Miami Heat honors March student athletes

Cutler Bay’s Corbyn Dauphin (Cutler Ridge Elementary School), Miami’s Jayden Higgins (Gulliver Middle School), Bay Harbor Islands’ Ryan Mendelson (Miami Country Day School), North Miami Beach’s Shira Sredni (Scheck Hillel Community School) and Boynton Beach's Morgan Sternlieb (Omni Middle School) were the March Academic/Sportsmanship Team Player Honorees via the three-time world champion Miami Heat in partnership with Gatorade and The Miami Herald.

Miami Heat players Wayne Ellington, Udonis Haslem, Josh Richardson, Okaro White, Heat broadcaster/former Heat player John Crotty and Heat assistant coach/former Heat player Juwan Howard congratulated these standout student athletes during shoot-around on March 1 as the Heat prepared to face the Philadelphia 76ers at the AmericanAirlines Arena.

The honorees were later recognized in a ceremony at center court before tip-off. Each honoree received a certificate of achievement, a Heat gift pack, a Heat T-shirt, and two Heat tickets.

About the honorees

Corbyn Dauphin, 6, of Cutler Bay competes for the IMG Basketball Academy in Miami. He played basketball for MDi Sports 7U The Storms, a Palmetto Bay travel team. His highlights are scoring a final basket at the buzzer to win the game. During an All Star game at Miami Christian High School, Corbyn won the individual free throw contest as well as the skill challenge contest.

A standout student with a positive attitude and excellent attendance, he is in kindergarten at Cutler Ridge Elementary School. Corbyn enjoys all educational subjects. He loves when his teacher call on him to read to his peers. On his off days from basketball he enjoys playing tennis and volunteering in his community with his church.

Jayden Higgins, 14, of South Miami is one of the top 8th grade point guards in Miami. He led the Gulliver Middle School boys’ basketball team to the South Florida championship. Voted Mr. Consistent, he averaged nearly 15 points, 4 assists and 3 steals per game.

He is also a dual sport athlete playing middle school football for Gulliver. He was awarded Defensive Player of the Year this past football season. Jayden has been playing travel basketball for some of the top teams and has played at the national level since third grade. As a 7th grader He was the starting point guard on the high school JV baskeball team at SLAM academy.

Jayden is a hard working student, too, with outstanding attendance and has earned several awards in academics this school year. He is a true student athlete who works hard on and off the field.

Ryan Mendelson, 13, of Bay Harbor Islands is a standout student athlete at Miami Country Day School. An Honors student, he just completed his third season on the Miami Country Day Middle School boys’ basketball team. This past season, he played point guard, leading the team in scoring and assists.

A versatile athlete, he’s run cross-country for the Miami Country Day high school varsity boys’ team since sixth grade. He was the team MVP as an 8th grader and was chosen Miami Herald All-Dade Honorable Mention. Plus, he plays attack for the Miami Country Day Middle School boys’ lacrosse team. He has a High IQ in the classroom and on the court/field.

Coach Gerald Terry said: “Ryan is an excellent athlete and a great all-around kid who will go above and beyond for his teammates.”

Shira Sredni, 15, of North Miami Beach is a freshman at Scheck Hillel Community School. She carries a 4.1 GPA.

Last year as an 8th grader, she was called up to play high school varsity basketball, after the middle school season ended. She also competes for the high school varsity flag football and volleyball teams. She played volleyball, basketball and soccer in middle school.

Shira is a true leader. She is determined, and works hard at every practice. Shira has learned how to balance her academics with her sports. Her family is very important to her, and have been great examples as she has risen above her own expectations. Such a “true student-athlete.”

Morgan Sternlieb, 13, of Boynton Beach is in 7th grade at Omni Middle School in Boca Raton. A three-point specialist, she started for her school team in 6th and 7th grade under the direction of Coach Mike Taylor. She also played basketball the past three years in the West Boca Rec League, once scoring 25 points in a game while going 7-for-9 on 3-pointers.

Morgan is also a hardworking student with a 4.33 GPA and earned straight As three times. She is a talented artist and photographer, too, and loves spending time with her family.

