UF Football Hosts Gator Charity Challenge
Tuesday, July 27, 2010 | Football
The University of Florida football team is preparing to hold its third annual Gator Charity Challenge event on Friday, July 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The event, which was initiated prior to the 2008 season, will feature the 2010 Gator squad challenging each other in a series of strength competitions. The event is weather permitting and will be free and open to the public. Gates 1-4 on the west concourse of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium will be open for entrance to the event at 6:00 p.m. Friday.
Last year's Gator Charity Challenge drew approximately 2,500 fans from The Gator Nation who watched the intra-squad strength competition between Florida players, who competed in three head-to-head events.
Similarly this year, the squad will be divided into teams that will represent six Shands-affiliated organizations: American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, March of Dimes, Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida, Shands Cancer Hospital and STOP! Children's Cancer.
“We are proud to put on what has now become an annual event,” said Mickey Marotti, director of strength and conditioning at UF. “Each year there has been an increase in awareness and attendance and we are eager to see it grow in both capacities this year. It is a great evening for families to come see the Gator football team and create awareness for the six charities involved.”
Pledge cards will be available on the West Concourse of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium for fans to have an opportunity to donate to this year's six worthy causes. Cash and checks will not be accepted on site, only pledge form donations. Additionally, Gator fans can enjoy a snack from the concession stand, which will be open by gate 2 on the west side of the stadium. The Gator Sportshop will be open until 6 p.m. on the northeast corner of the stadium and a Sportshop stand will be open on the west concourse through the duration of the Gator Charity Challenge.
2010 Gator Charity Challenge Charities and Team Captains
1. Shands Cancer Hospital – Ahmad Black (Lakeland, Fla.)
2. American Cancer Society – Brandon Antwine (Garland, Texas)
3. STOP! Children's Cancer – Lorenzo Edwards (Orlando, Fla.)
4. Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida – A.J. Jones (Tampa, Fla.)
5. American Heart Association – Terron Sanders (Bradenton, Fla.)
6. March of Dimes – Duke Lemmens (West Lake Village, Calif.)
-UF-
