AdventHealth

Official Release

Longtime team partner, AdventHealth, will be the presenting partner of the team’s 35th&nbsp;anniversary season

ORLANDO — In anticipation of 35 years of Orlando Magic basketball, the team unveils a new logo for the 2023-24 season. The logo reflects a classic, clean design with a retro-style ball in the number “five” and a trail of the iconic Magic stars cascading to the left, paying homage to the Magic’s past. In addition, as the Magic’s partner since 1989, the logo also features AdventHealth as the presenting partner for the 35th&nbsp;anniversary season.

The celebratory logo represents where it all started, incorporating pieces of the original classic Magic logo, a fan favorite, from 1989. It also continues the team’s colors with the Magic blue, Magic black and Magic silver. This special 35th&nbsp;anniversary commemorative logo melds the essence of the Magic’s iconic star ball and stars from the team’s original logo with a modern-day numerical font for a smooth transition from past to present.

“As the Magic embark on this 35th&nbsp;anniversary season, we reflect on the great players and individuals who have been the foundation of this incredible organization,” said Orlando Magic CEO Alex Martins. “We know how important our history, the players, coaches and ownership is to our fans and supporters. Our classic logo is a great representation of that history and the fact that it is cherished by our fans. Honoring that fondness for the original logo, while celebrating this 35th&nbsp;season in the design, represents the manner in which we value our fans. As we recognize our rich history, we are excited about the direction in which we are headed and look forward to what the future holds for our fans, the City of Orlando and the Orlando Magic!”

Fans can also look forward to some additional surprises and throwback favorites throughout the season to be announced soon.

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Orlando Magic Reveal 35th Anniversary Logo

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Orlando Magic Unveil New Logo for 35th Anniversary Season

Josh Cohen

ORLANDO - What we’ve learned about Wendell Carter Jr. ever since he arrived in Orlando over two years ago is that his hard-working nature extends into the offseason, which explains why he’s made great progress each year with the Magic.&nbsp;

The same can be said about his involvement in the community.&nbsp;

It’s been almost two months since the Magic’s season ended, and yet the 6-foot-10 center is still doing all that he can to help people.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, May 30, Carter participated in a live streaming Mario Kart Relay Race video game event organized by AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida to raise money for cancer research.&nbsp;

Joining him were Orlando Solar Bears defenseman Jimmy Mazza, singer Cesar De La Rosa, local content creator and gamer Sceptic, several Magic Gaming players, AdventHealth doctors, and youth cancer patients.&nbsp;

“I’ve never been to an event like this,” he said. “It was a lot of fun being able to play a game like Mario Kart, which a lot of people if not everybody knows, just to raise awareness for a good cause. I don’t think it gets any better than that.”

The event, which aired live across multiple social media platforms, featured four teams competing to win the relay race and the fundraising goal. “Team Luigi,” with Mazza as their captain, came in first place. All funds raised support cancer research efforts in reducing relapses and potentially bringing cures through clinical trials and translational research.

“Having Magic Gaming, the Orlando Magic, and Orlando Solar Bears come together to support our patients and families for cancer research is really why this event happened,” AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida Marketing Manager Meredith Hall said. “It’s so impactful how our community is rallying around this cause to really put in an effort to make sure cancer is no more or there is better, unique ways to detect cancer. Just to have the support of our community, to make sure our patients are cared for in the right way close to home is really what this event is all about.”

As original Champion of the Community partners, AdventHealth Central Florida has been working with the Magic on community projects that impact and benefit Central Florida. Magic Champion of the Community partners represent organizations that are committed to improving the lives of all Central Floridians. Since the Magic and AdventHealth partnership began back in 1989, they continue to grow their approach in community programming, unparalleled branding and category exclusivity in the area of healthcare while expanding their commitment to the local community.

This past March, Carter was named the 2022-23 Rich & Helen DeVos Community Enrichment Award winner for his tremendous impact off the court. Philanthropy has always been a staple of who he is as a person.&nbsp;

“Any opportunity I can to give back to a community, I am going to always take it,” he said. “A situation like this or an event like this, I’m just glad to be a part of it. This is a very small part of what I want to do for this Orlando community.”