Miami Country Day girls’ basketball

The Miami Country Day School girls’ varsity basketball team won its fourth consecutive FHSAA state championship.

The Spartans (29-1) beat undefeated Jacksonville-Providence in the championship game by 41 points. Senior Kelsey Marshall (University of Miami signee) was named MVP of the championship game. In the semifinals, MCD routed Seffner Christian by 39 points.

Coach Ochiel Swaby assembled a national schedule against some of the top teams. They beat Montverde, Ribault, Long Beach Poly, Grandview and Boca Raton among others. Channise Lewis (University of Illinois signee) was clutch throughout the season. Maria Alvarez, Dashaun Jackson and Asha Taylor played important roles. Junior Aasiya Berry was huge down low leading the Spartans in rebounds.

The Miami Country Day Middle School girls’ basketball team went 13-5.

The Spartans beat Carrollton and Westminster Christian twice each during the regular season. They advanced to the South Florida Middle School semifinals.

Team leaders Jordan Sheppard and D’Yani Gregoire were key contributors throughout the season. Caitlin Cherenfant really improved on defense, causing turnover and making steals.

Miami Beach basketball

Miami Beach Youth Basketball at the Scott Rakow Youth Center

(2nd-3rd grade)

William Hernandez sank the winning shot at the buzzer as the Miami Beach Pandas edged the Miami Beach Ballers 18-16. Kenneth Kent had 4 points and 5 rebounds, and Jose Guerra made 5 steals and grabbed 5 rebounds.

The Miami Beach Dark Knights edged the Miami Beach New Navy 21-20. The Dark Knights were led by twin brothers Ethan and Sebastian Michels. Ethan had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, and Sebastian added 5 points, 5 rebounds and 5 steals. New Navy’s leading scorer was Christ Tchoume who had 16 points, 11 rebounds and 5 steals. Sebastian Gallo added 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block.

(4th-5th grade)

Ethan Rash made two big steals to seal the victory as the Miami Beach Black Mambas defeated the Miami Beach Ballers 24-21. Joshua Harris recorded his second consecutive double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. He also had 4 blocks and 4 steals. Samuel Mendez had 4 points and 5 rebounds. For the Miami Beach Ballers, Gianni Farach contributed 6 points, 3 steals and 2 rebounds, and Chaim Galbut had 6 points and 9 rebounds.

The Miami Beach Green Avengers beat the Miami Beach New Navy 23-18. Benji Dalfin had 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Jesse Hay added 6 points, 8 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 block. The New Navy’s leading scorer was Jordan Campbell with 11 points. Jayden Rishty totaled 4 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals and 1 block.

Miami Beach baseball

Danny Berry Baseball at North Shore Park

Minor Division (9-10)

Blue Claws 11, White Caps 2: The Blue Claws dominated this game against the White Caps, the newcomers to the division. The Blue Claws were led by rookie pitcher Jon Solowitz who pitched a complete game in his first career outing. Miles Annunziato pitched well for the White Caps.

Blue Claws 7, Bats 5: The Blue Claws scored four runs in the first inning. Evan Aleman led the defense, pitching two perfect innings. Offensively the Blue Claws were led once again by Jacob Wolfson. Isaiah Saranow and Wolfson contributed on the mound. The Bats fought hard, capitalizing on some defensive miscues by the Blue Claws.

Rookie Division (7-8)

Hot Rods 26, Sea Dogs 13: Jonah Bernstein, Red Rosenfeld and Dylan McKeown each went 5 for 5. The Sea Dogs fought back with Eli Royce going 4 for 4 with a home run and 5 RBI.

MudCats 13, Bats 7: The Bats took the lead in the first with a home run by Suleyman Eversley, who added a triple and finished with 3 RBI. The Mud Cats rallied in the top of the second with a lead off home run by Eaden Harron de Montaderin and an inside the park home run by Mauricio Clement. Ayden Nieves went 3 for 4 with a triple and an RBI. Some key defensive plays by Parker Jelke, Carlos Sotomayor and Gavin Cooper helped to stop Bats’ rallies.

