Nicolas Ortiz, 15, of Country Walk is the youngest person in the nation to participate in the Formula 1000 Racing Championship Series.

His passion for speed and drive to succeed have led him to achieve a high level of driving experience by competing in difficult divisions, earning several wins and podium finishes. In May at the F1000 Grand Prix of Motorsport in Canada, Nicolas, the youngest driver on the race track, placed in the Top 5.

Nicolas started racing go karts at 13. Since then, his sole focus has been to continue advancing in the motorsport world and one day become a Formula 1 driver. His strong commitment to racing has not affected his performance at school. Recently recognized for his academic achievements, Nicolas is an outstanding student involved in various extracurricular activities including volunteer projects with Key Club and Ventana de los Sueños, a local charity that supports autism research.

Racing is a family affair at the Ortiz’s household. Nicolas’s parents, Fernando and Yvonne, have committed not only longs hours to accompany him to his training sessions and races abroad, but also their savings, as the investment for each individual race can amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Native to Cartagena, Colombia, his mom and dad are immigrants who came to the United States chasing the American dream. They are very proud of their son, who is a student at Archbishop Coleman Carroll High School.

Circle of Love 5K

The inaugural Shelly Roberts Circle of Love “5K for the Kids” Walk/Run was a huge success at Tropical Park.

More than 220 runners and walkers participated to support this important fundraising event. All proceeds raised went directly to benefit the Children’s Cancer Fund, a Jackson Memorial Foundation affiliated organization, and the Footprints Buddy and Support Program at the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Unit at Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida.

This fundraiser was the brainchild of Miami’s Ali Sokol, who single handedly planned and organized this event in honor of her grandmother, Shelly Roberts, a cancer survivor. In the summer 2005, Shelly’s life was forever changed when she was diagnosed with lung cancer. As Shelly battled cancer, she became distraught at the high cost of medical treatment and grew concerned for those less fortunate who could not afford it.

Under the guidance of the Coral Gables Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, the Shelly Roberts Circle of Love was created to raise money for these seriously ill cancer patients and their families who are in desperate need of additional support during this overwhelming and stressful time.

In the past seven years, the Circle of Love has been raising money through donations and other fundraising events, using the funds to benefit many families dealing with cancer, especially families battling childhood cancer.

The “5K for the Kids” was specifically created to raise money for two organizations that directly deal with children fighting cancer. This year’s event raised more than $15,000 to be divided between The Children’s Cancer Fund and The Footprints Buddy and Support Program.

The Children’s Cancer Fund, a Jackson Memorial Foundation affiliated organization, provides support services for children and their families as they are dealing with cancer treatments. The money donated by the Circle of Love has been used for medications, food, lodging, gas cards for transportation to and from treatment, and other family emergency situations. Funds have also been used for information/comfort bags for newly diagnosed patients, special celebrations, such as birthdays or end of treatment, and Arts in Medicine projects.

Footprints Buddy and Support Program serves the Pediatric Oncology/Hematology Department at Shands Hospital for Children at the University of Florida. This program is made up of student volunteers who serve kids and their families during the lengthy hospital stays that come with their treatment of cancer, sickle cell, bone marrow transplants, and various other cancer related conditions.

Footprints has matched pediatric cancer patients with dedicated volunteers who have become an essential part of their support team. The funds donated by the Circle of Love are used to provide comfort packages to new families, have birthday parties and holiday parties in the unit, provide meals to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, and conduct special celebrations when kids complete their treatments.

At the “5K for the Kids,” there were trophies for winners in the Women’s and Men’s 25-and-older category and Under-25 division. In the kids’ races, each child received a participation medal. There was a bounce house and a D.J. and free bagels, fruit, muffins, granola bars and cookies.

An important addition to this event was a specially arranged Gift of Life Bone Marrow Registration Drive. Erica Sokol and numerous volunteers from the Footprints Buddy and Support Program ran the drive, and all were encouraged to register by swabbing their cheeks.

Ali Sokol, the event coordinator, is already planning the second Run/Walk.

For information, contact Ali Sokol at 305-962-6250 or email her at 5kforthekidsmiami@gmail.com.