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Wendell Carter Jr. Participates in AdventHealth’s Mario Kart Relay Race

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Wendell Carter Jr. Participates in AdventHealth’s Mario Kart Relay Race to Raise Money for Cancer Research

The Magic will also be joined by Magic Gaming, the Solar Bears and other local athletes and celebrities to raise funds

ORLANDO - Orlando Magic Center Wendell Carter Jr. joins forces with AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida in&nbsp;The Race for Cancer Research’s live streaming video game fundraiser, Mario Kart Relay Race, on May 30 from 4-5 p.m. Carter Jr. will captain “Team Mario” alongside a six-year-old cancer patient, AdventHealth doctors and a Magic Gaming player. Orlando Solar Bears defenseman Jimmy Mazza and team mascot Shades will also be part of a team to raise funds.

AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida’s&nbsp;The Race for Cancer Research features athletes and celebrities throughout Central Florida in an epic game of Mario Kart all on a race to raise funds for cancer research. Each athlete or local celebrity will captain their team of physicians, cancer patients and a professional gamer from the Magic Gaming team to raise funds for cancer research efforts. Magic Gaming players to participate include unguardable, Scoreo, Matty, and May.&nbsp;

The event will feature four teams competing to win the relay race, as well as win the fundraising goal. Supporters can tune-in at AdventHealth.com/NewHope on May 30 or watch the Mario Kart Relay Race streamed live across&nbsp;YouTube;&nbsp;Facebook; and&nbsp;Twitch. All funds raised support cancer research efforts in reducing relapses and potentially bringing cures through clinical trials and translational research.&nbsp;

As original Champion of the Community partners, AdventHealth Central Florida has been working with the Magic on community projects that impact and benefit Central Florida. Magic Champion of the Community partners represent organizations that are committed to improving the lives of all Central Floridians. Since the Magic and AdventHealth partnership began back in 1989, they continue to grow their approach in community programming, unparalleled branding and category exclusivity in the area of healthcare while expanding their commitment to the local community. 

ABOUT ADVENTHEALTH&nbsp; FOUNDATION CENTRAL FLORIDA

AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida&nbsp;is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that directly supports AdventHealth care facilities in Altamonte Springs, Apopka, Celebration, East Orlando, Kissimmee, Orlando, Winter Garden, and Winter Park along with specialty services provided at AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women. In addition, AdventHealth Foundation Central Florida fundraises for AdventHealth University as well as for international missions in Central and South America, Southeast Asia and Africa.

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Orlando Magic Center Wendell Carter Jr. Teams Up with AdventHealth to Raise Funds for Cancer Research

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic and its partner, AdventHealth, were recognized with the Downtown Orlando Partnership (DOP) Golden Brick Award for the Magic’s AdventHealth Training Center, taking home its Award of Excellence. The DOP awarded 15 Golden Bricks at its annual luncheon on May 2 with projects nominated for community and development which positively impacted downtown Orlando in 2023.

In August of 2022, the DeVos family, Magic and AdventHealth unveiled the state-of-the-art AdventHealth Training Center as part of the Magic and AdventHealth's continuing commitment to health and wellness. The new downtown facility serves as the training site for the Magic and a destination sports medicine hub to Central Florida. Together, the two organizations continue to build an innovative health and wellness model that brings whole-person medicine, science and research together to optimize sports performance, bringing those learnings to the broader community. 

The center, one block from Amway Center, boasts 130,000-square-feet located on a nearly four-acre site at South Division Avenue and West Central Boulevard. The $70 million facility marks the latest investment in the Parramore community and in the continued growth and revitalization of this historic neighborhood.

The Orlando Magic and AdventHealth also furthered its commitment to Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) with the awarding of $17 million of design and construction contracts for the project to 33 local MWBEs. That amount represented approximately 32 percent of awarded opportunities, which is over the city's recommended 24 percent MWBE participation.

The facility was designed by HOK, with Balfour Beatty serving as the construction manager.&nbsp;

The Golden Brick Awards is Downtown Orlando Partnership’s exclusive annual awards celebrating the people, projects, and initiatives that propel downtown forward.&nbsp;During the past year, DOP welcomed new projects and introduced those that will enhance the vibrancy and appeal of downtown. Every year, the DOP hosts the Golden Brick Awards to recognize the best community and development projects that impacted downtown.

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Orlando Magic, AdventHealth Recognized with Downtown Orlando Partnership Golden Brick Award for AdventHealth Training Center

SANFORD, Fla.&nbsp;– One of the many great things about the game of basketball is that you can play it indoors or outdoors. No matter where you live or where you may be visiting, there’s likely a court very close by.

And let’s be honest, the quality of the court makes a massive difference on the experience. The surface, the baskets, the nets, the upkeep, the surroundings, and the aesthetics all matter.&nbsp;

If you live in Seminole County, or happen to be in the area, and are looking for a nice place to hoop, look no further than Sanford’s Lee P. Moore Park, which now has everything you’d want in an outdoor basketball court after the Orlando Magic and AdventHealth teamed up to spruce it up. 

