U.S. Equestrian Federation recognizes Palmer Trinity’s Sara White

Equestrian

Sara White, a freshman at Palmer Trinity School, was recognized by the United States Equestrian Federation for completing 100 hours of training and participating in three equestrian competitions during the academic year.

She received a certificate of achievement, a USEF Equestrian Athlete Lettering varsity letterman patch and a lapel pin.

“We are very proud of Sara for being recognized for her accomplishments in a sport that requires tremendous training and preparation for competition. She is both a dedicated athlete and student, and we are confident she will continue to excel in both,” said Peter Tolmach, Palmer Trinity.

In addition to her equestrian competitions, Sara is on the Palmer Trinity girls’ varsity lacrosse team.

Pace sports

Monsignor Edward Pace High School celebrated the success of three student athletes.

Standout wrestler Alexander Perez signed a letter of intent with NAIA Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis. Basketball star Destiny Wilson and tennis talent Josvany Lesende signed letters of intent with NAIA St. Thomas University in Miami during a ceremony at the school.

Perez won the Class 1A state wrestling championship at 138 pounds, pinning all of his opponents at state in under two minutes combined.

Wilson is a standout girls’ basketball and flag football player, helping both teams reach regional competitions several times during her Pace career.

Lesende is one of Pace’s star tennis players and was named Honorable Mention on the 2015 Miami Herald All-Dade tennis team.

The trio signed their scholarships for their respective universities in front of their families, the Pace student body and Pace administration.

Belen Jesuit sports

Belen Jesuit School is proud to announce that 15 student athletes signed their national letters of intent to play sports at the collegiate level. The signing ceremony occurred in the school’s Roberto Goizueta Athletic Center.

CREW: Christian Norniella-Burke - St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia; David Gonzalez – Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass.

SOCCER: Francisco De la Camara - Pennsylvania State University, State College, Pa.; Diego Puig-Corve – Suffolk University, Boston.

BASEBALL: Ernesto Ruiz-Sierra – Clarkson University, Potsdam, N.Y.

FOOTBALL: Ariel Jimenez - John Carroll University, University Heights, Ohio; Fernando Pujals - University of West Florida, Pensacola; Andres Cesin - Central College, Pella, Iowa; Andres Guisasola - Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, N.Y.; Edel Abad - Anna Maria College, Paxton, Mass.

LACROSSE: Ted Huertas – Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.; Luis Corps – Oglethorpe University, Atlanta; Mathew Salas – Guilford College, Greensboro, N.C.; Oscar Ortega - Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, W.Va.; Gabriel Garcia - Dowling College, Oakdale, N.Y.

Carrollton tennis

A mini-school reunion of sorts occurred in Kalamazoo, Mich. during the NCAA Division III Women’s Tennis Championships. Four former Carrollton High School tennis players are representing four different colleges in the Elite 8.

They are: Alexandra Fields (class of 2013) representing Middlebury College; Rebecca Pol (class of 2012) representing Amherst College; Daniela Lopez (played for Carrollton 2008-11) representing Emory University; Julia Cancio (played in 2008 then moved to Boston) represents Williams College.

Those young women also achieved excellence in academics.

U.S. All-American Bowl

Fifty-nine of Florida’s top senior high school football players have been nominated to play in the 2017 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. Those nominated will have the chance to showcase their talents on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 in the annual East vs. West match-up, televised live on NBC at 1 p.m. EST from the Alamodome in San Antonio.

“The U.S. Army All-American Bowl is a unique event designed to showcase and recognize the talents of America’s youth while celebrating the team that makes a difference every day for the Nation – the U.S. Army,” said Mark S. Davis, deputy assistant secretary of the Army for marketing. “This nomination recognizes the versatility and adaptability the athletes possess both on and off the field; qualities they share with U.S. Army Soldiers. We look forward to the 2017 Army All-American Bowl program that includes more than 200 events across the country and culminates in San Antonio during game week.”

A list of the nominees can be accessed at

www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com

Below are the Miami nominees.

