Miami HEAT Training Camp Welcomes Displaced Bahamian Families

West Palm Beach, FL – Yesterday, the Miami HEAT Training Camp welcomed displaced Bahamian Families. We all remember this past summer, in late August, when Hurricane Dorian tore through the Bahamas, displacing many families and leaving a path of destruction across the island. In South Florida, we know a thing or two about hurricanes, but most South Floridians don’t realize that we also have a deep-rooted history with the people of the Bahamas, as they were largely responsible for the construction of our city in its infancy. 

The Miami HEAT recognizes that history, and amongst other projects to aid the Bahamian people, the classy NBA organization stretched out their hands yet again. In collaboration with the United Way and the Diocese of Palm Beach, the Miami HEAT welcomed Bahamians displaced by Hurricane Dorian, which is regarded as the worst natural disaster in the country’s history, to a post-training camp practice social event. HEAT players, coaches, Burnie, even Pat Riley and Zo met with 21 families temporarily housed in West Palm Beach.

Fans gathered in elation for a chance to hug, shake hands with, and speak to some of their favorite athletes. 

We also caught up with Coach Spo & Dion Waiters on how camp is progressing. Spo was asked about Goran Dragic’s status, as he was rumored to be in trade talks that feel to the wayside. Spo commented on the professionalism of the Dragon as well as his only taking part in non-contact aspects of training camp. 

I asked Dion about his journey back to 100% health and focusing on his fitness heading into training camp. His attitude this offseason has been “no days off”. Aside from his son’s birthday, he took zero vacation time and strictly focused on getting in that Miami HEAT physical fit-peak shape. 

The Heat open up their preseason on Tuesday, Oct. 8th, at home versus the San Antonio Spurs, but you can catch them in their annual HEAT “Red, White & Pink” Game this Sunday, the October 6th at 4:00 p.m. The game will take place at the AmericanAirlines Arena. An open scrimmage that will include the current 2019-20 roster, the game benefits the Miami Cancer Institute at Baptist Health South Florida.