Red Wings 23, Scrappers 12: The Scrappers built a 6-run lead in the first highlighted by a 2-run triple from Conrad Gelber. He was 2 for 2. Max Manuel and Zach Geronemus each went 3 for 3, and Izzy Diamond was 2 for 2. The Red Wings mounted a comeback in the third led by Leo Borenstein who went 4 for 4 with a triple and two home runs, and Kyle Thomas with a home run and 5 RBI. Rylan Portocarrero and Maximus Rosenow each went 4 for 4. Strong defense in the later innings helped the Red Wings even the series against the Scrappers at 1-1.

North Miami Beach baseball

North Miami Beach Little League at Ives Estates, Uleta and Pelican parks

Minors-Juniors (7-8 Coach Pitch)

The Twins beat the Giants 13-11 in a slugfest. Robbie Kramer hit two home runs. Max Bassin, Jackson Boucher and Jason Colon each had 2 hits. For the Giants, Spencer Kabak and Jake Lechner played well on offense and defense.

The Yankees won their fourth consecutive, defeating the Reds in a see-saw battle. Akiva Sherwin, Anthony Ortega, Marco DeFillipo, Justin Prado and Lucas Bustamente each went 3-3. Mateo Kurtz and Justin Prado each hit home runs. For the Reds, Davin Petrucci was 3-3 with a home run, and Ethan Carlson was 4-4. Jordan Acevedo also homered.

Minors (9-10 Kid Pitch)

The Dodgers and Astros played to a tie at five. For the Dodgers, Gabriel Vinderman hit a grand slam. Pitchers Joseph Cucinotta and Gabriel Vinderman combined to strike out 10 in four innings. Dunn led the Astros with two hits. Pitchers Joseph Medina, Paul Dunn and Billy Linder combined for eight strikeouts in four innings.

The Marlins defeated the Phillies in another see-saw game. For the Marlins, William Hobbs reached base, and Eli Fischbach was very strong on defense making several stellar plays. For the Phillies, Angelo Rivas was oustandings catching with several strong put outs, and Austin Schrek had a big hit.

Majors (11-13 Kid Pitch)

The Mets came back from behind to edge the Rockies 4-3. The Mets were led by strong pitching performances from Shane Sims (2 innings, 0 runs, 5 strikeouts) and Alan Kritzler (1 1 /3 innings, 0 runs, 3 strikeouts). Dovid Budwick led the Rockies with two singles, and Brandon Luz Lopez and Joshua Krutchick each doubled.

The Royals defeated the Cubs 15-5. Benji Rabinowitz was 3-3 (1B, 3B, HR) with 4 RBI. Austin Fill went 2-3 with 6 RBI. Benji was also strong on the mound, pitching 3 innings with 5 strikeouts and allowing just 2 hits. Jacob Poletto, who went 1-2 with 2 RBI, and Eli Slomovitz, who was 1 for 2, led the Cubs.

Closer Brandon Pardo struck out the four and five batters with the tying run on third and winning run on second to end the game as the Pirates edged the Cubs. Trailing by four in the bottom of the last inning, the Cubs rallied to make things close. Eli Slomovitz was outstanding for the Cubs, catching all four innings and going 3-3 with 3 RBI. Eitan Beraja managed the only hit for the Pirates who took advantage of walks and miscues.

Miami Country Day sports

Miami Country Day School

Middle School Female Athlete of the Week: Lucia Burton – Tennis - won her singles match in a win against Palmer Trinity.

Middle School Male Athlete of the Week: Riccardo Di Giuseppe – Water Polo - made 30 saves, had 7 steals and scored against Belen and Gulliver.

Upper School Female Athlete of the Week: Rhiannen Reig – Water Polo - scored 7 goals in wins against Miami High and Miami Beach High.

Upper School Male Athlete of the Week: Jorden Gross – Baseball - threw a complete game 3-hitter with 6 strikeouts in a win against Ransom Everglades.

Miami Dolphins flag football

Miami Dolphins Youth Programs, in partnership with the Broward County Athletic Association (BCAA) and the Greater Miami Athletic Conference (GMAC), hosted the Girls’ Flag Football Jamboree at Baptist Health Training Facility in Davie. The event was presented by Broward College.

