What to Know
- The USA Ment's Soccer Team put an emotional video online in the wake of the Orlando mass shooting
While victims of the Orlando mass shooting are still recovering and the families of those lost begin to say their final goodbyes, the sports world is paying tribute to those lost and hurting while reminding everyone that love will win.
Ahead of their COPA America quarterfinal match on Thursday, the U.S. Men's National Team released the following video encouraging the entire nation to act as one and not let differences separate:
We are #OneNation: https://t.co/8M3FJnkFmP#OrlandoUnitedhttps://t.co/mQ77ax0QVY — U.S. Soccer (@ussoccer) June 15, 2016
At the same time, the Tampa Bay Rays will pay tribute to the victims while raising money for them as well. The team's game on Friday night against the San Francisco Giants was previously schedule to be Pride Night in support of the LGBTQ community.
Now, all proceeds on everything from ticket sales to parking go to a fund set up for victims. There will also be a blood drive outside the stadium both Friday and Saturday.
Local
Saturday night, the first sporting event in Orlando since the shooting will take place when the city's professional soccer team, Orlando City FC, will take the field against San Jose.
The team broke the stadium's seating chart into the six colors of the rainbow flag and is encouraging fans to wear that color in an effort to show unity to the city's LGBTQ community. The team will also be presenting fans with shirt and other items to honor victims.