Unity in the Community

Mayor Taylor gives a pep-talk to the Opa-locka Parks and Recreations Panthers and Hurricane football teams, as Opa-locka Police Chief Cheryl Cason lends support.

By Christina Gordon….

Mayor Taylor gives a pep-talk to the Opa-locka Parks and Recreations Panthers and Hurricane football teams, as Opa-locka Police Chief Cheryl Cason lends support.

The Opa-locka Hurricanes (West side) and the Opa-locka Panthers (East side) met face to face, with the only competition in mind at that point was to be the team to recruit the most and the best players at the Annual “Unity in the Community” Football Registration and Fellowship Drive, sponsored by Mayor “Lady” Myra L. Taylor, the Opalocka City Commission and the Parks and Recreation Department at Ingram Park, 2100 Burlington Street, on Saturday, June 25, 2011.

According to Panthers Coach William Bouie, both teams, with a breakdown of various groups, have room to accommodate players on all age and weight levels from the “Mighty Pee- Wees,” ages 4-5, to the 145 pound 13-14 year-olds. Johnny Fannin, President of the Hurricanes commented that his team extends the playing field a little further with 175 pounders, ages 14-15.

Park Director Charles Brown said that aim of the Opa-locka Parks and Recreation Department is to promote good Sportsmanship in a healthy environment.

The Mayor praised the President of the league, Mike Francis, along with the fathers and coaches for volunteering, participating and mentoring the youth. She said, “There are some who want us to fail the time sensitive test. No more prison… you all are raising men!” The Mayor also stated that she and the Commission will help find the money to support the parks program and sustain the football program. She said the program includes Cheerleading which is also a sport. The Mayor said her favorite Football teams are… “The Hurricanes AND the Panthers, but as far as I’m concerned… Opa-locka already has the winning teams!”


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