Miami, Fla. – The Miami Dolphins and Baptist Health South Florida donated football equipment to the Key West High School, Marathon High School and Coral Shores High School football teams. The donation is part of both organizations' long-term rebuilding efforts in the region in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
The donated equipment, selected by the schools from a wish list, included scoreboards, practice jerseys and pants, t-shirts, cleats, Gatorade coolers, down markers, goal post wraps, sleds, knee pads, shoulder pads, belts and hip pads.
"A year after Hurricane Irma, the Miami Dolphins recognize how important long-term recovery efforts are as we all continue to work hard and rebuild our communities," Miami Dolphins Senior Vice President of Communications and Community Affairs Jason Jenkins said. "Through the Junior Dolphins Donation Program, we're excited to support these three deserving teams with new football equipment and wish them success this season. These long-term efforts don't happen without great community partners so we also want to thank Baptist Health South Florida their support and commitment to the region."
"Hurricane Irma devastated this community, but as you saw today, it certainly didn't affect its spirit," Rick Freeburg, Chief Executive Officer, Mariners Hospital and Fishermen's Community Hospital said. "We are proud to partner with the Miami Dolphins as we continue our recovery efforts after the storm."
The team also had the opportunity to hear from Freeburg and Dolphins alum and Youth Programs Ambassador Twan Russell about the importance of teamwork and overcoming adversity.
Today's visit is part of the growing Junior Dolphins Donation Program, which this year also has made donations to Booker T. Washington High School in August, Miramar High School in May, Pompano Beach High School in July and Spanish River High School in September.
The Junior Dolphins program encourages youth players and coaches to learn, teach and play football in a fun and safe environment. The Junior Dolphins program is designed to give kids access to learn the fundamentals of football using the NFL's top resources. To grow the game, the Junior Dolphins program will work to educate coaches, parents and youth on the health and safety of football with a strong emphasis on character development. Junior Dolphins is building the next generation of Dolphins Fans.
Baptist Health South Florida is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 10 hospitals (Baptist Hospital, Baptist Children's Hospital, Bethesda Hospital East, Bethesda Hospital West, Doctors Hospital, Fishermen's Community Hospital, Homestead Hospital, Mariners Hospital, South Miami Hospital and West Kendall Baptist Hospital), more than 40 physician practices, 50 outpatient and urgent care facilities, Baptist Health Medical Group, Baptist Health Quality Network and internationally renowned centers of excellence spanning across Monroe, Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to our faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has more than 19,500 employees and more than 3,000 affiliated physicians. Baptist Health South Florida has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and by Ethisphere as one of the World's Most Ethical Companies. For more information, visit **BaptistHealth.net/newsroom** and connect with us on Facebook at **facebook.com/BaptistHealthSF** and on **Twitter** and **Instagram** @BaptistHealthSF.
