If there is one local pro sports organization that stands out from the rest when it comes to promoting youth and high school athletics, it's the Miami Dolphins.

Having been around the country and talking with so many people about local sports franchises and what they do to help promote youth activities, I am finding that nobody comes close to doing what the Dolphins do.

With former St. Thomas, University of Miami and National Football League standout Twan Russell at the helm, this is a program that does so much for the kids, and everyone is starting to take notice.

Aside from the many camps and clinics they host at their facility as well as on the road, the Dolphins have made it known that kids come first, and that even in a tough economy, they need to be treated in a manner that a lasting impression could change the direction of a life.

For the past few years, the Dolphins have been hosting boys and girls football clinics and events. Last year, the impressive summer 7-on-7 event at Bamford Park in Davie, which was hosted by former Dolphin Nat Moore attracted high school football teams from all over South Florida, pitting the best teams and played from one of the elite regions in the nation.

This year, Russell and the Dolphins have further enhanced the summer event by adding more teams, boosting the competition level. Last year, Miami's Edison High edged Boyd Anderson for the team title and earned a trip to New Orleans.

Another great event is the girls' flag football event, which showcases some of Broward's best teams and puts the young ladies in a spotlight that they truly deserve.

Last weekend, while the skies were dark and the rain fell, the competition was fierce and the talent was on display for all to see.

Among the teams staying unbeaten were Hollywood Hills as the Spartans used a 45-yard run to beat Coral Springs Charter 7-0. The Ely Tigers had a 30-yard run by Victoria Graham and Melanie Ducott had three interceptions in a 7-0 win over Stranahan.

Takhari Jones threw a touchdown and had an interception as powerful Miramar got by a very good Cypress Bay squad, 6-0. Pompano Beach quarterback Lala Fulmore completed touchdown passes to Tonya Santiago and Chelsea Walters and finished with 115 passing yards and 50 rushing yards to lead the Tornadoes over Fort Lauderdale, 15-0.

Plantation won its first game of the season as Nina Smith completed a 21-yard scoring to Rickita Burnett and added a 1-yard rushing score to lift the Colonels to a 13-6 win over Everglades. Burnett also had three interceptions to lead the defense. In a matchup of two impressive teams, Jessi Lucarelli had a 65-yard touchdown catch as Western edged Douglas, 7-6.

Among the other winners in the event included Taravella beating South Plantation in overtime, 12-6 as Taylor Kington had an interception in overtime to clinch the victory. Maurissa Moise had a 40-yard touchdown catch and two interceptions to lead McArthur to a 6-0 win over West Broward.

Nicole Jaworksi had three touchdown passes and finished with 180 passing yards to lead Flanagan to a 19-6 win over Boyd Anderson. Kara Fox had two receiving touchdowns. Alyssa Miranda had two interceptions and Ayla Pardo added a receiving score. Alina Gaas completed two scoring passes to Moya Parague to lead Pembroke Pines Charter to a 12-0 win over Coral Springs.

FLAG FOOTBALL CAMP
The Miami Dolphins invite youngsters ages 6-14 to attend our annual Summer Flag Football Camp and girls ages 5-14 to attend our Cheerleading Camp!!!

Camp One: June 22nd - 26th
Camp Two: June 29th - July 3rd
    Campers will have a unique opportunity to learn flag football skills from the Miami Dolphins staff. Join the Dolphins for two separate weeks of fun and excitement at our training facility in Davie. The camp age groups are from 6-9 and 10-14 and will be divided to guarantee equal playing time to all campers. Some of the benefits the players will receive include:
• Age Groups 6-9 will focus on 6-on-6 competition focusing on football fundamentals
• Age Group 10-14 will be playing 7-on-7 helping older campers maximize their potential
• Play in the Miami Dolphins indoor practice facility
• Autographs by current and former players
• Official NFL Flag belt
• Practice on the Dolphins training fields
• 5 Tickets to a preseason game
• Live participation in both the pre-game and halftime shows of a Miami Dolphins pre-season game.

CHEERLEADING CAMP
Camp Date: June 22nd - 26th
   Girls, ages 5-14, learn from the pros!  In a non-competitive environment, these little ladies will learn dances, cheers and attend etiquette and glamour classes taught by both current and former Miami Dolphin Cheerleaders.  Some of the benefits the cheerleaders will receive include:  
• Camp Shirt & Shorts
• Pom Poms
• Autographs from Cheerleaders & Alumni Cheerleaders
• Learn Dance technique and combinations
• Learn Cheer routines & jumps
• Etiquette Classes
• Camp Photo Shoot
• Opportunity to participate in a Miami Dolphins Preseason Game
• 5 Tickets to a preseason game

   For more information on these Miami Dolphins events, please call 954-452-7129 or email youthprograms@dolphins.nfl.com.

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. He can also be heard every Thursday night (9-10) on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Report on WQAM (560 AM).