Greater Orlando Sports Commission - Impact Update powered by Withum

Impact Update for Thursday, October 6

“Our hearts are with this community, which has long been part of our family. We will continue to partner with organizations closest to those most impacted, and as always, prioritize the health and safety of the people in the region. This community is resilient, and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected as well as the leaders and first responders who continually put neighbors first.”

-Dan DeVos, Chairman

Orlando Magic

“Our hearts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by Hurricane Ian. The destruction throughout our state and our neighboring communities is heartbreaking and we are committed to aiding our fellow Floridians in this time of need. Although the impacts of Ian will be felt for years, we are a resilient community, and the rebuilding and relief efforts must start now.”

-Mark Wilf, Chairman

Orlando City SC, Orlando Pride & Exploria Stadium

See community donation stories below...

Quote of the Day.

"I'm not big on looking back beyond the moment in which decisions and events occur. I'm always pushing forward."

- David Stern

Resources & Assistance.

State and Federal
Hurricane Ian Information and Resources for Florida Residents
Florida Small Business Emergency Bridge Loan Program
SBA Disaster Loan Assistance
City of Orlando
Services and Resources After Hurricane Ian
Orange County
Orange County was added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance for Florida
Heart of Florida United Way opens assistance for Orlando area
Osceola County
Hurricane Center and Assistance
Osceola County School District is providing supplies for students impacted by flooding damage
Lake County
Residents and households in Lake County can apply for FEMA Individual Assistance
Seminole County
Seminole County Hurricane Ian Assistance

Around The Horn.

Orlando City SC closes out the 2022 regular season at home on "Decision Day" against the Columbus Crew on Sunday, October 9 at 2:30 pm. Cheer on the Lions at Exploria Stadium as they look to clinch their third straight playoff berth!
The DeVos Family Foundation announced a $1 million donation to assist with Hurricane Ian relief efforts in Central Florida and across the state. The DeVos Family Foundation (DVFF) and the Orlando Magic organization are working closely with local partners and officials to ensure help is available to those most impacted in Central Florida and throughout the entire region.
Following the devastating effects of Hurricane Ian across the state of Florida, Orlando City Soccer Club, Orlando Pride, and the Wilf Family Foundations have made a $500,000 donation to the American Red Cross Hurricane Ian relief efforts. Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride are joined by Major League Soccer (MLS) in donating to relief efforts and encouraging others that can give to do so as well.
UCF won its third straight game Wednesday night with a 41-19 triumph over SMU in its AAC opener inside FBC Mortgage Stadium. After trailing 13-10 at halftime, the Knights scored 31 points in the second half.
Athletes Unlimited, the multi-sport women’s league launched in 2020, has completed its first outside capital raise. The company announced a $30 million funding round on Thursday.

Orlando City SC and Orlando Pride have bolstered its front office operations with the addition of two key positions, as the Club announced the hiring of seasoned sports executives Chris Kamke and Kelly Hyne. The pair have recently begun their tenures, with Kamke joining the organization as Chief Strategy Officer, while Hyne has been named SVP of Brand Alliances, both filling newly-created positions for the Club.
Orlando Magic coach Jamahl Mosley has mentioned multiple times that preseason will be used to experiment. For Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 pick in June’s NBA draft, a part of that means becoming more acclimated with being used in picks in rolls.
Olympia High School sophomore Emily Knopfle is the No. 1 ranked cross country runner in the Orlando area, just ahead of Ava Wyant of The Master’s Academy. But Knopfle’s best sport is three sports rolled into one. She is one of the best 15-year-old female triathletes in the nation, blending her distance running skills with swimming and bicycling.
Former UCF quarterback Blake Bortles announced his retirement from football on the Pardon My Take podcast. Bortles told Barstool Sports that he made the decision to hang up his cleats months ago but didn’t tell anyone until this week.
Orlando City arrived in New Jersey after a 15-day break for the international playing window with hopes of not just clinching their third straight playoff berth, but also stealing home-field from their expansion rivals, NYCFC. Instead, the Lions leave with their playoff destiny still in their own hands but a much smaller margin for error.
Monster Jam, the action-packed motorsport with world-class athletes locked in intense competitions of speed and skill, returns to Camping World Stadium on October 29! Witness heated rivalries, high-flying stunts, and fierce head-to-head battles for the event championship. This is full-throttle family fun!

In The News.

