A group of students at Belen Jesuit Prep in West Miami-Dade organized a basketball tournament that doubled as a health awareness campaign.
A Game With a Purpose
The event was staged as part of the American Heart Association’s “American Heart Challenge,” a program that encourages young people to combine athletic activity with education about sudden cardiac arrest.
Students set a fundraising goal to support the American Heart Association’s research and outreach efforts, ultimately collecting around $2,000.
Participants also took part in hands‑on CPR sessions led by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue crews alongside medical staff from Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, giving them practical skills that could save lives.
Ripple Effects in the Community
Organizers said the tournament not only raised funds but also sparked conversations among peers, families and local leaders about the importance of emergency preparedness.
With the $2,000 contribution earmarked for the American Heart Association, the initiative underscores the impact that student‑led projects can have when paired with professional training and community partnership.