DB Trajan Bandy (Christopher Columbus HS); DB Latavious Brini (Mater Academy Charter); RB Robert Burns (Gulliver Prep); WR Kevaughn Dingle (Carol City HS); OL Navaughn Donaldson (Central HS); TE Kenmore Gamble (Southridge HS); ATH Christopher Henderson (Christopher Columbus HS); WR Rodney Scott (Southridge HS); LB Waynmon Steed (Central HS); WR Anthony White (American HS); LB De’Andre Wilder (Carol City HS);

The athletes were nominated by the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Committee, which consists of All American GamesTM, 247Sports, XOS Digital, and All American Games’ network of regional coaches throughout the country. Of the 400 nominees, 90 will be ultimately selected and invited to the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

The next step for the nominees occurs in September, when the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Selection Tour begins. Player finalists, along with U.S. Army All-American Marching Band members, will be announced nationwide throughout the fall, with the Selection Tour ending in early December.

For 17 years, the U.S. Army All-American Bowl has been the nation’s premier high school All-American game, providing a glimpse into the future of football. Serving as a launching pad for America’s future college and NFL stars, Odell Beckham Jr., Andrew Luck, Derrick Henry, Patrick Peterson, Adrian Peterson, Christian McCaffrey, and Jalen Ramsey made their national introductions as U.S. Army All-Americans. A total of 31 U.S. Army All-American alumni were drafted in the 2016 NFL Draft. The 2016 U.S. Army All-American Bowl drew a crowd of 39,121 to the Alamodome.

For more information on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and its related events, visit

www.usarmyallamericanbowl.com and

goarmy.com/events/aab or the official Twitter and Instagram accounts located at

@ArmyAllAmerican and

@armyallamericanbowl.

U.S. water polo

Ransom Everglades graduate Ashleigh Johnson will be in goal for the U.S. Olympic women’s water polo team when it plays an exhibition match against Hungary at Ransom Everglades on June 27, six weeks before the 2016 Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro.

The match will be part of a seven-city, cross-country, pre-Olympic tour.

Johnson, a 2012 Ransom grad, grew up in the Redland area of Miami-Dade County, played water polo as a youth with the Cutler Bay Riptides club and won five state titles at Ransom Everglades (one in swimming). She was named international “Water Polo Player of the Year” for 2014 and 2015 by Swimming World magazine. She is currently at student at Princeton.

Tickets for the 6 p.m. contest are available only through USA Water Polo. They are $20 at the door, $15 for members of USA Water Polo.

They can be purchased here

https://prepmo.com/events/70

Miami Country Day softball

The Miami Country Day School girls’ varsity softball team featured a very young group.

With just two seniors, the Spartans (6-7) finished fourth in the South Florida Softball Conference. They had key wins against Boca Raton-St. Andrew’s, LaSalle and Palmer Trinity.

Senior captain Taylor Sennett, a first team All-Conference selection, led the way on the mound. Her leadership was key to the success of the young team. Junior Mary Elizabeth Allen, first team All-Conference, had a standout season at shortstop. Saarah Rasiff, Alicia Kelly and Isabella Allen were selected second team All-Conference, and Sierra Mathis and Michelle Yakobi were named third team All-Conference.

Barry baseball

Barry University shortstop Alex DeGoti (Belen Jesuit HS) was named a semifinalist for the Division II Baseball Tino Martinez Award. He is one of 40 players named to the prestigious list.

DeGoti led the Buccaneers with a .404 batting average and 14 home runs. His .404 average ranks fifth in school single-season history, and his 14 homers are tied for 10th. He finished the season on a 13-game hitting streak. He also led the Bucs in RBI (58) and stolen bases (22).

The Tino Martinez Award is named after the former University of Tampa star, United States Olympian, first round draft pick and Major League Baseball All-Star. The winner of the 2016 Tino Martinez Award will be named June 6, following the Division II World Series in Cary, N.C. The finalists will be revealed prior to the beginning of the Division II World Series.

If named a finalist, DeGoti would be the first Buccaneer since Dean Green in 2011 to earn that honor.

OBIEs

Six high school senior student-athletes from Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties received scholarships toward their college education during the Orange Bowl Impact and Excellence (OBIEs) Awards: A Taste of South Florida presented by Florida Blue at the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center.