“We’re proud to be associated with this event as the Dolphins have continued to be invested in growing the game for youth,” Broward College District Director of College Readiness & Recruitment Bryan Anderson said.

The jamboree featured 25 high school girls flag football teams from the South Florida area. The jamboree followed a Girls Flag Football Clinic that educated the high school ladies on football skills.

“This event continues to grow throughout the years and we’re proud to teach these young ladies the proper skills they need both on and off the field to advance the game and their journeys,” Miami Dolphins Senior Director of Youth Programs Twan Russell said.

The goal of this event is to promote high school football.

The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ mission is to emphasize the importance of education, physical fitness and positive choices for kids in a safe and fun environment. The Miami Dolphins Youth Programs’ vision is to prepare the next generation of leaders in staying physically active through our Junior Training Camps (JTC), Youth Football Clinics and Youth Football Camps in the South Florida Community.

Results: Cypress Bay 7, South Broward 6; Everglades 25, Monarch 2; Boyd Anderson 8, Ferguson 7; Miami Jackson 27, Cooper City 12; Pompano 7, McArthur 6; Miami Southridge 9, Deerfield Beach 0; Flanagan 31, Northeast 0; Hollywood Hills 18, Plantation 0; Western 12, Blanche Ely 0; Miramar 6, Cypress Bay 0; Hollywood Hills 19, Fort Lauderdale 0; Hialeah 12, Coconut Creek 6; Hallandale 12, Mater Academy 0; Hialeah 18, Pines Charter 6.

Kendall Hammocks flag football

The Kendall Hammocks NFL Flag Football program announces the registrations dates and times for the upcoming 2017 NFL Flag Football season.

Registrations are open to boys and girls, age 5-16. Cutoff date is July 1. Copy of birth certificate is required for age verification during the registration process.

Season will include 12 regular season games, two exhibition games and single elimination playoffs. All registrations, practices and games are at Devonaire Park, 10411 SW 122 Ave., Miami, 33186.

Registrations Dates:

March registration fee: $140.

March 25 - Saturday (11 a.m.- 3 p.m.).

New player tryouts and draft will be 1-6 p.m. April 2.

Registration fee includes: NFL Team Reversible Jersey, NFL flag belts, secondary Insurance, referee cost, participation awards, trophies for division winners/MVPs.

Discounted rates offered for coaches. All coaches require a USA football registration and a national background check.

For information or if interested in coaching, email khnflflagfootball@aol.com

Visit www.khwarriors.org

The NFL Flag football program is under the Optimist Club of Kendall Hammocks and is an all volunteer organization, serving the community in youth sports for more than 27 years.

Suniland football

The Suniland Sundevils are looking for experienced volunteer youth coaches for the 2017 Miami Xtreme Tackle Football Season.

For Information contact Jose Regalado at 305-458-1966 or josearegalado@att.net.

Hurricanes Jumpers

Hurricane Jumpers are hosting an AAU Jump Rope Qualifying Tournament on May 20 in Miami Springs.

This tournament is for anyone interested in jumping rope for fun or serious competition. It is a qualifier for Junior Olympics, which is in late July in Detroit.

Contact Hurricane Jumpers at moody@hurricanejumpers.com.

Visit www.hurricanejumpers.org.

MLB Swing for the Fences

Swing for the Fences with MLB Jr. Home Run Derby

Get involved with MLB Jr. Home Run Derby and let the youth in your community show off their hitting power.

Sign up to host a free local competition at JrHRD.com

By hosting this one-day, fun, flexible competition, provide the kids in the area the opportunity to swing all the way to the National Finals during MLB All-Star Week in Miami.

Visit www.JrHRD.com for more information

Also: MLBSwingForFencesInfo

Soccer clinic

Barry University men’s soccer hosts an ID Clinic that will provide elite male, high school and club soccer players the opportunity to display their talents for college coaches from NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and JUCO schools.

The event is from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday, March 25 and Saturday, May 13 at Buccaneer Field at Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave. in Miami Shores.

For information contact Barry University men’s soccer assistant coach Joao Garcia jgarcia@barry.edu or call 305-899-3135.