This court refurbishment is all part of the Magic and AdventHealth’s plan to revamp 20 different basketball courts around Central Florida. Lee P. Moore’s court is now the fourth one completed, with the others being at Wicklow Elementary School, the Callahan Center, and the James R. Smith Neighborhood Center. 

“Our court refurbishment program with AdventHealth is just one way that we try to show up to the Central Florida community to make this place a great place to live, work and play,” said Shelly Wilkes, Magic senior vice president of marketing and social responsibility. “Refurbishing basketball courts gives the opportunity for more kids to be exposed to basketball and to have the opportunities to play with their families. And we just want to be a part of their growing and their developing in their play of basketball, and hopefully make them fans of the Magic for life.”

Really cool about the new court at Lee P. Moore is that the design was inspired by the Magic’s Statement Court that the team plays select games on at the Amway Center.&nbsp;

There are now 70 kids from Sanford’s after-school program that can describe its look and feel. During the unveiling of the court on Wednesday, April 5, they received basketball instruction from Magic Community Ambassador Bo Outlaw and coaches from The National Basketball Academy during a mini hoops clinic. The Magic also provided lunch to the children and gave each of them a team-branded basketball.&nbsp;

“I’ve always been a huge fan of the Magic because of their community partnerships, and AdventHealth (as well),” said Patrick Austin, Sanford City Commissioner, District 3. “I’ve seen a lot of (the Magic and AdventHealth’s) projects around Central Florida, and they’ve helped a lot of different neighborhoods – from all walks of life. I think that’s huge. Hopefully, that makes people appreciate the Magic. Even if they don’t root for basketball or watch basketball, they say hey, those guys are helping make our city, our county, our neighborhoods better – and that’s what it’s supposed to be about, helping each other (and) being good neighbors.”

As original Champion of the Community partners, AdventHealth has been working with the Magic on community projects that impact and benefit Central Florida. 

Magic Champion of the Community partners represent organizations that are committed to improving the lives of all Central Floridians. Since the Magic and AdventHealth partnership began back in 1989, they continue to grow their approach in community programming, unparalleled branding and category exclusivity in the area of healthcare while expanding their commitment to the local community.   

In addition to their work in the community, they shared in the vision for the AdventHealth Training Center, which opened last summer. Together, AdventHealth and the Magic have built an innovative health and wellness model that brings world-class medicine, science and research together to optimize sports performance, and then bring those learnings to the local community.

“Both organizations have been truly blessed to be in the positions that they are in,” said Jeff Villanueva, CEO for AdventHealth Altamonte Springs and the Seminole Market. “It’s about giving back. I think both organizations take that to heart – not just in words, but in actions. It is examples like this (court refurbishments) that tell the community and assure the community that our organizations are here to make our communities a better place for all of us to live – not only today, but into the future.”

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Orlando Magic and AdventHealth Unveil Refurbished Basketball Court in Sanford

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic have signed free agent Chris Nikic.

Nikic, who hails from Orlando, has a unique and inspirational story as the first person with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman. He is currently in the process of running the Abbott World Marathon Majors in Tokyo, Boston, London, Berlin, Chicago and New York City.&nbsp;

In the last two years, AdventHealth has teamed up with Nikic to support his training, championing whole-person health in body, mind and spirit. They joined forces to inspire more people to believe that they can reach their full potential. With Nikic’s team of AdventHealth sports medicine specialists and his unbreakable spirit, courage and determination, he has been able to achieve his goals.

The 23-year-old Nikic was the was the first person with Down syndrome to complete a full-distance Ironman triathlon. He is an inspiration to so many, completing the 2020 Ironman Florida triathlon, earning him recognition from Guinness World Records. His cutoff time was 14 minutes faster than the cut-off time for qualification.&nbsp;For this accomplishment, Nikic was awarded the&nbsp;Jimmy V Award for Perseverance&nbsp;as part of the&nbsp;2021 ESPY Awards. Additionally, he won the ESPY for&nbsp;Best Athlete with a Disability in Men's Sports.[3]&nbsp;His most recent Ironman triathlon was the 2022 Ironman World Championship in Kona.

Growing up in Central Florida, Nikic is a life-long Orlando Magic fan. Including basketball, he has a variety of interests and the desire to try new things like dance lessons and boxing.