Honored for their performance on the field as well as in the classroom and community, they are: Royer Baez – Homestead Sr. High School (cross country, track & field, basketball); Amber Kelly – Coconut Creek High School (softball, cross country); Anthony Kaminsky – Alonzo and Tracy Morning High School (swimming, water polo); Gerard Laurent – Coral Springs High School (track & field, cross country); Desiree Maxwell – Hollywood Hills High School (soccer, cross country); and Deborah Vainstein – Dr. Michael M. Krop Sr. High School (swimming, water polo, softball).

Over the years, the Orange Bowl has invested millions of dollars toward South Florida youth and sports through support of intercollegiate athletics, education, events, organizations and causes, in addition to the tremendous economic impact it provides. At this year’s event, more than $100,000 was given back to the South Florida community with the event proceeds going toward Make-A-Wish Southern Florida, Special Olympics Florida and the Orange Bowl Leadership Academy.

Miami Midnites basketball

The Miami Midnites basketball team beat the Tampa Bay Saints 138-73 in Florida Basketball Association action at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie.

The Midnites (3-1) were paced by former Florida Memorial University guard George Gray who had 20 points, six rebounds and five assists. Former Florida International University center Adrian Diaz notched his second consecutive double-double with 15 points and 16 rebounds, and Amir Celestin added 16 points and eight rebounds.

About Miami Midnites

The Miami Midnites, established in 2014, are the official Minor League affiliate of the 2012-13 Israeli Super League champions Maccabi Haifa basketball team. In their first season of existence, the Miami Midnites won the 2014 Florida Basketball Association (FBA) championship, and followed up with back-to-back FBA titles after winning the 2015 FBA title.

The Midnites joined the American Basketball Association for the 2014-15 season and finished runner-up out of 90+ teams across the country. The Midnites compete year-round, playing their home games at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie. For information on the Miami Midnites, visit the team’s official website at

www.miamimidnites.com.

About Miami Midnites

The Miami Midnites, established in 2014, are the official Minor League affiliate of the 2012-13 Israeli Super League champions Maccabi Haifa basketball team. In their first season of existence, the Miami Midnites won the 2014 Florida Basketball Association (FBA) championship, and followed up with back-to-back FBA titles after winning the 2015 FBA title.

The Midnites joined the American Basketball Association for the 2014-15 season and finished runner-up out of 90+ teams across the country. The Midnites compete year-round, playing their home games at the David Posnack Jewish Community Center in Davie. For information on the Miami Midnites, visit the team’s official website at

www.miamimidnites.com.

Self defense

Philip Glikman, expert OIS Krav Maga instructor, will conduct the class “How to Defend Against an Active Shooter” from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, June 5 at the Alper Jewish Community Center, 11155 SW 112 Ave. in Kendall.

For more than 15 years, Glikman had a Krav Maga school in Paris where he taught 450-plus students. He joined the Israeli Operative System where he continues to study directly under Aaron Elbaze in Israel. In early 2012, he became technical director in charge of recruitment and evaluation of future instructors. In this capacity, he participated alongside Elbaze to the various training he organized for civilians in France and abroad.

Glikman is certified by the Operative Israeli System and by the Academic College at Wingate in Israel. Since September 2014, he is in charge of the OIS Emeth Krav Maga USA and the training of future teachers, based in Miami-Dade County. Currently, he conducts regularly-scheduled Krav Maga classes in Hollywood, Aventura, Miami Beach, Kendall and Pinecrest.

For cost and information, call 305-271-9000, ext. 284.

Track & field

Miami-Dade youth, age 5-18, will have an opportunity to show off their running, jumping and throwing skills during the county’s second annual “USATF Future Stars” Track and Field Meet.

The event is being presented by USA Track and Field (USATF) and the Miami-Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department on Saturday, June 4 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., at Dade Christian School, 6601 NW 167th, Hialeah. The youth sporting event is part of the Youth Sports Championship Series, an initiative of Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez aimed at increasing participation in youth athletics.

