In The News

Just in time for the holidays, a deserving  public school in West Little River, Florida is ready to change the game in its community through sports  thanks to Wade’s World Foundation, the charitable organization of three-time NBA champion, Dwyane Wade and the Sandals Foundation, the non-profit arm of the Caribbean’s luxury-included resorts’ chain.

The Sandals Foundation and the Wade’s World Foundation presented a newly refurbished basketball court to Dr. Henry Mack/ West Little River K-8 Center in Miami this Tuesday, December 19, 2017. Following a fun-filled ribbon cutting ceremony, students were invited to try out the new court, play basketball with Dwyane Wade Senior and receive ‘swag’ bags with goodies and Game Changer T-shirts. The court will be utilized by both the school and the local community and will be an enormous asset for underprivileged youth by providing access to planned sports, recreation, while promoting a healthy lifestyle and family engagement.

“We are so pleased of our three-year partnership with Wade’s World to promote funding, coaching, mentorship, equipment and skills training to students, said Executive Director Heidi Clarke at the ceremony. “We are equally proud that, to date we’ve been able to impact over 350 youth through sports in the Islands of Grenada, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados and Turks & Caicos. Today, we add South Florida to that list as we continue the legacy of our investment in providing opportunities for youth through sports and offering life skills such as teamwork, respect, leadership, and confidence while always encouraging children to be part of something and to follow their dreams.”

The dedication ceremony was attended by 40 students and faculty, along with Region Superintendent for Miami-Dade County Public Schools, John Pace; school Principal, Kimula O. Oce; Executive Director of Sandals Foundation, Heidi Clarke; and Tragil Wade, Executive Director of Wade’s World Foundation.

“This court means so much to our Foundation and Mr. Wade, particularly as we will always think of Miami as our home — it’s where my nephews still live and go to school and where my father lives,” said Tragil Wade. “We are so proud to be here today opening this beautiful court which is a way for those who don’t have much to give thanks and to be reminded never to give up.  Let this be an inspiration to each of you to do your best and always say “I Believe In Myself, Wade concluded.

To access images and videos of today’s event, please follow @sandalsfn on Instagram or download materials here. To learn more about the Game Changer Program, please visit www.sandalsfoundation.org