Mark your calendars for a proud Southwest Florida tradition when the Rotary South All-Star Classic returns in its 28th year on Dec. 5 and 7. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South kicks off the two-day event at 7 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5 at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre with an awards banquet honoring Lee County’s top senior football players and coaches. On Wednesday, Dec. 7, the popular football game between North and South high school all-star players will take place under the lights at Fort Myers High School’s Sam Sirianni Field in Edison Stadium.
About 300 players, coaches, families, Rotarians and community leaders are expected to attend the awards banquet. In addition to recognizing players’ and coaches’ talent and dedication, the banquet sets the tone for the game ahead, with inspiration and motivation from a keynote speaker to make a lasting impact on all attendees. NFL All-Pro running back and University of Florida great Fred Taylor will deliver this year’s memorable keynote address.
The annual All-Star Classic football game showcases the best senior players from across Lee County’s public and private high school football teams. Participating players and cheerleaders are nominated by their head coaches, and become eligible to receive recognition as an MVP or scholar-athlete. The players come together on teams, competing against each other as North vs. South, representing one of the final challenges these players will face in their high school football careers. Each of the football players and cheerleaders is presented with a customized commemorative ring or charm.
Sanibel resident and football enthusiast John Carrigan founded the Rotary South All-Star Classic in 1989. This event was the first countywide organized football game in the state of Florida. Carrigan’s vision of football paired with fundraising has continued since then under the continued leadership of Rotary Club of Fort Myers South. Proceeds from the event are used to support college scholarships, as well as grants for local community organizations.
Rotary South All-Star Classic Chair Greg Blurton said, “While showcasing the best of the best in Lee County Football, the Classic raises funds to support various programs and scholarships that would otherwise not be available to our community. The wait is almost over for one of Southwest Florida’s most-anticipating sporting events of the year!”
The Rotary Club of Fort Myers South is currently seeking donations and sponsors to help cover the cost of this annual event. Area businesses or individuals can sponsor the event, a team, player or cheerleader. There are also opportunities to advertise in the event program featuring the student athletes that are being honored. For more information on sponsorship or ticket sales, please contact event chair Greg Blurton at (239) 405-9890 or gregblurton@gmail.com.
Rotary Club of Fort Myers South
Rotary Club of Fort Myers South has more than 140 members who are among the 1.3 million Rotarians worldwide. Service Above Self is the motto of Rotary International, which has contributed more than $1.2 billion and tens of thousands of volunteer hours toward polio eradication in addition to projects such as water quality, world peace and literacy. Rotary Club of Fort Myers South meetings are held each Monday at noon at the Crowne Plaza, 13051 Bell Tower Drive. For more information, visit www.rotarysouth.org.