UF Football Holds Inaugural Gator Charity Challenge
Saturday, July 26, 2008 | Football
The University of Florida football team held the inaugural Gator Charity Challenge on Friday night at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in front of approximately 1,800 people. The fundraiser featured the 2008 Gators challenging each other in a series of strength competitions.
“It was great for the team to come together tonight and show hard work and commitment, both on the field with their teammates and supporting our six charities tonight,” said Mickey Marotti, director of strength and conditioning at UF. “The main thing is that we were able to get the fans to come out and not only support the Gators, but support some really great causes. I think that the event was a success all the way around.”
Each of the six charities represented at the Gator Charity Challenge were selected by the Gator football program and are affiliated with Shands, a University partner. The charities were the American Cancer Society, American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, Children's Miracle Network, March of Dimes and the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
The Susan J. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, led by team captain and offensive lineman Jason Watkins (Lakeland, Fla.), outworked the competition and won the inaugural Gator Charity Challenge with a total score of 27 points.
“We have always had a strongman competition so it wasn't completely new to us,” said long snapper James Smith (Gainesville, Fla.). “But to be out here under the lights, with music going and fans cheering for us, it was a completely different experience. I am really hoping that this event will continue for years to come. It is a win-win situation for everyone involved.”
The Gator Charity Challenge was held in association with Uplifting Athletes to help raise the public awareness of rare diseases, which often receive less attention than others. Uplifting Athletes is a charitable organization leading an effort to align college football with rare diseases and raise them as a national priority. For more information, please visit www.upliftingathletes.org.
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