Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ hosts Special Olympics Florida’s South Florida Youth Summit at Hard Rock Stadium
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October 26, 2019
#FootballUnites
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Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ hosts Special Olympics Florida’s South Florida Youth Summit at Hard Rock Stadium
MIAMI GARDENS – The Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program hosted over 100 students and faculty at Hard Rock Stadium for Special Olympics Florida’s South Florida Youth Summit presented by Wells Fargo.
The Youth Summit is a full day inclusive leadership development conference that introduces student leaders, both with and without intellectual disabilities, to Special Olympics Unified Champion School program inspiring them to become agents of change on their school campuses. The leadership training was provided by University of Miami Medical School’s Mailman Center for Child Development.
Guest speakers included Jason Jenkins, Miami Dolphins Senior VP of Communications and Community Affairs; Shirelle Jackson, University of Miami’s Senior Associate Athletic Director; Patrick Morris, Wells Fargo Community Affairs Officer and Haley Moss, Attorney, Author, Artist and Autism Advocate.
“It is critical to recognize the power of our future leaders to help shape attitudes about acceptance and inclusion,” said Special Olympics Florida CEO and President Sherry Wheelock. “Today’s summit was a testament to the shared desire to continue building communities that embrace all abilities. We are beyond grateful to our students, athletes, the Miami Dolphins, Wells Fargo and the University of Miami for their support to elevate these important and necessary conversations.”
Special Olympics Florida now boasts 222 Unified Champion Schools throughout the state. Southridge Senior High School in Miami-Dade County was recognized this year by ESPN as a top five Unified Champion School in the nation.
These efforts and initiatives align with the Miami Dolphins’ goal to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. Dolphins Chairman of the Board & Managing General Partner Stephen Ross and Dolphins players created the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program as a way to bring positive social change. The Miami Dolphins organization believes it is important to be inclusive of the diversity and aware of the intersections that make up South Florida, uniting groups of different races, genders, sexual orientations, identities, abilities and faiths around the power of football. Information on the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program can be found here. To learn more about RISE, visit here.
About Unified Champion Schools
Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools program is aimed at promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting systems-wide change. With sports as the foundation, the three component model offers a unique combination of effective activities that equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classroom and school climates of acceptance. These are school climates where students with disabilities feel welcome and are routinely included in, and feel a part of, all activities, opportunities and functions.
This is accomplished by implementing inclusive sports, inclusive youth leadership opportunities, and whole school engagement. The program is designed to be woven into the fabric of the school, enhancing current efforts and providing rich opportunities that lead to meaningful change in creating a socially inclusive school that supports and engages all learners. What a Unified Champion School “looks like” can vary greatly from school to school, based on the needs, goals, schedules and other factors unique to each school; but the basic building blocks remain the same.
About Special Olympics Florida
Special Olympics Florida provides year-round sports training, competition, and health services to children and adults with intellectual disabilities, at no cost to the athletes or their caregivers, as a means to achieve physical fitness, self-esteem, socialization skills, and the life skills necessary to be productive, respected, and contributing members of their
communities. To learn more, visit www.specialolympicsflorida.org.
Miami Dolphins Take Elementary School Students to Halloween Shop with A Fin Presented by Dade County Federal Credit Union
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October 23, 2019
#DolphinsHuddlefor100 @NFL
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Miami Dolphins Take Elementary School Students to Halloween Shop with A Fin Presented by Dade County Federal Credit Union
AVENTURA, FL – Miami Dolphins players Chandler Cox, Andrew Van Ginkel, Davon Godchaux, Jonathan Ledbetter, Chris Myarick, Nik Needham and Isaiah Prince, cheerleaders, T.D. and staff in partnership with Dade County Federal Credit Union took students from Coral Cove Elementary in Broward County and North Miami Elementary from Miami Dade County costume shopping at Spirit Halloween in Aventura on Wednesday afternoon.
“We want to make financial literacy as synonymous with the fall as football and Halloween,” Dade County Federal Credit Union Vice President of Marketing and Information technology Mauricio Morales said. “We are pleased to work with the Dolphins to make this event both fun and educational for the kids.”
