Bucs Safety Challenges 21 & Change Athletes During Fundraiser

TAMPA, FL -- More than 100 people packed the Tampa Movement Lab to pump up with Tampa Bay Bucs safety Chris Conte during the first 21 & Change Champions for Change Challenge on Saturday, March 2

The event raised thousands of dollars for the new nonprofit, 21 & Change, focused on children with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

The event was sponsored by Port Tampa Bay and 18 other companies and organizations to support 21 & Change, which focuses on working with legislators to end archaic practices of physical restraint and seclusion of developmentally disabled children in the schools.

The Champions for Change Challenge partnered professional and amateur athletes with Down Syndrome and other developmental disabilities to showcase their abilities doing Cross Fit-type exercises such as burpees, sit-ups, box jumps, kettle swings and the sled push. Participants also enjoyed a special appearance by Captain Fear, mascot of the Buccaneers.

“We are so excited to host this fun event to create an environment where we participate as teams to create an understanding that we are all different, but when challenged together, we can conquer anything that stands in our way," said Tampa Movement Lab owner and coach Michelle Richards.

21 & Change Inc. is dedicated to ending the Down Syndrome "Syndrome" through advocacy, support and niche services in the Greater Tampa Bay-St. Petersburg area and beyond.

“We believe understanding brings acceptance, and acceptance leads to true inclusion," said 21 & Change President John Bodor. "We are so grateful for partners like the Tampa Movement Lab, Tomlin St. Cyr Real Estate Services and HCP Associates, as well as support from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for helping us promote diversity and inclusion in our community and the state of Florida; all done while having fun and exercising in a safe environment.”

Individual athletes wanting to participate can register before the event. Individual registration is $30. Participants must be 8 years or older. Registration for ‘differently-abled’ competitors is FREE! Online registration:

Sponsors for the event included: Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Tampa Movement Lab, ABA Solutions, Outback Steakhouse, Nasatka Security, Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Envoy Mortgage, Empower Adventures, Celestar Corp., Tri3Bar, Big City Events, First Command Financial Services, Port Tampa Bay, The Bank of Tampa, HCP Associates, Tomlin St. Cyr Real Estate Services, Milorian Consulting, Gay & Associates, Gulf Atlantic Films and John and Yani Bodor

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