UFC GYM Kendall

UFC GYM announced that following the overwhelming success of its 2016 12-Week Body Transformation Challenge, the brand recently launched its next iteration, expanding to 16 signature gym locations throughout the United States, including Kendall in Miami-Dade County.

“Whether your objective is to train with the goal of competing on stage or just living an overall healthier lifestyle, this program is designed to accomplish both,” UFC GYM President Adam Sedlack said. “We experienced some amazing transformations at our Corona and Torrance locations and we’re excited to expand this one in a lifetime challenge to members at all of our signature gyms.”

Inspired by four-time IFBB Figure Olympia Champion Nicole Wilkins, this program consists of one-on-one personal training sessions, tailored nutritional and supplementation plans, educational seminars and group workouts. Enrollment cost is $199 ($1,200 value) for UFC GYM members and $298.99 for non-members, which includes the challenge fee and a 12 week UFC GYM membership. Also, UFC GYM has agreed to pay the participant’s individual entry fee for those that want to compete on stage.

A grand prize of $5,000 will be awarded to the member who wins the “overall weight-loss” portion of the challenge, while both a male and female winner of the “overall muscle gain” portion will each win $1,000. Additional awards and prizes will be awarded at each participating location.

Contact UFC GYM - Kendall

8851 SW 107th Ave., Miami, 33176.

Phone: 305-680-5990

Contact: General Manager Jason Figorski; jason.figorski@ufcgym.com

https://ufcgym.com/kendall

Those who register for the Challenge are encouraged to stay connected at

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ufcgymtransformationteam/

Since debuting in 2009, UFC GYM has opened more than 135 locations throughout the United States, Australia, Canada, South America and the United Arab Emirates. The fitness franchise has continued to grow at a rapid pace with more than 50 locations opening in the past two years and more than 50 gyms expected to open in the next year.

For more information about UFC GYM, visit UFC GYM.com, or follow on Facebook.com/UFCgym, Twitter or Instagram: @UFCGYM. Subscribe on YouTube at UFCGYM.

Skateboard Supercross

The Michael-Ann Russell JCC reported the first Skateboard Supercross Academy in the country at its facility in North Miami Beach.

The academy is a place to go after-school for a 40-minute lesson in a group setting with friends.

Students participate once or twice a week to take a lesson and may return on Sundays for Race Day.

Race Day provides some extra practice while learning the more competitive side of skateboarding. Learning to race on the pumptracks is a necessary skill, as competition helps to stimulate the sport.

Many young riders want more time on the pumptracks to be ready for the end of the semester Head to Head Races. That event is the grand finale of the semester curriculum, and it is the showcase for parents, family and friends.

The Head to Head Race brackets system determines who is the fastest racer to date and logs their time. Basically, two riders are paired to race and whoever wins goes against the winner of the other head to head race, until the remaining two compete in the finals.

Call 305-932-4200, ext. 145/146 to register.

For questions, text or call 786-529-8187.

Orange Bowl Leadership Academy

The Orange Bowl Committee launched the Orange Bowl Leadership Academy, designed to engage and inspire middle school youth to maximize their potential to become future successful community leaders through access and exposure to career development, personal leadership and life skills.

Previously, the Orange Bowl conducted a pilot program that has now become the basis for the Orange Bowl Leadership Academy, with classes of approximately 20 sixth-graders from both Bair Middle School in Sunrise and North Miami Middle School. Those students will continue as seventh-graders this year with a new curriculum, and two new schools will be added with sixth-graders at Sunrise Middle School in Fort Lauderdale and Georgia Jones-Ayers Middle School in Miami.

The design of the program is eventually to have students follow a three-year curriculum through middle school and expand to other schools in both Miami-Dade and Broward Counties.

“Our vision is to nurture and cultivate the next generation of South Florida community and business leaders,” said Judge Michael Chavies, president and chair of the Orange Bowl Committee.

Marlon A. Hill Esq, chair of the of the Orange Bowl Leadership Academy committee, added: “The Orange Bowl Leadership Academy will provide South Florida youth the opportunity to dream and develop a plan to achieve those dreams, to set and achieve personal goals and objectives, and to understand their options in life for success at home, their careers and in the community.”