Sunshine State Games

Rafael Suarez of Aventura won his second Men’s Foil gold medal in three years, placing first of 38 fencers during the Sunshine State Games at The Lakeland Center.

Adonis Diaz of the Budokan Judo Club in Miami earned the Outstanding Junior Male Judo Athlete. He won gold in the 15-16-year-old Male Bantam Division.

In karate, Doral’s Ivan Reggeti won two gold medals kata (forms) and kumite (sparring) in the 13-15 (Intermediate) age group.

Other local results:

At The Lakeland Center

JUDO: 6 and under Female (Light/Welter, over 23kg): 2. Emily Jaspe, Hialeah. 7 Male (Bantam/Feather): 2. Anthony Celdran, Hialeah. 9-10 Female (Fin, not over 39.5kg): 2. Anyeline Toledo, Miami. 9-10 Female (Fin, over 39.5 kg): 2. Samantha Menendez, Miami. 9-10 Male (Fin, not over 41.5 kg): 1. Victor Castellanos, Hialeah. 11-12 Male (Light): 3. Manuel Cordoba, Miami. 11-12 Male (Middle): 1. Anthuan Cruz, Miami; 3. Andrew Toledo, Miami. 13-14 Female (Heavy): 2. Elizabeth Yon, Miami. 13-14 Male (Fin, not over 40kg): 1. Frank Jordan Mesa, Hialeah; 2. Mikael Codinach, Miami. 13-14 Male (Fin, not over 53.0 kg): 2. Anthony Codinach, Miami. 15-16 Female (Bantam, not over 51.6kg): 2. Jessica Rodriguez, Hialeah. 15-16 Male (Fin): 1. Brian Abreu, Miami. 15-16 Male (Fly): 2. Luis Abreu, Miami; 3. Alejandro Menendez, Miami. 15-16 Male (Bantam): 1. Adonis Diaz, Hialeah. 40 and over male (Bantam, not over 68.7 kg): 2. Victor Jimenez, Doral. 40 and over male (Bantam, not over 80kg): 2. Elvis Castellanos, Hialeah.

KARATE: Kate (Forms): 8-9-year-old Advanced: 1. Daniel Mendoza, Key Biscayne. 13-15 Intermediate: 2. Simon Navia, Key Biscayne.

Kumite (Sparring): 8-9-year-old Male Advanced: 1. Daniel Mendoza, Key Biscayne. 13-15 Male Novice/Intermediate: 3. Simon Navia, Key Biscayne. 18 and Over Male Advanced: 1. Armando Paz, Opa-locka.

WEIGHTLIFTING: 94kg: 3. Cesar Perez, Hialeah, 220kg.

At The Polk State College Wellness Center

WRESTLING: Folkstyle: Lower 90: 2. Zach Mickle, Miami Sharks.

More than 9,000 amateur athletes have competed in Sunshine State Games competitions since April. For complete Games results and information, visit www.flasports.com.

Miami Country Day sports

Miami Country Day School had another banner year in athletics.

In the fall, the girls’ varsity volleyball team won its seventh district championship in eight years. The boys’ varsity cross-country team qualified for state for a third consecutive year, and the boys’ golf team qualified for regionals for the 10th straight year.

In the winter, the girls’ varsity basketball team won the district title for a second season in a row and reached the regional final for a second time in five years. The boys’ varsity soccer team beat rival Dade Christian for the district championship in exciting fashion.

The spring sports season produced a 15th consecutive district championship in boys’ varsity tennis with the team being represented at state by sophomores Shaun Berman and Alec Koss for a second year in a row. Berman was a state individual runner-up in singles, and Berman and Koss teamed as the state doubles runner-up. The girls’ varsity water polo team captured its fourth consecutive district title. The varsity baseball team won the conference championship for a second time in five years.

• Miami Country Day’s Upper School Athletes of the Year were senior Brandon Colongo and junior Avery Watson. The Sportsmanship awards went to seniors Andrew Holtz and Samantha Halpryn.

Senior James Callado and junior Breanna Blot each earned the Rotary Award for Athletic Achievement. The Spartan awards were presented to senior Joshua Robins and junior Onika Swaby.