“When you walk in here and the kids are coming off the bus and they see us in these jerseys, we don’t think it but it’s a big deal,” Miami Dolphins DE Jonathan Ledbetter said. “When you see kids that are that young, you have an impression on them. We are at a position where we impact people no matter what we do. We are a symbol and the Miami Dolphins, the NFL and us as individuals with our brands; it’s important and leaves an everlasting impression on these kids connecting and having an impact on them just by being here.”
Selected by their school principal, the 50 participating students ages 5-8 years old also received a lesson on financial literacy from Dade County Federal Credit Union to learn the importance of financial responsibility prior to the event.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for my students that is both educational and fun! I am extremely grateful for this partnership,” North Miami Elementary School Principal Dr. Deborah Darbonne said.
“I am thrilled our students experienced such a unique opportunity. Thank you to everyone who makes this partnership possible, and for making a difference in the lives of our students at Coral Cove Elementary School,” Coral Cove Elementary School Principal Stephanie A. Saban said.
This event is part of an ongoing series of the #DolphinsHuddlefor100 service projects as part of the NFL’s 100th celebration. The NFL has invited fans, players, clubs and employees to join Huddle for 100, an effort to inspire 1 million people to volunteer 100 minutes of their time to make meaningful contributions to their communities. These activities are in connection with the Miami Dolphins’ initiative to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. For more information on the NFL Huddle and to see volunteer opportunities with the Dolphins, visit https://www.miamidolphins.com/community/specialteams.
Miami Dolphins Host FOOTBALL UNITES™ Allapattah and Wynwood Cultural Tour Presented by Baptist Health
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October 15, 2019
#DolphinsHuddlefor100 @NFL #FootballUnites #InspireChange
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Miami Dolphins Host FOOTBALL UNITES™ Allapattah and Wynwood Cultural Tour Presented by Baptist Health
MIAMI – Miami Dolphins players Myles Gaskin, Durval Queiroz Neto and Christian Wilkins, cheerleaders and staff spent the day exploring Allapattah and Wynwood alongside local youth, community leaders and law enforcement at the Dolphins’ second FOOTBALL UNITES™ Cultural Tour Presented by Baptist Health of the season to experience the richness and diversity of South Florida on Tuesday, October 15.
“When I was a little kid I really wanted to meet an NFL player; I think that was really huge for me and being able to do that for these guys here I think that means a lot just being friendly and having regular conversations with them,” Miami Dolphins Running Back Myles Gaskin said. “I learned how much history Florida has. Coming from across the country, you don’t hear much about it and being out here learning about these churches, restaurants and Wynwood, I think that is the biggest part. On my day off I might work out a little but you obviously want to see something new and that was big for me today, I really enjoyed it and can’t wait for the next one.”
On arrival, the group participated in a #DolphinsHuddleFor100 service project packing hygiene kits as part of a Hurricane Dorian relief effort to experience working together in a teamwork setting.
The tour, in partnership with History Miami, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, started with a guided exploration through La Merced Church. Participants received a history lesson of the colonial site and its significance on the heritage of Miami. The team then visited Club Tipico Dominicano Restaurant, the oldest Dominican restaurant in Allapattah, to enjoy traditional Dominican dishes and experience Merengue dancing. The day concluded with a visit to Wynwood Wall to explore the colorful street murals from artists around the globe.
“My favorite part has been coming to the restaurant. We are experiencing stuff and they are telling us about the Dominican cultures, what’s going on and how long it’s been here,” student participant Stephanie Pineda said. “It’s good because they (Miami Dolphins) are interested in it, and they actually talk about it. Most people don’t worry about it but I appreciate how they actually do.”
“This is a legacy that we, here, would like to leave. This is very important for all kinds of people and coming to visit such a place is like going to the past so this is very important cultural wise,” Colonial Heritage of Florida Project Director Ray Zamora said.
These initiatives align with the organization’s goal to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. Dolphins Chairman of the Board & Managing General Partner Stephen Ross and Dolphins players created the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program as a way to bring positive social change. The Miami Dolphins organization believes it is important to be inclusive of the diversity and aware of the intersections that make up South Florida, uniting groups of different races, genders, sexual orientations, identities, abilities and faiths around the power of football.
