFoundation.com.
Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami. Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.
Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).
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