Sports
6,200 Cyclists Ride in 2017 Pan-Mass Challenge with Goal of Raising $48 Million for Research and Treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Published
9 years agoon
NEEDHAM, Mass., (FNN NEWS) — Today, the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) kicked off the bike-a-thon’s 2017 event as more than 6,200 cyclists from 40 states and seven countries crossed the starting line. Participants are riding up to 192 miles with the goal of collectively raising $48 million for cancer research and treatment at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Dana-Farber). If accomplished, the PMC’s 38-year contribution to Dana-Farber will exceed $595 million since 1980. The PMC, which raises more money for charity than any other single athletic event, is Dana-Farber’s largest single contributor, raising more than 52 percent of the Jimmy Fund’s annual revenue.
During PMC weekend, cyclists ranging in age from 15 to 84 unite with the common mission of raising funds for cancer research and treatment. Designed to cater to all levels of cycling and fundraising abilities, PMC riders choose from 12 routes of varying mileage that run through 46 towns throughout Massachusetts. Many ride in honor of a family member or friend lost to, or being treated for, cancer, as 100 percent of every rider raised dollar goes directly to Dana-Farber. This year, 850 PMC riders and volunteers are cancer survivors or current patients, considered “Living Proof” of the PMC spirit and mission to find a cure.
“Providing funding for cancer research has never been more critical, which is why we’ve set our most ambitious goal to date – to raise $48 million in funding to help the brilliant minds at Dana-Farber continue making breakthroughs in innovative research and treatment,” said Billy Starr, founder and executive director of the PMC. “Every year, I’m blown away by the commitment of our riders, volunteers, sponsors, staff, donors, and we’ve never been more committed than we are this year. Thank you to everyone who has joined us in our journey to helping Dana-Farber one day eradicate cancer.”
“The unrestricted funds from the PMC truly drive discovery at Dana-Farber and help our researchers use the latest technology to conduct cutting edge research that furthers our mission to reduce the burden of cancer,” said Laurie H. Glimcher, M.D., president and chief executive officer, Dana-Farber, who will be riding the 85-mile route to Bourne, Massachusetts. “I’m proud to ride in my second PMC this year alongside a phenomenal group of cyclists and volunteers. We are extraordinarily grateful for the commitment of everyone in the PMC community. The impact of the PMC goes beyond our institute’s walls to benefit the entire cancer community worldwide.”
One-day routes include rides from Wellesley or Sturbridge to Bourne, Wellesley to Patriot Place and Bourne to Provincetown. Two-day routes include Wellesley or Sturbridge to Provincetown, and Wellesley or Sturbridge to Bourne and back. The average cyclist trains for three months, solicits 40 sponsors, and raises more than $7,000.
The PMC was started in 1980 when Starr and 35 of his friends rode across Massachusetts and raised $10,200 for cancer research. It is recognized as the pioneering event that connected athleticism to charitable fundraising. Today, athletic fundraising events annually raise more than $4 billion, funding crucial programs at health and human service organizations nationwide.
The PMC is presented by New Balance and the Red Sox Foundation. Another 200 companies support the event by providing more than $7 million in goods and services each year. During PMC weekend and throughout the year, more than 4,000 volunteers donate their time to support the organization. To make a financial contribution to a rider, visit www.pmc.org, or call (800) WE-CYCLE. Connect with #PanMass2017 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and LinkedIn.
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Central Florida News
Orlando Magic Earn NBA Team International Strategy Award for Second Consecutive Year
Published
2 days agoon
August 1, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
NEW YORK (FNN SPORTS) — The Orlando Magic have been named the recipient of the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing the organization’s innovative global marketing efforts as part of the NBA’s 2025-26 Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.
The award honors NBA teams that develop data-driven international marketing strategies that strengthen brand recognition, create meaningful partnerships and expand fan engagement outside the United States.
Germany Strategy Drives Award-Winning Campaign
Building on last year’s success, the Magic expanded their presence in Germany through a year-long strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.
Rather than focusing solely on the international exhibition, Orlando created a comprehensive campaign that included:
- A summer promotional tour across Germany
- Magic Kiez, an immersive fan experience hub
- Youth basketball clinics
- Business networking summits
- Community watch parties
- Interactive fan activations
- Corporate partnership events
The organization said the strategy helped establish a sustained presence before, during and after the Berlin game while strengthening relationships with German basketball fans and business leaders.