Senior Jake Weiss and junior Mackenzie Bolton each received the Sandra Lee Kenna Award, named in memory of the late Miami Country Day School athletic director.

• The Middle School Athletes of the Year were eighth graders Sam Cohen and Taylor Sennett. The Sportsmanship awards were presented to eighth graders Matthew Barron and Emma Rodriguez.

Eighth graders Christopher Haefner and Sasha Bass each garnered the Rotary Award for Athletic Achievement.

• Miami Country Day’s FIAAA Sportsmanship Award nominees were seniors Andrew Holtz and Sabine Desir. Seniors James Callado and Jasmin Oliveira were FIAAA’s Scholar Athlete nominees, and senior Katie Chaplin and eighth grader Taylor Sennett were honored by The Sports Society and Delta Psi Kappa as the school’s Outstanding Female Athletes of the Year.

• Senior Alex Brody was named a finalist for the FHSAA Academic All-State Team. He was one of 24 boys and girls recognized at a ceremony in Gainesville.

• Seniors Joshua Robins, who will be attending the University of Michigan, and Duke-bound Katie Chaplin were the school’s Miami Herald Scholar Athlete nominees. Chaplin was a finalist for this prestigious honor.

• Miami Country Day School is proud of its Miami Herald All-Dade first team selections. They include junior Avery Watson, who was also a finalist for Athlete of the Year honors, and senior Jose Furman in soccer. Junior Onika Swaby was named to the first team in basketball, and sophomore Shaun Berman was named first team in tennis.

Junior Jared Robins and seniors Mark Chaplin and James Callado were elected to the first team in lacrosse. They were also named to the All-District Team, and Callado and Chaplin made the All-Region squad.

First Team All-Conference honors in baseball went to seniors Joshua Canabal and Jake Weiss.

• James Callado, Miami Country Day School’s Wendy’s High School Heisman nominee, will be continuing his lacrosse career at Haverford College. Joshua Canabal will be playing baseball at The New York Institute of Technology, and Jose Furman will compete in soccer at Chaminade University in Hawaii. Bryor Weiss will play baseball at Garrett College in Maryland.

Football

Team USA defeated Austria 70-7 to reach the finals of the 2012 International Federation of American Football Under-19 World Championship in Austin, Texas.

Tied at seven at Burger Stadium, Team USA regained the lead and never looked back with less than seven minutes left in the first half on a 1-yard sneak by quarterback Brayden Scott (Tulsa, Okla./Tahleqah-Sequoyah H.S.). Running back Lorenzo Woodley (Miami/Christopher Columbus H.S.) did the heavy lifting on the drive, rushing for 36 yards on four carries.

After helping set-up a touchdown, Woodley later found paydirt himself, scoring twice (5 and 47 yards).

USA Football, the sport’s national governing body in the United States, hosts more than 100 football training events annually offering education for coaches, skill development for players and resources for youth football league commissioners.

The independent nonprofit is the official youth football development partner of the NFL, its 32 teams and the NFL Players Association. USA Football manages U.S. national teams within the sport for international competitions and provides more than $1 million annually in equipment grants and youth league volunteer background check subsidies.

Endowed by the NFL and NFLPA in 2002 through the NFL Youth Football Fund, USA Football www.usafootball.com is chaired by former NFL team executive Carl Peterson.

More football

ESPNHS has compiled the best high school football players in the country, including Booker T. Washington linebacker Matthew Thomas for the Gridiron Kings games July 27-29 at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Lake Buena Vista.

The student athletes participate in the 7-on-7 games, skill challenges and performance training, presented by GNC.

The games air 7-9 p.m. EST on Sunday, July 29 on ESPNU.

Visit http://espnmediazone.com/us/press-releases/2012/06/38-of-64-high-school-players-selected-for-champion-gridiron-kings/.

Football clinic

About 300 boys and girls, age 5-14, from the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance participated in a youth football clinic hosted by the Orange Bowl and NCAA Football.

The free half-day clinic of football skills and drills training was at Florida International University, led by Panthers Head Coach Mario Cristobal.

Cristobal and his assistant coaches ran participants through stations, focusing on offense, defense and agility. They emphasized proper technique to promote on-field football safety, and they also delivered a pep talk about the importance of character development and sportsmanship.

