Miami Dolphins Bring Smiles To Parkland After Tragedy

PARKLAND, FL — Nine current and former Miami Dolphins brought smiles to more than 300 Parkland area children over the weekend with a free football clinic. The gesture was intended to help the community's healing process following the Valentine's Day massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. Both the school's varsity and junior varsity football teams participated in the event.

“I can’t thank the Dolphins enough," said Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School Head Football Coach Willis May. "They’ve done so much for our kids this year since the tragedy the last (few) weeks ago. This is just awesome for our younger kids."

A number of professional athletes, including all 30 Major League Baseball teams, the Miami Heat and the Florida Panthers have all shown their support for the Stoneman Douglas community since the attack that left 17 dead and 16 wounded. Newly returned Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade surprised students last week on their first full day back in the classroom.

Wade spent hours at the school last week discussing his experience growing up around gun violence in the Chicago area and how he might use his NBA platform to help the Stoneman Douglas students spread their message. Wade dedicated the rest of his season to 17-year-old Joaquin Oliver after learning that the slain teen was buried in Wades's #3 jersey.

“It’s a great way to get everyone out in the community and bring the community around something positive,” said Young of the Dolphins. “We got some of the members of the Douglas football team out here, and it’s great to see them having some fun. I’m happy to be part of an organization that’s helping rebuild and really supporting this community.”

The children who attended the football clinic were between the ages of seven to 16 and included both boys and girls. The Coconut Creek High School student government, Gold Coast Pop Warner and Parkland Rangers of Gold Coast Pop Warner all participated at Pine Trails Park in Parkland.

Dolphins guard/tackle Jermon Bushrod, wide receivers Malcolm Lewis and Rashawn Scott, defensive tackle Vincent Taylor and tackle Sam Young were at the event as were former players Elmer Bailey, John Bock, Troy Drayton and Trent Gamble.

Lewis, Scott and Young are South Florida natives.

In addition to the players, the team's senior leadership, staff and families were on hand to support the Parkland community. Jeremy Campos, Sam Coghill, Myles Pistorius, Jason Jenkins and Jeremy Walls all participated in the event.

Miami Dolphins wide receivers Malcolm Lewis (left) and Rashawn Scott create memories at the Parkland football clinic. Photo courtesy Miami Dolphins.