Beginning September 15 through October 15, the Orlando Magic will recognize the richness and diversity of Hispanic-American culture and reflect on the history and achievements of Hispanic-Americans/Latinos who have contributed to our country. In celebration, the Magic will host a Hispanic Chamber Business After Hours event on October 15 and on Tuesday, October 21 honor the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship award recipients at halftime of the Magic vs. Indiana game.
Orlando Magic Hispanic Heritage Celebration to include:
Hispanic Chamber Business After Hours
The Magic will host local Hispanic business leaders on October 15 at Amway Arena in recognition of their contributions to Central Florida.
Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Award Recipients Recognized
On Tuesday, October 21, the Orlando Magic will continue the celebration by honoring 17 Hispanic college students, who are scholarship recipients of the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund. The students will be recognized at halftime of the Magic vs. Pacers game (tip-off at 7 p.m.) for their dedication to education and commitment to success.
The Orlando Magic to Support Hispanic Heritage Events
Through event sponsorship the Magic has supported/will support Casa de Mexico – The Orlando Philharmonic; UCF Latin American Cultural Festival; Viva Mexico – ONDA Mexican Radio; HBIF Success Stories Luncheon; Orlando Hispanic Film Festival; City of Orlando’s Third Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Kick Off; and the 2009 Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Gala.
In 1968, Congress authorized President Lyndon B. Johnson to proclaim a week in September as National Hispanic Heritage Week. The observance was expanded in 1988 to a month-long celebration (Sept. 15-Oct. 15). During this time, America celebrates the culture and traditions of U.S. residents who trace their roots to Spain, Mexico and the Spanish-speaking nations of Central America, South America and the Caribbean. September 15 was chosen as the starting date for the celebration because five Latin American countries gained their Independence on this day—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their Independence on September 16 and September 18, respectively.
As part of the Magic’s commitment to diversity, the team established the Orlando Magic Multicultural Insights Department in the summer of 2008 to create an environment in which employees, community partners and fans feel welcome, valued and appreciated. The Magic celebrates diversity and embraces its many characteristics and the value it brings to our business and community—understanding what can be accomplished when everyone works together to achieve legendary moments.
About The Orlando Magic
Orlando’s NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic’s mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. On the court, Orlando has won four division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009), had five 50-plus win seasons, and won the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009. Off the court, on an annual basis the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise, scholarships and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 75,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 5,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, over the last 20 years nearly $15 million has been distributed to local non-profit community organizations via the Orlando Magic Youth Fund (OMYF), a fund of the McCormick Foundation since 1994, which serves at risk and disadvantaged youth. Ticket highlights include: 7,569 seats priced $25 or under per game; a $27 lower bowl ticket; and tickets priced at $10 per game. For ticket information log on to orlandomagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.
Through the National Basketball Association’s NBA CARES program, the league, players and teams will raise and contribute $100 million for charity, donate more than 1 million hours of hands-on volunteer service to communities worldwide, and build more than 100 places where kids can learn and play over the next five years. The NBA is broadcast in 215 countries and territories in 42 languages.
The Orlando Magic is also the developer of the Amway Center which will compete to host major national events, concerts and family shows. Opening in the fall of 2010, the facility will be operated by the City of Orlando and owned by the Central Florida Community.