These programs connect to the NFL’s Inspire Change platform, showcasing the collaborative efforts of players, owners and the league to create positive change in communities across the country and work with RISE – the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality – to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Information on the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program can be found here. To learn more about RISE, visit here. Fans can join the
conversation with the NFL’S Inspire Change program by clicking here.
Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ Collaborate with Breakthrough Miami to Host Breakthroughs and Bridges Workshop
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October 16, 2019
#FootballUnites #InspireChange
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Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ Collaborate with Breakthrough Miami to Host Breakthroughs and Bridges Workshop
MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. – The Miami Dolphins FOOTBALL UNITES™ program and Breakthrough Miami jointed to host Breakthroughs and Bridges, bringing together 50 students from diverse backgrounds across the tri-county area to engage in thought-provoking conversations and activities designed to address diversity and inclusivity, Tuesday, October 15 at the National Young Arts Foundation.
With an emphasis on listening, learning and understanding of others, Breakthroughs and Bridges included a networking opportunity, gallery walk, icebreaker, group breakout sessions and concluded with a moment of sharing and reflection. The event sought to engage students in facilitated dialogue and activities that addresses issues of agency, identity and inclusion, and offer solutions-oriented joint learning experiences across the diverse communities of students.
“We are excited to partner with Breakthrough Miami to use our platform through FOOTBALL UNITES™ to highlight opportunities that educate, promote diversity and bring our youth together,” Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said. “Breakthrough and Bridges is an amazing program that connects youth to level the playing field and build impactful and meaningful relationships.”
“It is a genuine pleasure to partner with the Miami Dolphin’s FOOTBALL UNITES™, as it is an initiative that closely mirrors our values and aligns with our vision for a future that includes diversity and dialogue,” CEO of Breakthrough Miami Lori-Ann Cox said. “We began Breakthrough and Bridges to enable our youth to have real conversions, real relationships, and real opportunities, leveraging their diverse experiences and backgrounds. And it is through partnerships like these that we are able to strengthen and develop that reality.”
Breakthroughs and Bridges was developed by Breakthrough Miami in an effort to foster the next generation of leaders that embrace difference as an asset and have the skills to establish and nurture real relationships, empowering them in their personal and professional lives. For nearly 30 years, Breakthrough Miami has served as a bridge connecting communities across our city to close the opportunity gap, generate social mobility and nurture self-actualization. As divides across diverse communities deepen nationally, Breakthrough Miami seeks to leverage its unique positioning as a bridge and facilitator to address these challenges at a local level.
These initiatives align with the Miami Dolphins goal to level the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida community. Dolphins Chairman of the Board & Managing General Partner Stephen Ross and Dolphins players created the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program as a way to bring positive social change. The Dolphins organization believes it is important to be inclusive of the diversity and aware of the intersections that make up South Florida, uniting groups of different races, genders, sexual orientations, identities, abilities and faiths around the power of football.
These programs connect to the NFL’s Inspire Change platform, showcasing the collaborative efforts of players, owners and the league to create positive change in communities across the country and work with RISE – the Ross Initiative in Sports for Equality – to eliminate racial discrimination, champion social justice and improve race relations. Information on the FOOTBALL UNITES™ program can be found here. To learn more about RISE, visit here. Fans can join the conversation with the NFL’S Inspire Change program by clicking here.
Miami Dolphins awarded Lewis off waivers
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October 15, 2019
Miami Dolphins awarded Lewis off waivers
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they were awarded cornerback Ryan Lewis off waivers from Philadelphia.
Lewis was promoted to the Eagles’ active roster on Oct. 2, 2019 before being waived on Oct. 14, 2019. He played in seven games with three starts for Buffalo in 2018, contributing 13 tackles (11 solo), two forced fumbles and three passes defensed. Lewis also spent time with Indianapolis (2019), New England (2017-18) and Arizona (2017). He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Arizona on May 12, 2017.
| Name |
Pos. |
Hgt. |
Wgt. |
Birthdate |
Exp. |
College |
Hometown |
Acq. |
| Ryan Lewis |
CB |
6-0 |
185 |
4/15/94 |
2 |
Pittsburgh ’17 |
Seattle, Wash. |
Wai., ’19 (Phi.) |
Miami Dolphins Announce Week 6 Play Football Award Winners
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October 14, 2019
#JuniorDolphins #PlayFootball
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Miami Dolphins Announce Week 6 Play Football Award Winners
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins announced their Play Football Week 6 award winners in a program designed to celebrate youth football in South Florida. For each home game, the Dolphins will identify a high school coach of the week, high school player of the week, youth player of the week and team mom of the week. The high school coach of the week selection will celebrate those with long-standing tenure in the coaching community, paying tribute to Don Shula’s 50th season with the Miami Dolphins organization.