“It’s a tremendous privilege for us to come out here and help these kids develop the fundamental skills that will help them have successful seasons,” Cristobal said in a release. “Our coaching staff is very much into it for us, and you couldn’t ask for a better situation for us to help our youth get better at the fundamentals and certainly plugging in the importance of academics and school.”

Cristobal also led a coaches clinic for 125 youth football coaches from the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance. The coaches clinic focused on practice drills, coaching strategy and motivation. It also included film sessions with Cristobal and his offensive and defensive coordinators.

“[Youth football] is the purest form of football we have now,” Cristobal said. “You start off with a young man that doesn’t have any bad habits; you have a chance to mold him from the beginning. Everything that the youth league coaches do, the high school coaches and the college coaches do, we all work in unison to develop the best product we can. Clinics like this are priceless, and we can’t do enough. We love to be involved in it as much as we can.”

For 13 years, the Orange Bowl has supported the Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance, presented by Sports Authority, which serves more than 16,000 young football players and cheerleaders in nine youth football leagues across South Florida, from north of Lake Okeechobee to Key West. Since 1999, the Orange Bowl has invested approximately $5 million in youth sports in South Florida.

Visit www.orangebowl.org.

Triathlon

Miami’s Manuel Huerta, who will be representing the United States in his first Olympics in London, placed fifth at the Edmonton ITU Triathlon World Cup. He finished the sprint-distance (0.47-mile swim, 12-mile bike, 3.1-mile run) in 57 minutes 49 seconds.

Ironman 70.3

The City Bikes Ironman 70.3 Miami is Oct. 28, starting at Bayfront Park in Downtown Miami. Registration is underway. http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?event_id=1995048.

The event supports the Blazeman Foundation for ALS. Through this partnership, athletes who are participating in the race can make a contribution to the foundation when registering. The Blazeman Foundation will also be featured at the EXPO. To find out more about the Blazeman Foundation for ALS, visit www.waronals.com.

EVENTS, TOURS, TRYOUTS

Marlins Tours

The Miami Marlins offer behind the scenes tours of Marlins Park. The tours are open to the public on non-event days for $10 a person.

The tour includes visits to the field (behind home plate), home clubhouse, home batting cage area and Diamond Club, Promenade Level featuring the art in the facility, the bobblehead museum and the premium areas including the Suites.

Tours operate from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday, except when the Marlins play at home or when other major events are scheduled at Marlins Park. Group tours, accommodating between 10 and 25 people, are available by appointment.

For information, fans can call 1-877-MARLINS or e-mail tours@marlins.com. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket windows on Felo Ramirez Drive (NW 6 Street between NW 14 Avenue and NW 15 Avenue) and are for the time and date specified.

Tickets are non-exchangeable and non-refundable.

Health program

Stand Up! For Those Who Can’t, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering children, families and communities through (w)holistic programs in education, culture and the arts, and as fiscal agent for the Sunshine Child Wellness Collaborative, has received a $50,000 grant from the Aetna Foundation to implement “Sunshine Fit for Tots,” an obesity-prevention program developed by SCWC for 3-year-old children.

“One in five preschool-age children in the United States are overweight or obese. We recognize the need to start prevention at the earliest age possible to promote lifelong habits of health and wellness,” said Mary Rae Smith, president and founder of SCWC. “We want to bend the curve on childhood obesity and are grateful to the Aetna Foundation for this opportunity to enhance obesity prevention through exercise and nutrition programming.”

Through March 2013, 60 children from four early childhood centers in Miami-Dade will receive nutritional education and obesity-prevention activities through art classes and dance lessons. The centers selected to receive the program are Fantasyland Learning Center in Westchester; Happy Kids in Miami Beach; Happy Children of Overtown; and Alberto’s Dream Childcare in North Miami.

“We thank the Aetna Foundation for awarding us this grant,” said Jeannette Egozi, president of SUFTWC. “In the United States, low-income families are the most affected by the alarming obesity trend. With these funds we can teach children how to eat healthfully and be physically active throughout their lives.”

