Athletes from Special Olympics Florida joined the Buccaneers for an annual training camp tradition.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers kept an annual training camp tradition going with a Play 60 skills practice with athletes from Special Olympics Florida today. More than 50 athletes from Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk gathered in the stands to watch some of their favorite professional athletes in action before joining them on the field for their moment to shine on an NFL practice field.
Quarterback Jameis Winston was joined by more than 10 of his teammates including, DE Will Gholston, RB Doug Martin, TE Cameron Brate and WR Chris Godwin. The players spent some time talking with the athletes, taking pictures and signing autographs.
"It's extremely fun, just seeing their passion and glowing smiles," said Winston. "When I see familiar faces it makes it even better."
Special Olympics offers 30-plus Olympic-style individual and team sports that provide meaningful training and competition opportunities for persons with intellectual disabilities. Today's athletes were all from flag football teams around the bay. President & CEO for Special Olympics Florida, Sherry Wheelock, believes the comradery between the two groups is immeasurable and helps the athletes tap into their full potential. "What I think is so remarkable is the level of personal best that you see on the field from both, the professional athletes as well as our athletes," says Wheelock. "And that's what amazing about sports, it can be an equalizer on the playing field and that's how our athletes inspire themselves."
The Buccaneers' collaboration with Special Olympics Florida is an annual highlight at training camp, where athletes from both organizations showcase the power of teamwork and sportsmanship in an engaging environment. The team's Bucs for a Better Bay efforts are symbols of the long-standing commitment for the Glazer family and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers towards a healthier and more active Tampa Bay.
To learn more about Bucs for a Better Bay initiatives visit www.Buccaneers.com/community
