It is hard to fathom the recent tragedies currently going on in Orlando, Florida. As an Orlando native, I can personally say that times are extremely tough for the City Beautiful. The recent murder of Christina Grimmie at an Orlando nightclub, the horrific Pulse nightclub shooting, and the alligator attack on a little boy at a Disney resort all within a seven-day span is a lot for the community to handle. But Orlando sports are stepping up in a time of need for their community.
It is no surprise that compassion from across our great nation exploded in the wake of these tragedies. People from every corner of the country and the World have been showing support for Orlando and #OrlandoStrong has trended its way onto billboards on every highway and byway.
Orlando is the home to teams in the NBA, AFL, MLH, and MLS. Throughout the city, these teams have a huge local and loyal fan base. It is common to see the Downtown Orlando area flooded with fans chanting and cheering for their beloved Magic and Lions, the same streets that were flooded a few days ago by chaos and terror.
In such a tragic time, the leagues that help make Orlando the great city that it is, have decided to give back to their loyal fans and show the world #OrlandoUnited. The blue, black, and purple shirts displaying the slogan are on sale and can be purchased online and in fan shops like the Magic one located at Amway Arena. All net proceeds from the t-shirts sold will go to the OneOrlando fund, a charity set up to help the victims and families of the recent attacks.
Along with these t-shirt sales, fans will be given the opportunity during Saturday’s game, dedicated to #OrlandoUnited, to donate Orlando City soccer posters and enter-to-win game-worn jerseys, 100% of the proceeds earned from the Orlando City game will be donated to the OneOrlando fund. Each section in the Camping World Stadium will be dedicated to a victim in the Pulse Nightclub shooting and the Lion’s soccer players will wear patches in honor of them.
In the neighboring city of Tampa, the Tampa Bay Rays will also be showing their support by dedicating their annual Pride game on Friday, June 17 to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. All available seats are now $5 and all proceeds will be going to the OneOrlando fund. #OrlandoUnited t-shirts will also be distributed at the game to show unity within the state.
In this time of tragedy, the local Sports teams with huge impact within this small swath of Central Florida have shown how their own brand of sponsorships can directly impact hurting members of their community in need. Sports cares and we at Knox Sports are proud that the examples set in Boston and beyond continue to take root when tragedy strikes.
To gain more information and to donate to the OneOrlando fund please visit OneOrlando.org