From October through May, students in the program meet twice a month after school with teachers and mentors, who are Orange Bowl Committee members. The curriculum is specifically designed toward fostering character development and responsibility geared to elevating individual empowerment, efficacy and self-esteem.

The students are also exposed to guest speakers, many of whom are Orange Bowl Committee members, and occasional field trips for behind-the-scenes tours of locations such as the Southern District Court of Florida. These sessions are designed to inspire and unleash individual youth potential and leadership, while also creating career development awareness, knowledge and opportunities.

Support for the Orange Bowl Leadership Academy is being provided by the College Football Playoff Foundation, whose philanthropic initiatives are directed toward education generally and more specifically teachers, through its Extra Yard for Teachers program.

The Orange Bowl Leadership Academy receives additional support from sponsors Bank of America, Comcast, Deloitte and Florida Blue.

The curriculum for the Orange Bowl Leadership Academy was created by the Pacific Institute specifically for the Orange Bowl Committee.

Visit www.orangebowl.org.

MaxPreps Top Athletes

Each month of the school year, MaxPreps will name a Male and Female Athlete of the Month, culminating with the Male and Female Athletes of the Year in June. The program is presented by the United States Marines Corps.

“The United States Marine Corps, through the MaxPreps High School Athlete of the Month program, is committed to recognizing students that embody the fighting spirit which enables them to win battles and overcome challenges they face, both on and off the field,” said Captain Sean Pangia. “We’re proud to partner with MaxPreps in this powerful program showcasing student athletes that have a positive influence in their community.”

The program has received more than 7,700 nominations and counting for the year so far. To nominate an athlete, click:

www.maxpreps.com/marines.

Tennis

The Tennis Committee of the USA Deaf Sports Federation is currently recruiting players with hearing disability to represent the U.S. at the 23rd Summer Deaflympics in Samsun, Turkey on July 18-30.

As United States citizens, players may be deaf, hard of hearing, hearing impaired, cochlear implanted, late deafened, hearing challenged, or hearing disabled to qualify. However, to be eligible a player must have a hearing loss of 55 decibels (dBs) or greater in the better ear over an average of 500/1000/2000 Hertz.

Participants can be either orally oriented or sign language users.

Tennis players looking to qualify can e-mail karlpatreddy@gmail.com and HowardGorrell@aol.com no later than Sept. 30, 2016.

For more information, go to

http://bit.ly/2cNXKKW.

For information about USA Deaf Sports Federation, visit

www.usdeafsports.org. For information about the International Committee of Sports for the Deaf and the Deaflympics, visit

www.deaflympics.com.

Backgammon

The Miami Backgammon Club plays 6:30 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.

Tournaments start promptly at 7 p.m.

Free live play. Tournament entry fee $10.

Contact Leo at 305-669-5260 or Leo@MiamiBackgammon.com.

www.MiamiBackgammon.com.

Miracle League Ballpark

The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department and the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade in partnership with the Miracle League of Miami-Dade County (MLOMD) and the Marlins Foundation are making way to bring a new Miracle League ballpark complex to Miami-Dade County.

The new development broke ground at Tamiami Park, 11201 SW 24th St., Miami. It will be the first ballpark of its kind for the county -- specifically designed for use by youth with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The facility will consist of an outdoor ballpark complex with specialized rubber fields, dugouts, a playground, a concession building, restrooms, and “quiet rooms” for parents and children. The entire site, including recessed drop-off and pick-up areas will be 100 percent accessible with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Funding for this project will be provided by the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade, together with the Marlins Foundation.

“I want to thank the Miracle League of Miami-Dade and the Marlins Foundation for coming together to expand athletic opportunities for our community’s children with disabilities,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. “This new ballpark will give even more children and families in Miami-Dade County a place to enjoy America’s favorite pastime. I look forward to seeing this project come to life and watching our youngest residents play ball.”