The coveted “Mayor’s Cup” award will go to the top three track teams. In addition, awards will be presented to the top three individual performers in each race event.

The cost to participate is $5 per athlete. Participants must register

online.

For information, contact Chris Evans at 305-755-7885 or

ChrisEv@MiamiDade.gov.

Mayor Gimenez knows first-hand the values developed from continuous involvement in athletics. “We look forward to another great year for the USATF Future Stars track and field meet, as part of the Youth Sports Championship series,” he said. “Youth sports foster an environment where children can learn essential skills like discipline, sportsmanship, and how to work well with others. These lessons will help get them on track for success in life.”

“Miami-Dade Parks remains committed to bettering the health and well-being of Miami-Dade youth through active recreation and outdoor sports activities,” said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys. “Our partnering with USATF, allows us to provide this community with more great youth sports competitions, like track and field, which in turn gives young athletes the opportunity to excel and compete in their favorite sport.”

“USATF developed the Future Stars Meets program to continue the robust participation of community organizations in the sport that had been fostered previously by Hershey’s Track & Field Games,” said USATF CEO Max Siegel. “Our first year of Future Stars Meets gave us a great foundation for expanding the program. We want to ensure these meets can flourish in their communities and continue to introduce children to competitive track and field and to USATF.”

USATF Future Stars meets are designed to provide significant support to mid-level, competitive track and field meets around the country and to foster participation by children nationwide. For information, visit

www.USATF.org/youth.

For information about the Mayor’s Youth Sports Championship Series visit the website.

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

Kendall cheer, football

The Kendall Hammocks Warriors Tackle program announces the registrations dates and times for the 2016 Football & Cheerleading season.

Tackle season starts 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 5.

TACKLE REGISTRATION DATE:

All potential players must be present during the registration process.

JUNE 4: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

TACKLE REGISTRATION FEE: $185

Registration fee includes: Home Game Jersey that players keep at end of the season, secondary Insurance, participation awards, referee cost and the rental of helmet, shoulder pads, game pants. All issued equipment is to be returned at end of season. Also includes NFL Stephen Tulloch Football Camp and Free Rookie Camp for all new players,

WARRIORS CHEERLEADING:

CHEER REGISTRATION FEE: $385

Registration fee break down: $185 initial deposit includes Practice T-shirt, shorts, Game Day socks, hair bow, cheer brief, shoes, secondary Insurance, and participation awards .

The remaining $200 includes for the competition: body liner, shoes, socks, warm up, cheer bag, uniform rental and all competition fees.

CHEERLEADING REGISTRATION DATE:

JUNE 4: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Requirements to play tackle football and cheer for The Kendall Hammocks Warriors.

• 1.) Current Color Photo (2x2 face picture-passport size)

• 2.) Copy of Birth Certificate

• 3.) Current 2016 Physical

• 4.) Copy of 2016 final Report Card (with the four grading periods)

Registrations and practices are at Devonaire Park, 10411 SW 122 Ave.

For added information email Football Commissioner Mike Pintado at khwfootball@aol.com and for Cheerleadingemail our Cheer Commissioner Meylin Castro at cheer.4warriors@aol.com or visit the web site at www.khwarriors.org/kendall.

The Warriors Football program is under the Optimist Club of Kendall Hammocks and is an all volunteer organization, serving our community in sports for more than 29 years.

Suniland flag football

Sundevils Invitational Flag Football Two-Day Tournament is June 11-12.

Divisions are 8U-5on5-$100 per team; 12U-7on7-$125 per team; 15U-7on7-$125 per team.

Registration is 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from now-June 9 at Suniland Park, 12855 S. Dixie Hwy., Village of Pinecrest

Contact Ken Hannah 786-606-4404, kenhanna12@gmail.com, or Alfred Dallas 305-310-5611.

Tennis

USTA Florida will be hosting four Development Camps for Diverse Backgrounds in 2016 in different areas of the state, for junior tennis players, age 12-18, who are currently participating in USTA tournaments, are looking to improve their game and learn about college scholarship opportunities and the latest in sports science and physical training.