Award recipients will receive tickets to a Dolphins home game, be presented with a plaque on the field at Hard Rock Stadium and receive acknowledgement of their accomplishment in the game program and through the Dolphins’ social media platforms. The Dolphins also will recognize a team of the week who will be on field during the national anthem.
The program concludes at the Dolphins-Bengals game where the Dolphins will honor yearly award winners in all categories with the exception of the team of the year.
Week 6 Winners:
- High School Coach of the Week: Gene Chew from John A. Ferguson Senior High School High School. After graduating from Valdosta State University, Chew returned to his hometown and began teaching in Miami-Dade County Public Schools in 1991. He got his first coaching job as an assistant football coach and girls basketball coach in 1993 at Miami Country Day School. From 1994-2000, Chew enjoyed a long tenure at G. Holmes Braddock Senior High School as an assistant football coach and assistant track coach. In 2001, he returned to his alma mater, Southwest Miami Senior High School, where he served two seasons as the offensive coordinator and head track coach. In 2003, he was hired as the first head football coach at the newly opened John A. Ferguson Senior High School. The program began with just a freshmen class and the Falcons played their first varsity season in 2005 in the highest state classification with no seniors on the roster. The hard work paid off in 2009 as Chew and his team earned their first district title. The Falcons enjoyed their most successful season in 2014, earning a 7-3 record and a tie for first place in the district. The Falcon’s 2014 offense was ranked as high as number 2 in the state for total yards and average yards per game. Beginning with his first graduating class in 2007, Chew has consistently sent his seniors on to play college football at all levels. His program also has produced several all-star game participants as well as All-Dade second team, third team, and honorable mention honors.
- High School Player of the Week: Patrick Payton from Miami Senior High School. Payton recorded nine tackles, five sacks and one forced fumble in the team’s first loss of the season. He is regarded as one of the top prospects in the Class of 2021.
- Youth Player of the Week: Royce Powell from the Fort Pierce FireHawks 10U of Treasure Coast Pop Warner. Powell is a very dedicated and hardworking athlete both on and off the field. He is one of the top students at his school, where he has earned Principal’s Honor Roll for three consecutive years. Powell is one of the top running backs on his team and one of the hardest hitting safeties. He has a dominating and energetic presence when leading his team, demonstrates the ability to be a positive and passionate leader and always helps other players.
- Team Mom of the Week: Marjorie Garland from the Royal Palm Beach Wildcats 12U of Treasure Coast Pop Warner. Garland has been perfecting her skills as a team mom since most of the 12U players were 5- and 6-years old. She makes sure all players and parents stay up to date with team information, ensures the players have snacks and are hydrated and serves on the Wildcats’ homecoming and fundraising committee. Garland’s dedication and preparation to her team and association makes the X’s and O’s happen that much easier every Saturday.
- Team of the Week: Inlet Grove Community High School and Wellington Community High School
The Junior Dolphins program encourages youth players and coaches to teach, learn and play football in a fun and safe environment. The Junior Dolphins program is designed to give kids access to learn the fundamentals of football using the NFL’s top resources. To grow the game, the Junior Dolphins program will work to educate coaches, parents and youth on the health and safety of football with a strong emphasis on character development. Junior Dolphins is building the next generation of Dolphins Fans.
Miami Dolphins release Bademosi
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October 14, 2019
Miami Dolphins release Bademosi
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins today announced they have released cornerback Johnson Bademosi.
Bademosi played in four games for the Dolphins this season and totaled four tackles (three solo) and one special teams stop. He was acquired by Miami in a trade with Houston on Sept. 1, 2019. Bademosi played in 114 NFL games with six starts and totaled 80 special teams tackles (57 solo). He originally entered the NFL as an undrafted college free agent with Cleveland on May 4, 2012.
