MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and his teammates surprised students with backpacks full of school supplies on Thursday as they prepared to head back to class over the next few weeks.
The students not only received school supplies but also had the opportunity to watch the team practice at training camp.
The event, organized by Gatorade and the Miami Dolphins for the Boys and Girls Club of Miami-Dade, saw students and their families in attendance.
After practice was over, students were given backpacks filled with school essentials, including pencils, pens, notebooks and various Gatorade items.
Former Dolphins linebacker Twan Russell spoke to Local 10′s Annaliese Garcia about what the team hopes to achieve for the event.
“I had a great opportunity to come out and get fit for school and hang out with 50 kids today. Any time kids get to watch elite athletes, it really motivates them to want to get fit,” Russell said. “This is about making sure kids understand that taking care of their bodies helps their minds as well.”
“Any time I can partner with my old employer, the Dolphins, I’m always excited. We’re going to impact these kids’ lives because they are our precious resource,” Russell added. “The Dolphins truly believe in being stewards of South Florida. They’ve built football fields, held food drives and impacted lives in countless ways. They believe in serving their community.”
The event was a memorable experience for the students, who left with both school supplies and inspiration for the upcoming academic year.