Dolphins Host Fun Fitness Circuit For Special Olympians
DAVIE (CBSMiami) – Dozens of Special Olympic Athletes gathered on the field with the Miami Dolphins rookie class Monday for a fun fitness circuit—Fins style, of course.
Miami Dolphins rookie class, a total of 31, coached and refereed a fun fitness circuit for Special Olympic athletes Monday--which included a game of flag football.
About 45 Special Olympics athletes, ranging from teens to young adults, attended to enjoy a day of football.
Special Olympians Angelica Campozano and Gregory Mingo, who participated in Monday's circuit, both have one thing in common—a deep love for the game.
Steven Clarke, Miami Dolphins player and Ft. Lauderdale resident, said the opportunity to give back to his community, as a professional athlete, is priceless.
"We are all just coaching different positions right now. I'm actually the ref and just blowing the whistle," said Clarke.
On the field Monday, Clarke and his teammates were giving lessons on running, passing, catching and scoring and, of course, the ever-so-important touchdown dance.
"Oh yeah that is the most important part right there—the touchdown dance," said Walt Aikens, Miami Dolphins player.
Dolphins first-round draft pick Ja'Wuan James spoke on his experience saying, "This was my first time working with the Special Olympics group and it was fun, and it's great just being out here and coming out here with all the other rookies and just having a good time." He continued, "Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces, being excited and us celebrating with them -- it was pretty cool."
Dennis Hickey, the Miami Dolphins general manager, hopes the fitness circuit is a win-win for both the Special Olympians and for the team.
"That they have a fun time and just enjoy being around our players," Hickey said of the participants. "It's so important for our players are involved in our community and our rookies have done such a good job and we have such a big emphasis on for us to make a difference in your community and that's what we're getting today."
Broward County is always looking for more volunteers. For information on how to get involved, go to specialolympicsflorida.org or click here.
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