Central Florida businesses are stepping up in a variety of ways to help the community recover from the devastating impact of Hurricane Ian, which swept through metro Orlando last week and caused an estimated $40 billion in damage statewide. Here's a roundup of what businesses are known to be involved so far.
Comcast NBCUniversal along with the Universal Orlando Foundation announced it will donate $2 million to support relief and recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian. Comcast NBCUniversal, which is Universal Orlando’s parent company, said the donation includes $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions to the Florida Disaster Fund with the remainder distributed among the Comcast NBCUniversal Employee Assistance Fund, United Way, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida, Team Rubicon and the American Red Cross.
Berman Hopkins CPAs & Associates has been awarded a Central Florida Top Workplaces 2022 honor by Orlando Sentinel Media Group. The award process uniquely measures and identifies the leading companies within Central Florida based on 15 culture drivers critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection. With more than 1,000 Central Florida employers invited to participate in the program, Berman Hopkins ranks #54 for Small Businesses.
OnePulse Foundation’s new executive director, Deborah Bowie, sat down with the Orlando Business Journal to answer 'Five Questions' about her goals for the proposed museum and more.
Epcot just celebrated its 40th anniversary and will be the focus of the Legends Panel at this year’s International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo. The panel hosted by Bob Rogers, founder and chairman of BRC Imagination Arts is scheduled for Nov. 16. It will examine the creation and evolution of the park while diving into its history as well as its future.
Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando unveiled the designs for its new shelter this past week. The building will be 25,000 square feet along John Young Parkway in Orlando. The new facility will have air-conditioned shelter space for dogs and cats, double the medical space, specialized housing for long-term dog residents, and a special space dedicated to adoption services.
This week on ‘Black Men Sundays,’ host Corie Murray interviews DeAndrous “Dee” Wilcox, founder of the AnnieRuth Foundation. Named after Wilcox’s grandmother, the nonprofit organization seeks to put young participants in positions of success by means of workshops, networking, guidance in economic development, a focus on education and more.

Stay Engaged.

Put your basketball sneakers on hold and grab your running shoes for the annual Orlando Magic 5k and Kids' Run presented by AdventHealth on Oct. 8! Celebrate the start of basketball season with a run to benefit the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation. After the race, all participants are invited to enjoy "Orlando Magic Fan Fest on Church Street" to experience the same party atmosphere that fans enjoy on game days! The 5k and Kids' Run also include a ticket to an Orlando Magic game.
Inno Networking will be at the Orlando Economic Partnership’s brand new office space on October 13. This networking event is for all who are interested in emerging technologies and innovation. Beer, wine, and small bites will be provided.
Orlando Ballet resurrects Michael Pink’s Dracula, the gothic horror story based on Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Dracula’s eerie world is brought to spine-tingling life in sweeping fashion with expressive movement, thrilling music, dramatic setting, lighting, and romantic costuming. This fan-favorite is a perfect Halloween treat at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
The Annual Pup Crawl & Costume Contest is happening on Sunday, October 23 from 1pm until 6pm! Bring your pup in costume and he or she could win a prize! The first 50 pups accompanied by an adult will receive a complimentary Halloween bandana and a special Mills 50 treat!
ICON Park is preparing to welcome families to its first annual Oktoberfest celebration. The entertainment complex will offer special beer, food, and entertainment for families to enjoy.
Fairy Doors are back through October 31 at Leu Gardens! The exhibit features twenty, one-of-a-kind, whimsical fairy doors which will inspire your child’s imaginative world of enchanted forests, secret gardens, and the magic of fairies. Each door is created by a very special fairy and all you have to do is find these beautiful doors located throughout the 50-acre gardens.
At the Taste of South Lake & Business Expo, you can enjoy an evening out on November 3, at Clermont’s Waterfront Park, complete with food tasting from more than 30 local restaurants, and business samplings from more than 30 local business leaders.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has already begun! Join your favorite Disney Characters for an evening of spirited fun, and get your favorite costume ready! Guests can collect candies and treats while Magic Kingdom park thrills and chills you with eerie entertainment, delightful attractions, and some beloved Disney Characters.
Universal Orlando has announced the final details for this year’s Halloween Horror Nights 31, revealing all the houses, zones, and shows guests can experience at the event, taking place on select nights from September 2 thru October 31, 2022.

Florida residents can save big while visiting Walt Disney World Resort theme parks. Click here to view the current list of special offers.

In The Community.

GO Sports hosted our 4th annual Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon presented by Orlando Health Jewett Orthopedic Institute last week. Keynote speaker Jennifer Rizzotti (middle) is pictured here with GO Sports board member Jeff Osterman (Montverde Academy), UCF head women's basketball coach Sytia Messer, and GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and wife Sarah Grafton

Orlando City SC & Orlando Pride were well represented at the Celebrating Women in Sports luncheon, where their VP of Operations & Facilities, Jessica West, was honored as the WISE Women of Inspiration award winner. Among her colleagues who attended to cheer her on were GO Sports executive committee member Caesar Lopez, board member Kelly Hyne, and the Club's President of Business Operations, Jarrod Dillon

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended the Halo Championship event hosted at the Orange County Convention Center. Team Optic Gaming came out on top!

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel was in Los Angeles to meet with the LA28 Olympic Committee

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel attended Disney's Earidescent Celebration, where the company celebrated 50 years of Community Giving by announcing an additional $1M donation to 12 local non-profits in the Central Florida region, bringing the total up to $5.5M donated during the last year alone

GO Sports President & CEO Jason Siegel and wife Sarah Grafton participated in the Runway to Hope Sparkle & Shine 5k last week, pictured here with GO Sports board member Justin Williams (Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando)