The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Special Olympics: Mutual Fans

Nearly 80 Special Olympics Hillsborough, Pinellas, Polk and Pasco County athletes took to the grid iron on August 5th to test their football skills with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Bucs' training facility in Tampa.

Each year, the Buccaneers invite Special Olympics athletes out to their training camp for the Junior Gatorade Training Camp; a fun punt, pass and kick-style clinic.

Despite a couple rain delays, nothing could dampen everyone's spirits. While waiting for the Bucs' morning practice to end, athletes posed for pictures with the Tampa Bay Bucs' cheerleaders and "Captain Fear."

Soon practice was over and the entire team came over to sign autographs, give high-fives and countless more pictures were taken.

Next came the part everyone was waiting for: everyone moved out to the practice field for the clinic, lead by LB - Jermaine Phillips, QB - Josh Johnson, RB - Clifton Smith, WR - Cortez Hankton, WR - Dexter Jakcon, WR - Maurice Stovall, and members of the Buccaneers' Community Relations team. Bucs General manager Mark Dominik even got in on the action, coaching at the quarterback station.

The athletes went through a series of offensive and defensive drills, with the Bucs players serving as everything from coaches, to cheerleaders to tackling obstacles for the athletes to navigate.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been long-time supporters of Special Olympics Florida. Special thanks to the players who participated in the training camp and the entire Bucs Community Relations team.

Check out this fantastic video of the day that the Bucs produced! 

And view and download photos from the clinic!

---