“The Orlando Magic are proud to welcome an inspiring athlete like Chris on our team," said Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. "Through our partnership with AdventHealth and our focus on the whole athlete throughout our AdventHealth Training Center, we know Chris is a great example of what can be done with hard work, determination and perseverance. Today we honor Chris and all that he has accomplished, while inspiring so many others along the way."&nbsp;

About the AdventHealth Central Florida Division:&nbsp;

AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division encompasses more than 20 hospitals and ERs in the six counties in and surrounding metro Orlando. The world-class hospitals, combined with a comprehensive outpatient care network, see more than 3.5 million patient visits annually.&nbsp;&nbsp;

AdventHealth also has an expansive research portfolio in Central Florida, with more than 500 clinical trials and studies in progress.&nbsp;

The organization has a deep commitment to serving the community and has a local financial impact of more than $1 billion annually. AdventHealth and its employees are responsible for nearly 20 percent of Central Florida’s economy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The division’s flagship campus — AdventHealth Orlando — boasts nationally and internationally recognized programs, and serves as a major tertiary and quaternary referral hospital for much of the Southeast, the Caribbean and Latin America. Quality specialty care is provided through AdventHealth Institutes, which is nationally recognized in numerous specialties.&nbsp;

AdventHealth Orlando has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, Newsweek, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Leapfrog Group.&nbsp;

Learn more about the Central Florida Division on our&nbsp;Newsroom.&nbsp;

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Magic Sign Chris Nikic

Dan Savage

ORLANDO –&nbsp;For years, amidst struggling to keep up with rising rent prices in a small apartment and dealing with constant housing uncertainty, Tanisha dreamed of having a home for her and her four children, where they could each have their own room, play in their own yard, and build relationships with their neighbors.&nbsp;

Last year, the Orlando Magic and Habitat for Humanity joined together to build a home for Tanisha and her family. On Tuesday, Magic President of Business Operations Charlie Freeman, President and CEO of Habitat Greater Orlando Catherine McManus, AdventHealth Community Relations Director - Central Florida Division Meghan Curren, Magic Community Ambassador Bo Outlaw, and STUFF the Magic Mascot joined Habitat homeowner Tanisha and her children to celebrate that dream becoming a reality with a key dedication ceremony. 

“These are some of our favorite days of the year, getting to see Tanisha’s face and STUFF giving her the keys to the home,” said Freeman. “It’s what it’s all about. It’s what we do. Community is one of the core values of the DeVos family and the Magic.”&nbsp;

Her family’s home is the 12th&nbsp;that the Magic have sponsored in partnership with Habitat for Humanity since 2010. The Magic’s sponsorship funds are used for the construction of the house, while Tanisha will pay an equitable mortgage that she can afford, like all Habitat homeowners.&nbsp;

“One of the things that makes our partnership with the Orlando Magic so special is they really all get into it,” said McManus. “It’s this huge behemoth of an NBA team and yet at the same time we have these personal connections and these friendships we’ve developed over the years. I think that’s what truly makes it so special is that it’s genuine, it’s authentic, and everyone from the Magic pitches in and does their part.”&nbsp;

After struggling to find a home she could afford, Tanisha was initially denied the first time she applied for a Habitat home because she was just below the minimum credit score requirement. In order to qualify for the program, applicants must show they have the necessary income and credit to pay the monthly affordable mortgage as well as a housing need and a willingness to partner.&nbsp;

She was then offered a spot in Habitat for Humanity’s homeownership mentor program, where she was able to receive guidance and put together a plan to increase her score. After a month of participation, Habitat staff ran her credit report again and she was approved.&nbsp;

“The Habitat program that all of our homebuyers go through is rewarding to us because we know that they are purchasing their home informed, empowered and educated,” McManus explained. “That’s important. Home ownership is a huge commitment. But we know that when they’ve gone through the Habitat program that they’re ready. They know exactly what the next step is.”&nbsp;

In addition to being selected as the 2022 Habitat for Humanity Orlando & Osceola homeowner, sponsored by the Magic, Tanisha and her family were honored by the team as their 14th&nbsp;annual Big Give recipient on Dec. 23. While attending the Magic’s game at Amway Center against the San Antonio Spurs, they were brought out to center court and showered with a number of holiday gifts and other items from the Magic and many of their corporate partners.&nbsp;

Among the gifts they received were a flat screen TV, air fryer, a driveway basketball hoop, home accessories, $5,000 of home furnishings provided by AdventHealth, a gaming machine from Arcade1Up, six Disney Park Hopper Passes courtesy of Disney, $500 from Kroger, one year supply of Papa John’s pizza, a $100 gift card from PDQ, and a gift basket from Magic Gaming. 

