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HEAT Hispanic Heritage Recap

MIAMI, October 22 – On Sunday, October 20th, the Miami Heat hosted their eighth annual Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, which was presented by Pepsi and supported by Florida Blue and Sun Sports. The event took place at the Milander Center/ Ted Hendricks Stadium in Hialeah and consisted of basketball games and activities for the kids. The HEAT partnered with the City of Hialeah, with whom they have had a long-standing relationship. The Milander Center is located at 4800 Palm Avenue.

Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, Udonis Haslem, James Jones, Mario Chalmers, Norris Cole, Greg Oden, and Shane Battier, interacted with 500 children from the City of Hialeah Parks and Recreation System in a series of activities which included three-on three basketball, field day games (tug of war, sack races, relays, and more), table games and dance lessons.

“Events like these are always great for kids who otherwise will never get a chance to interact with their heroes” said Community Affairs Program Manager Erick Torres.

During the event, superstars Wade and Bosh participated in a friendly match of tug of war with the kids, while Battier, Chalmers, and Cole participated in three on three basketball and sack races on the field. Inside the Milander Center, Oden and Haslem played with kids in the game room where they participated in connect four, ping pong, and foosball.

Additionally, the HEAT Dancers, Xtreme Team, and mascot Burnie provided entertainment and mingled with guests, which included City of Hialeah Mayor Carlos Hernandez, Miami HEAT Spanish Radio Broadcaster Jose “La Voz” Paneda, Pepsi Manager of Sales Jorge Rojas, and Sun Sports Media Relations Manager Eric J. Esteban. “Having the kind of city representation we have today shows the kind of impact these players can have in the Hispanic community”, said Torres. Miami HEAT Television Host and Courtside Reporter Jason Jackson along with the Fox Sports Florida Girls were also in attendance with Michael Baiamonte, in-Arena voice of the HEAT, emceeing the event.