“This will be the second year we are hosting more than one Diversity Camp to give more players around the state the opportunity to participate in this great learning experience,” said USTA Florida Player Development Coordinator Andy Gladstone. “The more players we can impact through the camps, the better it is for our sport and for the participants to improve in areas such as match play, strategy, and learning the amazing experiences they can have as college players.”

Pros and college stand-outs that have attended USTA Florida Diversity Camps in the past include Sloane Stephens, Victoria Duval, Sachia Vickery, and former University of Florida star Sekou Bangoura.

The cost for the one-day camp is $50. The fee includes drills, match play, a camp t-shirt, classroom improvement sessions for parents and players, and lunch.

South Florida - Oct. 29

9 a.m.-4 p.m.

William H. Kerdyk Biltmore Tennis Center

1150 Anastasia Ave.

Coral Gables 33134

To register visit:

TennisRegistration

For more information visit:

www.USTAFlorida.com/events

Sunshine State Games

Get into the 2016 Olympic Games spirit by competing in one of more than 25 Sunshine State Games sports between now and November. The 37th annual Sunshine State Games are Florida’s own Olympic-style Sports Festival.

Online registration is open at

www.sunshinestategames.com and more information is available by email at

games@flasports.com or calling toll-free 866-354-2637.

The Broward County Spring Festival begins a plethora of SSG activity with six of the next seven weekends featuring amateur sports competitions through June 25.

Two multi-sport festivals will be in Manatee and Sarasota counties the weekend of June 11-12 and Palm Beach County June 18-19.

Two sports that returned to SSG action in 2015 (BMX Cycling and Boxing) are back for 2016, and Baton Twirling debuts in 2016 as part of a Fall Festival in Vero Beach, along with Lacrosse. Beach Ultimate returns in 2016 as part of a Beach Festival in Clearwater in September, featuring Beach Tennis and other sports.

The Sunshine State Games are an annual program presented by the Florida Sports Foundation, in conjunction with local sports commissions.

For more information visit

www.sunshinestatemgames.com, email

games@flasports.com or call toll-free 866-354-2637. Follow the Sunshine State Games on Facebook

www.facebook.com/sunshinestategames

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.

SSAC sports

The Sunshine State Athletic Conference, a multiple sport athletic organization made up of 35 private and charter schools created in 2008, announced that two additional sporting opportunities are being introduced for the 2016-17 school year.

SSAC currently offers four sports, including football and basketball at the middle and high school levels, but in keeping with its pledge to student-athletes and their families, the conference will grow to offer a second football classification and the formation of girls’ beach volleyball.

The second football classification of a Developmental Football League, debuting next fall, will provide member schools that are starting, growing or rebuilding programs with a competitive, but level, playing field in which to compete. This will not replace nor negate the highly successful championship Florida Bowl Series but will instead compliment all football programs and schools in the SSAC. The only criteria for schools to participate in the new Developmental Football League is for teams to have less than 23 players, and the championship Florida Bowl Series will be open to them, if they desire to participate.

The second addition to SSAC athletics is an exciting opportunity that perfectly captures the spirit of Florida’s athletic environment. Starting in spring of 2017, the SSAC will debut girls’ beach volleyball. This up-and-coming sport is quickly spreading around the nation and will undoubtedly be a natural fit for Florida student-athletes. This addition will help build exposure and opportunity for female student-athletes and will add value to SSAC’s independent athletic conference.

“Including girls’ beach volleyball was a decision that just made sense; it only requires a few players and we are blessed with an abundance of sun and sand,” said Stuart Weiss, president of Sunshine State Athletics Conference. “We believe that by adding these two new opportunities for Florida high schools, we are continuing to provide more choice and control to our partner schools addressing the need for a level playing field in high school athletics.”

Visit the SSAC website at

www.sunshinestateathletics.com.

NCSAA academics honors

The NSCAA annually recognizes high school soccer programs that have excelled in the classroom, in addition to their work on the field.

Three hundred and eight nine soccer teams (243 girls, 146 boys) from throughout the United States have earned the NSCAA Team Academic Award for exemplary performance in the classroom as a team during the 2014-15 academic year.