Total Raised by Dolphins Cancer Challenge Hits $32.5M+ for Cancer Research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center DCC IX raised more than $5.2M
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October 13, 2019
#CancerFighter
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Total Raised by Dolphins Cancer Challenge Hits $32.5M+ for Cancer Research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center DCC IX raised more than $5.2M
Miami, FL – The Miami Dolphins announced the Dolphins Cancer Challenge IX (DCC IX) raised $5,237,879 for innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, a part of UHealth — the University of Miami Health System, bringing the event’s nine-year total to more than $32.5M.
“The community continues to show tremendous support for the DCC and our friends and family who have survived, continue to battle cancer or have lost a loved one to this disease,” University of Miami Executive Vice President of Business and Finance and Chief Operating Officer Jacqueline Travisano said. “We are so proud of everyone, and we are pleased that the funds we have raised to fight cancer stay right here in our South Florida community.”
The Miami Dolphins and Dolphins Cancer Challenge supported the NFL’s Crucial Catch campaign designed to raise awareness of early detection and risk reduction of cancers at their home game vs. the Washington Redskins. Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center served as the presenting sponsor of the Crucial Catch game and all fans who attended the game received cancer awareness arm sleeves upon entry to Hard Rock Stadium.
“The incredible partnership that we have built with the Miami Dolphins is approaching its first decade,” Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D. said. “As we look to the future, we are grateful for all the support we have had from the Dolphins Cancer Challenge and our incredible community. We have been able to grow critically important research programs at Sylvester and lead cancer prevention and treatment efforts that are changing the way cancer is treated in our country, and around the world. We have been able to innovate and contribute to the health of our community, helping cancer patients live longer, with better quality of life. Our success has led the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to honor Sylvester by awarding us NCI-designation, making us the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida. As we start preparing for DCC 10, we are committed to conducting even more cancer research and making more discoveries that save lives.”
To celebrate the $5.2M gift from DCC IX, the Miami Dolphins held a halftime presentation to honor the journey of cancer survivors treated at Sylvester. In addition, all 300 cancer survivors who participated in DCC IX were invited to the game and were celebrated on field as well as the doctors who receive critical funding from the money raised.
DCC funds are used to support truly innovative research, helping recruit and retain some of the world’s best minds in cancer research and care and investing in cutting-edge technologies to bring the latest in discoveries for detection, diagnosis and treatment to cancer patients in South Florida and beyond. In just nine years, more than $32.5 million dollars has gone to fund research that leads to more effective targeted therapies for each patient’s cancer, including:
- Precision medicine – discovering, developing and delivering the next generation of precision cancer medicine.
- Immunotherapies – investing in the fast-growing field of cancer immunotherapies that boost the patient’s own immune system to attack and eradicate cancer cells.
- Clinical trials – offering the latest clinical cancer trials to patients, allowing them to receive some of the most promising new therapies targeting the drivers of their particular cancers.
- Radiation oncology research – developing new ways to more precisely deliver radiation therapy in a variety of cancers, concentrating the dosage on cancer cells and leaving healthy tissue unaffected.
- Cancer diagnostics – investing in the newest technologies and best talent to better understand each individual’s cancer and its genetic drivers.
Started in 2010 by the Miami Dolphins as the signature initiative of the Miami Dolphins Foundation’s health impact area, the DCC is dedicated to improving people’s lives through the financial support of innovative cancer at Sylvester, South Florida’s only NCI-designated Cancer Center. With this recent recognition from the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Sylvester is now among the top cancer centers in the United States and joins a highly select group as one of only two NCI-designated cancer centers in the state of Florida, and one of just 71 across the nation. Since its inception, the DCC has raised more than $32.5 million, donating 100 percent of participant-raised funds to Sylvester. DCC 10 is scheduled to take place Feb. 29, 2020 and will include five bike routes throughout South Florida, a run/walk 5K and a Finish Line Festival presented by Moss Construction. These initiatives align with the Miami Dolphins Foundation’s commitment towards leveling the playing field through the power of teamwork to inspire a healthier, more educated and united South Florida Community.
For additional information, call (305) 943-6799 or visit www. DolphinsCancerChallenge.com.
