2019 Community Report 2019JAG_CommunityReport | Page 20

Special Olympians Become Jaguars for a Day As children we dream of becoming astro- nauts, singers, actors, doctors, lawyers and professional athletes. The Jaguars wanted to make those wishes come true a little sooner for 34 Special Olympians, who got the opportunity to sign one-day contracts to become professional football players with the Jacksonville Jaguars. After putting their skills to the test, the Special Olympic athletes gathered for a team photo, received autographs and enjoyed a pizza party in the TIAA Bank Field West Club. It was a special day shared between the Special Olympians and Jaguars players, a memory that will be sealed forever in their hearts. To make the day more special, the Jaguars hosted a Special Olympics Fantasy Camp where they surprised the athletes in the lock- er room with a personalized Jaguars jersey and a custom locker with each of their names on it. After suiting up, the athletes were greeted by members of the Jaguars 2019 Rookie Class in the Dream Finders Homes FlexField at Daily’s Place where they played side-by-side with each Jaguars player, who ran them through various football drills and made them feel part of the team. The Jaguars host inclusion youth football camps, including hosting Special Olympics at the Boys 7-on-7 and 11-on tournaments. 25th SEASON EDITION