For information about “Sunshine Fit for Tots” call the Sunshine Child Wellness Collaborative at 305-807-5229 or Stand Up! at 305-864-5237, e-mail jeannette@ecqc.biz.

Tennis

From USTA PlayDays to kids tennis and 10 and Under Tennis, there are a number of opportunities to get involved in tennis events this summer in Miami.

North Miami-Dade Summer Junior Round Robin Series events include three divisions: 10 and under (orange ball/60-foot court), 12 and under, and 14 and under.

Summer Event

Aug. 26: North Miami-Dade Summer Junior Round Robin Series at

Diplomat Country Club, 501 Diplomat Pkwy (4th Avenue), Hallandale Beach, (954-465-7606).

10 and Under Tennis is designed for children featuring smaller court sizes, racquet sizes, foam and decompressed balls, a simple scoring system, and net heights adjusted to ease kids into the sport. Similar mini-tennis formats have long been popular in Europe, where current stars such as Roger Federer and Kim Clijsters first learned the game with age-adjusted racquets, balls and court sizes.

To see a video of 10 and Under Tennis in action, or to see where 10 and Under Tennis leagues are offered in your area, visit http://10andundertennis.usta.com.

For information on South Florida events, go to www.USTAMiami.com.

More tennis

Tennis classes and programs for all ages are at the Penny Sugarman Tennis Center at Sans Souci, 1795 Sans Souci Blvd., North Miami.

Adult intermediate tennis clinic for men and women is 9-10:30 a.m. Monday thru Friday and 7-8:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday.

Men's advanced clinic is 7-8:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 10:30 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Saturday morning kids clinics are 9:30-10:30 (age 4-6); 10:30-11:30 (age 4-6 using Quik Start balls) and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. (age 7-14).

Call for information on group lessons, annual passes, court rates and private lessons. Tennis pro is Ross Dubins. Call 305-893-7130.

Miami Shores soccer

The Miami Shores FC under-12 girls’ travel soccer team participated in the Disney Memorial Day Soccer Shootout at Disney’s Wide World of Sports in Lake Buena Vista.

They competed in the highest division in their age group, earning silver medals. For tryout information for the 2012-2013 season, contact David Ocampo at david.ocampo23@gmail.com.

More soccer

South Kendall Sun Blazers (sksoccer.org) at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, 11395 SW 79 St. (305-630-3314).

Miami Dade Soccer League (miami-dadesoccer.com) at Three Lakes Park, 13375 SW 136 St. (786-488-5216).

Soccer 5 (ussoccer5.com) at Kendall Soccer Park, 8011 SW 127 Ave. (1-888-575-2976).

Club Atletico De Miami (camsoccer.com) at Kendall Soccer Park, 8011 SW 127 Ave. (305-764-5783).

Soccer Academy of the Americas (socceraa.com) at Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24 St. (786-486-3804)

Pinecrest Premier Soccer (pinecrestpremier.com) at Deerwood Bonita Lakes, 11511 S. Dixie Hwy. (305-255-3422).

Optimist Club of Westchester (tropicalsoccer.org) at Tropical Park, 7900 SW 40 St. (786-370-4222).

Coral Estates Soccer Club (coralestatessoccer.org) at Coral Estates Park, 1411 SW 97 Ave. (305-279-2328)

South Kendall Soccer Club (sksoccer.org) at Kendall Indian Hammocks Park, 11395 SW 79 St. (305-630-3314).

Southern Soccer Coalition-AYSO (kendallsoccer.com) at Millers Pond Park, 13350 SW 47 St. and Westwind Lakes Park, 6805 SW 152 Ave. (305-965-0083).

South Florida Eagles baseball

The South Florida Eagles 13-and-under travel baseball team seeks dedicated, experienced travel team players with supportive parents.

The team will play in the Premier Spring League as well as numerous tournaments including the Cal Ripken Experience in June. For information or for an individual tryout, contact Coach Gonzalo Morales at 305-753-9065 or gonmorales87@comcast.net.

Muscle Milk Grant Program

CytoSport, the largest sports nutrition company in the United States and maker of Muscle Milk, announced the launch of the Muscle Milk Recovery Grant Program which will provide up to $250,000 in grants to help rebuild and revitalize high school athletic programs around the country.

