Washington Redskins owner Dan Synder and his wife Tanya sprang into action on Saturday, October 8 personally delivering much needed hurricane supplies to The Bahamas following the passage of Hurricane Matthew.
The National Football League team flew in a private jet filled with batteries, food, blankets, candies, non-perishable foods and even children’s games, among other supplies.
A team from the Bahamas Ministry of Tourism (BMOT), including Permanent Secretary Harrison Thompson and Coordinator of the BMOT Emergency Coordinating Committee Geneva Cooper, was on hand to greet the Redskins.
“We are grateful to our partners, the Washington Redskins, who wasted no time in offering assistance to the Islands of The Bahamas,” Minister of Tourism Obie Wilchcombe said. “This organization led by example mobilizing immediately to bring relief to our people who are in need.
“We know that there are many Bahamians who will benefit from these donations. We want to thank the Redskins, especially owners Daniel and Tanya Synder who are no strangers to our beautiful country. It is our hope that other organizations will follow the example set by the Redskins. I think it is safe to say that the Redskins organization has gained even more Bahamian fans this football season.”
Redskins owner Dan Synder said that although his team would play on Sunday, his organization knew it had to help The Bahamas.
“We are very fortunate to have resources and the means to step in and make a difference in times of peril,” Dan Synder said. “Even though we are not a relief organization, I felt it was critically important for us to use our resources to help those affected by Hurricane Matthew.”
Tony Wyllie, senior vice president of communications for the Redskins, said this was only the initial phase of the organizations efforts to assist The Bahamas.
“Once we sit down and find out what the needs are. We’re going to come back,” Wyllie said.
The Ministry of Tourism recently signed a five-year partnership with the Washington Redskins. As part of the partnership, the Redskins will hold an annual Washington Redskins Weekend in The Bahamas featuring Doug Williams and other legendary players for its fans, friends and families. The Redskins will also hold a flag football game with its alumni against top Bahamian officials at the Thomas A. Robinson National Stadium, as well as hold a youth football and cheerleading clinic in The Bahamas.
The team will also put on a golf and fishing tournament as well as participate in other destination experiences.