Miracle League of Miami-Dade Co-Chairman Ray Rocha said: “There are over 276 specialized Miracle League parks across the nation and in Puerto Rico. This field at Tamiami Park would never have been possible without the unwavering support from the Miami Marlins organization along with the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department. This first of its kind field in Miami-Dade County will provide the over 69,000 special needs children and young adults residing in our area, a safe and obstacle free environment to participate in America's favorite pass time. Every child deserves a chance to play baseball.”

Alfredo Mesa, Executive Director of the Marlins Foundation, added: “The Marlins Foundation proudly supports our charity sponsor the Miracle League of Miami-Dade in building this one-of-a-kind all-inclusive ballpark complex. The funds we have raised together with the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade are aligned with the mission of bettering the lives of our youth through recreational sports like baseball.”

Miami-Dade Parks Director Jack Kardys said: “Miami-Dade Parks has long been committed to providing accessible sports and recreation opportunities for children and young adults with disabilities. A ballpark like this will further encourage them to get outdoors and be active.”

MLOMD was founded in 2010 by Sturge and his partner Keith Reilly in 2010, marking it as the county’s first Miracle League and the 236th member joining the nationwide initiative that enables children with disabilities, such as Autism, Down syndrome, Cancer and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), to play the game of baseball and be part of a team.

In 2012, the MLOMD approached the County with plans for constructing a custom-designed accessible ballpark at a Miami-Dade Parks facility. Tamiami Park was selected for as the ballpark site because of its central location, accessibility and large youth baseball program.

To date, the League has been busy planning, preparing and fund-raising on behalf of the MLOMD ballpark development plan. A rendering of the ballpark and more information can be found at the MLOMD website.

http://mlomd.org/

For directions to Tamiami Park visit the web page or call 786-315-5295.

Miami-Dade Parks is a world-class parks system supported by the Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade and focused on Placemaking, Health and Fitness, and Conservation and Stewardship.

Florida Panthers Learn to Play

The Florida Panthers in conjunction with the NHL, NHLPA and USA Hockey will be hosting “Florida Panthers Learn To Play” for boys and girls, age 4-8, who are new, first time ice hockey participants who have never registered with USA Hockey.

The program was developed in an effort to reduce cost barriers to ice hockey participation by providing free equipment. The Learn To Play program primary goal is to create the next generation of hockey players and fans who will remain engaged with the game throughout the rest of their lives.

Cost of entry is $100. Every participant will receive six weeks of on-ice training with Florida Panthers Alumni and USA Hockey Certified Coaches, as well as free registration into USA Hockey for the 2016-17 season. Each participant will also be custom fitted for a full set of brand new Florida Panthers branded CCM hockey equipment, including skates that they will use during the program and keep at the conclusion of the six weeks.

Finally, each participant will receive a voucher for two free tickets to a select Florida Panthers weekend home game with the opportunity to purchase additional tickets at a discounted rate.

The Florida Panthers Learn To Play curriculum is designed in conjunction with USA Hockey’s “Gold Standard” which utilizes an age appropriate Long Term Athlete Development structure known as the American Development Model. This model ensures that the program structure is both fun AND effective.

Visit https://learntoplay.nhl.com/panthers

Ali Boxing Center

Miami-Dade County Commissioner Javier D. Souto and the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department celebrated the renaming of Tropical Park’s Boxing Center to the “Muhammad Ali Boxing Center” at Tropical Park Boxing Center, 7900 SW 40 St., Miami.

“Back in September 2015, the Board of County Commissioners adopted my resolution for the Tropical Park Boxing Center to be named after the great Muhammad Ali, since I was privileged to have met the man in person and behold his many boxing victories,” said Commissioner Souto. “He was bigger than life and an inspiration to all. His memory will live on at this center as it grooms future generations of boxers.”

In honor of Ali – the late three-time heavyweight boxing champ - dignitaries joined members of the local boxing community.

Ali, born Cassius Clay, died on June 3 at age 74, following a 30-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. Considered one of the greatest boxing legends of all-time, Ali was famous in and out of the ring for his strength, power, speed, stamina, flamboyant personality and global presence.

Warrior Basketball

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.

Gifts in Golf

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.

Heads Up Football

USA Football’s Heads Up Football program for high schools and youth organizations will include sudden cardiac arrest protocols andHeads Up Blocking fundamentals.