“We’re so proud to partner with the Orlando Magic on something that’s important in the community like housing,” said Curren. “It’s a huge need in Central Florida and were happy to be able to give back in this way. It’s core to both of our missions and our values to take care of the community of Central Florida and to do a project like this.”&nbsp;

Building her own home where each of her children could have their own room has been a long-time dream for Tanisha. And she was quick to express her gratitude that it’s now come to fruition due in part to help from the Magic, Habitat for Humanity, and AdventHealth. 

“They’ve been amazingly just there every step of the way,” said Tanisha. “I definitely appreciate it. Being one of the people to actually build my own home was just enough for me to say that I’m grateful.”&nbsp;

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Orlando Magic, Habitat for Humanity and AdventHealth Partner to Make Local Family’s Dream Home a Reality

ORLANDO - Normally, it’s the fans who are the ones cheering on their favorite sports teams and players. But sometimes, it’s the reverse.&nbsp;

NBA players, specifically, will often say they love to get out in the community and cheer on their greatest supporters.&nbsp;

The Orlando Magic’s Franz Wagner and Gary Harris certainly feel that way, which was apparent Tuesday, Jan. 24 when they both visited AdventHealth for Children to lift the spirits of pediatric patients. Joining them were Magic Community Ambassadors Nick Anderson and Bo Outlaw and STUFF the Magic Mascot.&nbsp;

“It’s very special,” Wagner said. “It’s our responsibility I think. I think it’s important for the Orlando Magic to do this kind of thing. It’s inspiring for us to see how hard they are fighting. We are just here for them to smile a little bit and take (what they are dealing with) off their minds.”

Interacting with kids is one of Wagner and Harris’ favorite parts of playing in the NBA. Not only do they appreciate all the positive vibes, but those interactions give them an opportunity to share advice and encouragement to those who might need a boost.&nbsp;

When they were growing up – Wagner in Berlin, Germany and Harris in Fishers, Indiana – they looked up to NBA players and were inspired watching them from afar.&nbsp;

Now, with Harris in his ninth NBA season and third with the Magic and Wagner in his second year in Orlando, they are proud to be positive role models for youth in Central Florida.

“I think it’s great. It’s fun,” Harris said. “I remember when I was a kid and I had the role models I looked up to. Just trying to continue to be a great example, put a smile on their face, and have fun. Let them know you might have struggles. You might go through things, but everything is going to be okay in the end. Just to keep fighting, keep pushing, and have a smile on your face.”&nbsp;

Many Magic players over the years have come by the hospital to play games with the kids, bring them gifts, and boost their spirits – just as Harris and Wagner did Tuesday. AdventHealth for Children staff have seen what that can do for patients when it comes to their physical and mental health.&nbsp;

“The power of healing – of course we know how to provide great clinical care for all the children that we take care of – whether it’s medical treatment, surgical treatment, whatever it may be,”&nbsp;AdventHealth for Children and AdventHealth for Women Senior Executive Officer Dr. Rajan Wadhawan said.&nbsp;“But having opportunities like this where kids can come out and be kids for a while and forget the reality of being in a hospital and what they are dealing with – that goes a long way in their recovery and getting them back on the healing path.”&nbsp;

AdventHealth Foundation recently received a $150,000 donation from the DeVos Family Foundation as part of its 30 Grants for 30 Years Initiative that will go towards assisting AdventHealth for Children’s Center for Advancement and Support of Youth (CASY) program, which helps kids and young adults manage their mental health under the hospital’s supervision and patient-centered approach.&nbsp;

AdventHealth for Children is a nationally recognized, destination children’s hospital and network of pediatric specialists, programs and care facilities that sets the standard for innovation, quality and comprehensive care. The flagship facility in Orlando is the Walt Disney Pavilion, which was designed by Walt Disney Imagineers and features Disney best-practices, theming, characters and activities to make a stay in the hospital more comfortable and less stressful for young patients and their families.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The AdventHealth for Children network includes pediatricians, more than 140 pediatric specialists practicing 35 subspecialties, specialty clinics, pediatric rehabilitation, emergency departments and Centra Care Kids urgent care.&nbsp;&nbsp;

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Franz Wagner, Gary Harris Lift Spirits of Young Patients at AdventHealth for Children

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Due to Tropical Storm Nicole, the NBA has announced that the Dallas Mavericks at Orlando Magic game on Wednesday, November 9 will tip-off at 5:30 PM. Amway Center doors open at 4:30 PM.