To qualify for the award, the team must have a minimum grade point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. The team GPA is determined by adding every player's GPA, then dividing by the number of players.

For information about the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, visit

NSCAA.com.

Pitch, Hit & Run

Scotts Major League Baseball Pitch Hit & Run is a free, exciting skills event providing boys and girls the opportunity to compete in four levels of competition including Team Championship events at all 30 Major League ballparks and the National Finals at the MLB All-Star Game.

To host a local competition for your community and be involved in the official skills competition of Major League Baseball, go to

https://secure.mlb.com/mlb/kids/mlb_pitch_hit_run_form.jsp

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.

Team Moms

Olive Garden and the NFHS Network, the nation’s leading high school sports media company, are teaming up to recognize Team Moms and the high school athletes they support. This partnership includes the launch of GoTeamMoms.com, which will serve as a resource and destination to recognize Team Moms.

Team Moms volunteer to assist coaches and often lead team communications, fundraising, travel coordination and more. The website will feature Team Mom’s Best-Kept Secrets and game day highlights from high schools around the nation. In addition, coaches, athletes, family members and the community are invited to contribute shout-outs or photos of their favorite Team Mom using #GoTeamMoms on Twitter and Instagram to be featured on the website.

“The goal of the NFHS Network is to serve and support both the athletes and their fans,” said Christopher Young, senior vice president of sales for the NFHS Network. “There’s no bigger fan than a Team Mom and no better partner for the NFHS Network than Olive Garden, which resonates so deeply with our audience and shares our same commitment to families and the local community.”

To further assist Team Moms, each Olive Garden restaurant in the U.S. will be paired with a local high school to support through two national fundraising nights and Olive Garden VIP Passes that give teams access to exclusive discounts. With dining options that include ToGo and catering, Olive Garden is often the choice for feeding an entire team.

"Our restaurants are excited to support their hometown high schools and give back to their communities," said Jose Duenas, executive vice president of marketing for Olive Garden. “This partnership allows us to thank Team Moms nationwide as well as give families and teams chances to connect over meals and create memories during the busy sports season.”

Visit GoTeamMoms.com to view photos, videos and Team Mom tips and tricks. Visit NFHSNetwork.com for live streaming of high school events.

ABOUT OLIVE GARDEN

Olive Garden is the leading restaurant in the Italian dining segment with more than 800 restaurants, more than 96,000 employees and more than $3.8 billion in annual sales. Olive Garden is a division of Darden Restaurants, Inc., (NYSE: DRI), which owns and operates more than 1,500 restaurants that generate over $6.8 billion in annual sales.

Headquartered in Orlando, and employing more than 150,000 people, Darden is recognized for a culture that rewards caring for and responding to people. Olive Garden is committed to making a difference in the lives of others in the local community. As part of this commitment, Olive Garden restaurants have donated more than 33 million pounds of food to local community food banks across the country. For more information, visit www.olivegarden.com.

Connect with us on Facebook.com/OliveGarden, Twitter.com/OliveGarden and Instagram.com/OliveGarden.

ABOUT THE NFHS NETWORK

The NFHS Network (www.nfhsnetwork.com) captures the passion, pride, and energy of the high school experience by delivering live high school sports and events to family members and fans whenever they want, wherever they are.

The NFHS Network celebrates and showcases the unique accomplishments of high schools students, including the student-athletes participating in 27 different sporting events and the student broadcasters from schools around the country that produce events through the School Broadcast Program. The NFHS Network also broadcasts state playoff and championship events in 46 states.

The NFHS Network is a joint venture among the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), its member state associations and PlayOn! Sports. The NFHS is located in Indianapolis, Indiana and is the national leadership organization for high school sports and performing arts activities. PlayOn! Sports is based in Atlanta, Georgia and is the nation’s largest high school sports media company.

Follow the NFHS Network on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Instagram at @NFHSnetwork for the latest news and event information.

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

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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 May 29, 2016 at 1:20 AM with the headline "U.S. Equestrian Federation recognizes Palmer Trinity’s Sara White."