Submissions for high school programs will be accepted on the Muscle Milk Facebook page www.facebook.com/musclemilk now through Nov. 30.

“High school athletic programs are critical to the overall development of student-athletes, and we are dedicated to helping them succeed,” CytoSport Chief Marketing Officer Nikki Brown said. “The Muscle Milk Recovery Grant Program is a great way we can provide financial resources to programs in need in local communities around the country.”

Grants will be awarded up to $25,000 per submission to programs that show a financial hardship outlined in the application process. Applicants must be at least 14-years-old and can nominate the high school of their choice on the Muscle Milk Facebook page www.facebook.com/musclemilk where they will be required to submit a written statement outlining their program’s needs, provide photos that support their request and will have the option to upload a video link to help further tell their story.

Applications will be accepted through Nov. 30 and recipient programs will be selected in January 2013.

In conjunction with the launch of the Muscle Milk Recovery Grant Program, Muscle Milk will also launch limited time packaging that includes a red, white and blue theme. A portion of sales from the patriotic packaging will go toward funding the Recovery Grant Program.

For information on the Muscle Milk Recovery Grant Program, visit www.facebook.com/musclemilk.

Wendy’s High School Heisman

Wendy’s is accepting applications for the annual Wendy’s High School Heisman Award, a program honoring outstanding high school student-athletes for its commitment to academic achievement, community service involvement and athletic prowess.

More than just a shining star on a college résumé, the Heisman mystique touches students at every level of the program. In addition to recognition at school and state levels, six female and six male national finalists will receive an all-expense paid trip to New York City to attend the Wendy’s High School Heisman Awards Ceremony and college Heisman Memorial Trophy Award presentation with their families in December 2012.

Beginning now through Oct. 2, eligible students can apply at www.WendysHeisman.com for a chance to win the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award and the prestige of joining an ever-growing family of distinguished past winners. A partner award with college football’s acclaimed Heisman Memorial Trophy, Wendy’s High School Heisman has received more than 350,000 applications and honored more than 216 national finalists and 36 national winners since its inception.

Each year, nearly 50,000 young male and female scholar-athletes from across the country who embody leadership, academic excellence and athletic skill in their schools and volunteerism in their communities apply for the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award. These applicants are then narrowed down in four phases:

School Winners Phase – One senior male and one senior female from every school will be selected as a “School Winner”

State Finalists Phase – 20 finalists—10 senior males and 10 senior females—from every state and the District of Columbia will advance to “State Finalists”

State Winners Phase – One senior male and one senior female from each state and the District of Columbia will be selected as “State Winners”

National Finalist Phase – A judging panel will select “12 National Finalists” from the 102 State Winners

“I was thrilled to have made it so far in the competition,” said Selena Pasadyn, the 2011 Wendy’s High School Heisman female award winner and first in her class at Brunswick High School in Ohio. “It’s an honor to represent my community and to be part of such an exceptional group of people who I now call my Wendy’s High School Heisman family.”

The one male and one female Wendy’s High School Heisman Award winners will each earn $10,000 for their high school and a $500 Wendy’s gift card. They will also be highlighted during ESPN’s live national broadcast of the college Heisman Memorial Trophy Ceremony in early December 2012.

Eligibility

Eligible high school seniors, slated to graduate in 2013, may submit an application online through Oct. 2. The first 25,000 students with completed applications will receive a Wendy’s gift card valued at $10. From the completed applications, one male and one female winner will be chosen to receive the WHSH Award.

For information, students can visit www.WendysHeisman.com, call 800-205-6367 or contact their local high school principal, guidance counselor or athletic director. Participants can also “like” Wendy’s Heisman on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/WendysHighSchoolHeisman for additional program details.

Got Milk

The National Milk Mustache “got milk?” campaign recently launched the call for entries for the 15th annual Scholar Athlete Milk Mustache of the Year (SAMMY) Awards.

The SAMMY scholarship recognizes 25 student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, community service, leadership and who fuel their daily success with milk.

Milk Mustache celebrity judges will help select 25 winners from across the country who will receive a $7,500 college scholarship, an awards ceremony at Walt Disney World and an opportunity to appear in their own special Milk Mustache ad.

