Sunshine Bowl Weekend: A Celebration of Inclusion and Football

Delanie Ross / Special Olympics Florida

The 2024 Jack in the Club and Sunshine Bowl weekend was a two-day celebration of football and inclusion, featuring great flag football, an exciting cheer clinic, and a Friday night blackjack tournament, all taking place at Raymond James Stadium. 

The event was made possible by our presenting sponsors Raymond James Financial and Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida), and our hosts, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

Jack in the Club kicked things off Friday evening with a night of blackjack, live music, exclusive raffles, custom Coke cocktails, and spectacular food cooked up by more than 15 of Tampa’s best restaurants. Special Olympics Florida athletes were front and center, with remarks delivered by Pasco County athletes Sara Parker and Andrew Ahearn. 

The Sunshine Bowl flag football tournament and cheer clinic followed on Saturday, April 6. 

It was a terrific day of football, with 40 talented teams competing across five divisions. The Bucs cheerleaders lead a high-energy cheer clinic, and Bucs Legend and Super Bowl Champion Ali Marpet brought some star power to the event. 

A special shout out to our top individual fundraisers: Fernando Mallicote ($2,465), Cody Logan ($1,397), and Angelo Rifino ($1,359). And thanks to all our incredible partners for helping us stage another amazing event.