New International Partnerships
The campaign also expanded the Magic’s International Team Marketing Program (ITMP) through collaborations with several new international and global partners, including:
- AIDA Cruises
- Domino’s
- Kellogg’s
- Telekom
- ThreatLocker
- Visit Orlando
The partnerships supported both fan engagement initiatives and business development opportunities throughout Germany.
NBA Recognizes Innovation Across the League
The NBA’s annual Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate excellence in fan engagement, sponsorship activation, innovation, community impact and ticket sales.
This year’s major award winners included:
| Award | Winner |
|---|---|
| International Strategy Award | Orlando Magic |
| Partnership of the Year | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Partnership Innovation Award | LA Clippers |
| Social Impact & Inclusion Award | Philadelphia 76ers |
| New Sales Campaign | Detroit Pistons |
| Membership Program of the Year | Charlotte Hornets |
| Premium Experience of the Year | Cleveland Cavaliers |
The Houston Rockets and New Orleans Pelicans also received recognition through the NBA’s AI Studio program for innovative applications of artificial intelligence to improve fan experiences.
NBA Executive Applauds Team Innovation
Jonathan Tillman, the NBA’s Executive Vice President and Head of Team Marketing and Business Operations, praised the league’s clubs for continuing to innovate.
“The innovation, creativity and strategic thinking NBA teams demonstrate every day continue to raise the bar for the sports industry while creating deeper connections with fans in their communities and around the world,” Tillman said.
He added that NBA teams are finding new ways to grow their businesses through strategic partnerships, artificial intelligence, ticket sales innovations and community engagement.
Selection Process
All 30 NBA franchises were invited to submit entries for the Team Partnership and Ticket Sales & Service Awards.
Winners were selected by a committee of NBA league and team executives based on creativity, measurable business results and overall impact.
For the second consecutive season, the Orlando Magic’s international strategy stood out among the league’s entries, highlighting the franchise’s continued commitment to expanding its global brand while strengthening relationships with fans and partners overseas.
Award Highlights
- Orlando Magic won the NBA Team International Strategy Award for the second straight year.
- The award recognized the franchise’s comprehensive marketing strategy surrounding The NBA Berlin Game 2026.
- The campaign featured fan engagement, youth clinics, business summits and year-round activations across Germany.
- New international partners included AIDA Cruises, Domino’s, Kellogg’s, Telekom, ThreatLocker and Visit Orlando.
- All 30 NBA teams were eligible, with winners selected by NBA and team executives.
Central Florida News
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Announce Training Camp Roster Moves Ahead of 53-Man Cutdown
Published
4 days agoon
July 30, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
TAMPA, Fla. (FNN SPORTS) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers announced a series of roster moves Tuesday as the team continues preparations for the 2026 NFL season.
The Buccaneers waived safety Ja’Qurious Conley with a non-football injury designation.
In addition, Tampa Bay placed cornerback Chase Lucas and defensive lineman Haggai Ndubuisi on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) List.
Players placed on the Active/PUP List count toward the club’s 90-player offseason roster and remain eligible to return to practice at any point before the NFL’s deadline to reduce rosters to the regular-season 53-player limit.
The moves come as the Buccaneers continue evaluating their roster during training camp in preparation for the upcoming preseason schedule and the start of the regular season.
What the Moves Mean
A player waived with a non-football injury (NFI) designation has sustained an injury or medical condition that did not occur during NFL football activities. If Conley clears waivers, the Buccaneers’ next steps will depend on league rules and his injury status.
The Active/PUP List is reserved for players who are unable to practice because of football-related injuries at the start of training camp. While on the Active/PUP List, Lucas and Ndubuisi may participate in team meetings and receive medical treatment, and they can be activated at any time before the team’s final roster reduction.
Sports
Jaguars Place Two Offensive Linemen on Active/PUP List Ahead of Training Camp
Published
1 week agoon
July 27, 2026By
FNN SPORTS
Players on the Active/PUP list count against the 90-man offseason roster but are unable to participate in practice until they are medically cleared. Once cleared, they may return to practice at any time during training camp.
The Jaguars did not disclose the nature of the injuries or provide a timetable for either player’s return.
DiGiorgio and Van Lanen are among the offensive line depth pieces competing for roster spots as Jacksonville prepares for the 2026 NFL season. Their availability during training camp could impact competition along the offensive front as coaches evaluate the roster ahead of preseason play.
The Jaguars continue training camp preparations with veterans and rookies working toward the start of the 2026 season.
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