Tallahassee, Fla. – Florida professional major league sports teams and organizations from across Florida are applauding Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis for launching a new resiliency initiative for Florida schools to emphasize key character development skills including volunteerism, teamwork, and problem solving.

FOOTBALL

Miami Dolphins 

“It’s easy for everyone to get behind an initiative that supports the mental and physical health of our young people; especially in these difficult times,” said Miami Dolphins Vice Chairman and CEO Tom Garfinkel.  “Governor and First Lady DeSantis have created a program that does just that and we look forward to working together with the state’s professional teams and sports leagues on this resiliency initiative.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

“The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are proud to partner with the Governor and First Lady Casey DeSantis in promoting resiliency education for Florida students,” said Tampa Bay Buccaneers Chief Operating Officer Brian Ford. “Winning the Super Bowl was a major accomplishment, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t face trials and tribulations along the way – hard work and determination were key to our success.”

BASEBALL
Miami Marlins 

“We are excited to join Governor Ron DeSantis, First Lady Casey DeSantis, and partners across the state in this important initiative” said Rocky Egusquiza, Miami Marlins Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. “The Miami Marlins have partnered across South Florida to support physical and mental wellness for our youth, and we understand how important it is for students to know that even though they feel hope may be lost, they have resources available to help them rise up to achieve success.”

Tampa Bay Rays 

“The Tampa Bay Rays commend Governor and First Lady DeSantis for recognizing the importance of preparing Florida’s students with the character development skills to help them adapt to any of life’s challenges,” said Tampa Bay Rays President Matt Silverman. “We are proud to partner with them on this resiliency initiative to ensure Florida students have the resources they need to succeed during even the most trying of times.”

BASKETBALL
Orlando Magic 

“Thank you to Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis for providing an important tool to support Florida students’ wellbeing and long-term success,” said Orlando Magic’s CEO Alex Martins. “The Orlando Magic is proud to be part of this critical initiative that helps to reframe the way we talk about mental wellbeing and combine it with a focus on resiliency for our state’s students. We are all unique, yet a common thread is that we all face challenges. Learning strategies for overcoming obstacles of all sizes can help each and every student grow and succeed.”

Miami Heat 

“We often say there are some things that are bigger than basketball, and overcoming adversity is a case in point,” said Eric Woolworth, President of The HEAT Group’s Business Operations. “The Miami HEAT is proud to lend our support to this important resiliency initiative, founded by Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis, which encourages students to build the necessary skills to carry on, no matter the setback.”

HOCKEY
Tampa Bay Lightning 

“The Tampa Bay Lightning are proud to stand with the Governor and First Lady Casey DeSantis as they work to empower Florida students with crucial resiliency tools,” said Vinik Sports Group and Lightning CEO Steve Griggs. “As the 2020 Stanley Cup Champions, the Bolts know that you can’t expect to succeed if you only put in work on the days you feel like it.”

The Florida Panthers 

“The Florida Panthers are thrilled to partner with Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis to ensure a brighter future for our students,” said President and CEO Matt Caldwell. “Resilience is key to working through the challenges of life. Students have to learn and be given the chance to work through difficult problems with strong supports from parents, educators, and mentors.”

SOCCER
Orlando City and Orlando Pride 

“At Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride, we recognize that mental toughness and determination are key to living positive lives,” said Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride. “Our organizations appreciate this resiliency initiative to provide Florida students with the necessary skills to overcome obstacles in life.”

The Inter Miami CF 

“Inter Miami CF is proud to support the Governor and First Lady Casey DeSantis’ new initiative for Florida students and we look forward to leading by example and showing resilience as a team,” said Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham. “As a professional athlete I know that as well as talent, it takes hard work, determination and resilience to achieve your goals.”

GOLF
LPGA 

“The LPGA looks forward to partnering with Governor Ron DeSantis and First Lady Casey DeSantis on this great initiative,” said Nancy Henderson, the LPGA’s Chief Teaching Officer and President of the LPGA Foundation. “It is imperative that students are given the opportunity to learn and develop new skills to help them grow into resilient Floridians.”

RACING
NASCAR  

“As in life, resilience is a key component of competing on the racetrack, as you need to be prepared for anything that comes your way,” said Lesa Kennedy, Executive Vice Chair, NASCAR. “NASCAR is proud to join the Governor and First Lady as Florida works to impart important lessons in perseverance, critical thinking, and volunteerism, among other character-building skills, in our youth.”

Daytona International Speedway

“Developing life skills that help our youth grow into successful adults is a critical component in building successful, thriving communities,” said Chip Wile, President, Daytona International Speedway. “Daytona International Speedway proudly supports the work our Governor and First Lady are leading as we seek to evolve mental wellness education for the next generation of Floridians.”

Homestead-Miami Speedway

“We all have a stake in the future development of our state’s youth, and that starts with providing students with the necessary skills to develop into healthy, happy people,” said Al Garcia, President, Homestead-Miami Speedway. “Homestead-Miami Speedway is honored to work alongside the Governor and First Lady as we elevate important life skills with the future of our great state.”

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