Both topics are now included in USA Football’s Level 1 coaching education course and its high school certification course.

USA Football is the national governing body of the sport and educates more high school and youth football coaches combined than any organization in the United States.

USA Football’s Heads Up Football program is supported by more than two dozen medical and football partners.

“Coaches should be prepared to respond to a life-threatening emergency if needed,” said Dr. Jonathan Drezner, past president of the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine and a member of USA Football’s Medical Advisory Committee.

“With prompt recognition, early CPR and use of an AED, sudden cardiac arrest is largely a survivable event if treated quickly. USA Football is committed to the safety of young athletes, and I am proud that a sudden cardiac arrest training module is being added to the Heads Up Football program. The module provides coaches the information they need to be prepared for sudden cardiac arrest.”

“Blocking is one of football’s basic skills that every player needs to be taught,” said Jeff Saturday, a former NFL All-Pro center and ESPN analyst. Saturday is a member of USA Football’s Football Advisory Committee.

“USA Football’s Heads Up Blocking technique helps coaches teach this fundamental – properly engaging with a defender, driving with the legs and maintaining the correct body position for effective and safer play. This is how blocking should be taught.”

Heads Up Football is a comprehensive collection of resources and medically approved protocols to establish important standards rooted in education to change behavior for the better.

In addition to sudden cardiac arrest and Heads Up Blocking, the program covers concussion awareness and recognition, heat and hydration protocols, proper tackling fundamentals and equipment fitting. More than 5,500 youth leagues and 750 high schools in 2014 participated in the program this past fall, benefiting nearly 1-million players.

Follow USA Football at www.facebook.com/usafootball

or on Twitter @USAFootball

NFL Football Matters

The National Football Foundation announced the launch of FootballMatters.org, a powerful new addition to the organization’s campaign to highlight the good in the game and the lifelong benefits to those who play it.

“Football makes a positive impact on so many levels, and we realized that we needed a centralized resource for capturing and subsequently promoting all the great football stories out there,” said NFF President & CEO Steve Hatchell. “FootballMatters.org provides us a potent platform for addressing that void and delivering compelling content directly to audiences who can help us amplify our messages about the value of football in producing leaders and creating educational opportunities.”

NFF Chairman Archie Manning added: “It’s just gratifying to be part of something that does so much good for our young people. The stories are out there, including the thousands of young kids who could not have gone to college but got some aid because of football, and their lives have been changed for the better. FootballMatters.org will enable us to directly capture those stories and inspire the next generation to further their educations.”

The NFF has linked with Arkleus Broadcasting, a Dallas-based full-service media company, to create the platform, which also encompasses a strong social media component to gain traction for the campaign.

“Arkleus is honored and thrilled to be chosen by such a prestigious American institution as the NFF to build and market an exciting new sports media property,” said Arkleus Broadcasting President Joe Shults. “We are passionately committed to helping the NFF in every way to protect, enhance, and ensure the future of football for generations to come.”

The site focuses on stories, videos, and franchises highlighting the very best in high school and college football, such as: Football Moms, Special Teams, Hook & Corporate Ladder, Man-to-Man, the Quote of the Day and many more. The site will also be the home to exclusive profiles of Campbell Trophy finalists, Leadership Award Winners, Courage Award Winners and all the honors associated with the NFF.

“We are really excited about the Football Matters initiative,” said Hatchell. “I want to thank everybody at Arkleus for their passion for the project. They have done a marvelous job of getting it up and running in a short amount of time, and we have already received great feedback.”

The site focuses on the stories that evoke the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, competitive zeal, character building and the drive for academic excellence that exemplifies many of the young men who play football and the families who support them.

You can learn more about the site and watch a video featuring NFF Chairman Archie Manning and NFF Board Members Jack Ford, Archie Griffin, Kevin Plank and Rod West by clicking here.

Visit www.footballfoundation.org.

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/NFFNetwork

Twitter https://twitter.com/NFFNetwork

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/NFFOnDemand

Footgolf

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.

Tennis

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, programs

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.

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).

This story was originally published March 19, 2017 at 12:12 AM with the headline "Miami Heat honors March student athletes."