NASSAU, Bahamas - The Florida Panthers Hockey
Club is in Nassau to participate in a youth hockey clinic and community
outreach program from September 4 -6, 2014.
While in Nassau, staff of the Florida Panthers as well as its mascot,
Stanley C. Panther, defenseman, Erik Gudbranson, and broadcasters Randy
Moller and Bill Linday will visit sick children in the Children’s Ward
at the Princess Margaret Hospital. A youth clinic, opened to children
ages seven to fifteen years is also scheduled to take place at the
Kendal G. L. Issacs Gymnasium on Saturday, September 6th, from 9:00 a.m.
to 12:00 noon.
The visit by the Florida Panthers is a joint partnership with the
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT) and JetBlue, the official airline
partner for the Florida Panthers of BB&T Center.
Greg Rolle, Director of Sports for the BMOT, said “the BMOT has been
working closing with the Florida Panthers over the past year, and the
relationship has proven mutually rewarding for both the Islands of The
Bahamas as well as members, players and fans of the Florida Panthers”.
“The economic benefit that comes as a result of this type of
partnership extends beyond sporting. It results in job creation, new
business opportunities, greater brand visibility, increased numbers of
tourist bookings and spending in The Bahamas and so much more.
Additionally, the community outreach programs as carried out by the
Florida Panthers have an even greater impact, socially on our youths,”
he said.
“Having a professional athlete speak directly to the kids on the
Children’s Ward at Princess Margaret Hospital and to the local Urban
Renewal youths is far more reaching than we think,” he concluded.
Derek Ohta, Director of the Florida Panthers, said “the partnership
has been a great opportunity for the Florida Panthers, The Bahamas and
their sponsor, JetBlue, our official airline partner”.
‘I felt this initiative would expand our reach and awareness to
increase the possibility of getting the Florida Panthers fan base,
‘which is very high end’ to visit The Bahamas. And, as we all know,
JetBlue has direct flight to The Bahamas, and as a Florida Panthers
partner, it is a natural fit for us.”
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