For complete contest rules and applications log onto facebook.com/MilkMustache where visitors can also learn more about the exclusive SAMMY awards weekend and view behind the scenes footage.

MVP of the Week

Dick’s Sporting Goods MVP of the Week program is a promotion that recognizes amateur athletes for moments of greatness on the playing field and in the arena.

Fans can vote online each week to determine the top amateur sports moment with the wining video being rewarded $500 in Dick’s Sporting Goods gift cards — $250 to the individual who submitted the winning entry and $250 to the featured players’ choice of qualified school, team or athletic organization.

The entry process:

Go to www.DicksMVP.com.

Upload your compelling sports videos.

Encourage friends, family and the local community to vote for your video.

Orange Bowl donations

One thousand South Florida children will receive a pair of sneakers.

In its ongoing campaign to inspire kids to stay active and participate in sports, the Orange Bowl will donate 1,000 pairs of shoes to children at the YMCA of Greater Miami.

The donation is part of the Orange Bowl’s Kicks for Kids program and is the culmination of its 2011 launch campaign.

Orange Bowl mascot Obie will pass out the “kicks” at the Allapattah YMCA Family Center and create a giant “Kicks for Kids” logo mural with the kids using their footprints.

The Orange Bowl also will announce an expansion of the Kicks for Kids program for the 2012 college football season. It is the Orange Bowl’s mission to make sure every South Florida child has a good fitting pair of sneakers or cleats so they can participate in and reap the rewards of sports and exercise.

The Orange Bowl is a 352-member, primarily-volunteer non-profit sports organization that promotes and serves the South Florida community. The Orange Bowl Festival features a year-round schedule of events culminating with the Discover Orange Bowl on Jan. 1, 2013 and the Discover BCS National Championship on Jan. 7, 2013.

Other Orange Bowl core events include the MetroPCS Orange Bowl Basketball Classic, Orange Bowl Youth Football Alliance presented by Sports Authority, Orange Bowl International Tennis Championships, Orange Bowl Sailing Regatta Series and Orange Bowl Paddle Championships. For information on the 2012-13 Orange Bowl Festival and its events, including promotional and volunteer opportunities through the Ambassador Program, log on to www.orangebowl.org.

Jai-Alai

Jai-alai is open to anyone, age 10 to 80.

With a rubber ball and cestas, the amateur jai-alai facility is at 1935 NE 150th St. in North Miami, near FIU’s north campus.

It is indoors, air-conditioned and open to all. Contact Luis at 305-389-2313 or Bob at 786-556-3574.

More Jai-Alai

Who said you have to be a male to play Jai Alai? Just as many females play the sport in Spain, France and Mexico, and gals can play it in South Florida at an amateur indoor air-conditioned fronton.

There are also leagues for males and children. Rubber or plastic balls used with free lessons by former pros. Cestas and balls also provided free with a nominal court fee.

Open everyday. Email admanUSA@aol.com or call Brucio 786-629-5428. The American Amateur Jai-Alai Academy is a not-for-profit organization.

Rebelle volleyball

Rebelle Athletics Club offers girls’ volleyball tryouts at Archbishop Curley Notre Dame High School, 4949 NE 2nd Ave.

The volleyball club, a member of the United States Volleyball Association, is under the direction of Mandi Tate, Dee Rey and former Barry University player Kelly Dantas. They are former coaches with South Florida Volleyball Club and currently coach at Alonzo & Tracy Mourning Senior High School in Biscayne Bay.

Rebelle Athletics is dedicated to providing developmental and participatory athletic sports programs beginning at the youth development level. It offers a progression of sports activities for persons of all ages, races and creeds. It strives to enhance the physical, mental and moral development of amateur athletes at all levels, promoting sportsmanship and active citizenship.

Visit www.rebelleathletics.com.

CB Sports Leagues

CB Sports Club offers Youth Basketball, Flag Football, Youth Soccer, Adult Soccer and Adult Basketball. Visit cbsportsclub.com. Call 786-273-5639.

Physically Challenged

Miami-Dade Parks welcomes children with disabilities in its youth leagues. If you need accommodations to participate, call 305-735-7847 (V/TDD).