While on vacation with his family, Brazilian soccer (aka football) star Kaka took a few moments to pose and kick around a soccer ball with Mickey Mouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Later the Real Madrid player, whose real name is Ricardo Izecson… Read More »Brazilian Soccer Star Kaka Plays With Mickey Mouse at ESPN Wide World of Sports
They may be out of the Summer Olympics, but the U.S. Men’s National soccer team is still competing. And the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has scored another soccer related coup with the team training there at through May 24 in preparation for an… Read More »US Men’s National Soccer Team to Train at ESPN WWOS Complex
Today marked the 15th anniversary of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, or as it was known back then “Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.” The facility has undergone a lot of changes over the years, a re-branding to ESPN, and hosted a number of… Read More »ESPN WWOS Complex Turns 15
Touting the motto “Heroes Work Here. Employ excellence. Hire veterans” President and Chief Executive Officer Robert A. Iger announced a new company-wide initiative to hire, train and support returning veterans yesterday at The Walt Disney Company’s (NYSE: DIS) Annual Shareholder meeting in Kansas City. The Heroes Work Here program continues Disney’s long history of respect and appreciation for the U.S. Armed Forces by expanding the company’s commitment to recognize and honor the sacrifice and service of these men and women.
As part of the initiative, Disney will provide at least 1,000 jobs and career opportunities for returning U.S. veterans over the next three years, support military families and veterans during their transition into civilian life, and launch a national public awareness campaign to encourage all employers across the U.S. to hire veterans.
In addition to providing career opportunities for veterans, Disney will also invest in select non-profit organizations that provide training and other support services. Through the Disney VoluntEARS program, employees will also engage in service projects with veterans’ organizations in communities around the country. The public awareness campaign, featuring veterans currently employed in various businesses across The Walt Disney Company, will highlight their value, encourage companies to hire these highly skilled men and women, and direct them to the Joining Forces initiative for more information.
Mr. Iger debuted the first spot at the conference, which can be viewed below the jump:
Read More »Disney Announces “Heroes Work Here” Veteran Jobs Program
The Atlanta Braves head to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for two weeks of training in mid-February, with pitchers and catchers reporting on Sunday, Feb. 19 and the first full-squad workout on Feb. 25. The team kicks off its spring training schedule March 3 against the Detroit Tigers, who return to Disney for a second matchup on March 31.
This will mark the 15th consecutive year the Braves have held their Spring Training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Their first game was held as the Grand Opening event as they took on the Cincinnati Reds on March 3, 1997 in front of a sold out crowd.
The reigning World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees are headline some of Major League Baseball’s marquee teams slated to take on the Braves at Disney.
Schedule details below the jump:
Read More »MLB Atlanta Braves Return to ESPN WWOS Complex for Spring Training
Veteran ESPN Radio SportsCenter Reporter Dan “The Duke” Davis will be signing off for good tomorrow as he retires after 20 years at ESPN. His final time at the mic will be 3:30 p.m. ET Friday at ESPN Radio’s Bristol, Conn. studios. I’ve loved listening… Read More »Veteran ESPN Radio SportsCenter Reporter Dan “The Duke” Davis Retiring – Signs off for good tomorrow.
After watching all seven games of the 2011 World Series, one can’t help but root for the power hitting St. Louis Cardinals, who pulled out a terrific win against a very worthy opponent. Old fans and the newly converted will get their first chance to see the World Series Champion St. Louis Cardinals when they come to Walt Disney World as part of the Spring Training program at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Fans of the Yankees, Mets and Phillies will also get a chance to see their team take on the Atlanta Braves at their training camp.
The Cardinals and Yankees, as well as the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies, make up the core of the Braves’ 18-game home schedule at Champion Stadium at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Disney. The Cardinals face the Braves on March 19. The Yankees visit twice, Saturday March 10 and Wednesday March 28, and the New York Mets come in three times, March 9 and 23 and the spring home finale April 2. And the Phillies face the Braves on April 1.
Read More »2012 Atlanta Braves Spring Training Schedule at ESPNWWOS Announced
Besides Disney my other real fandom is that of racing, particularly open wheel racing. So as I posted early this year, I was very pleased when this year’s Indianapolis 500 winner Dan Wheldon was feted at Walt Disney World with a victory parade.
It was with tremendous sadness that I learned today of Wheldon’s death in an accident at the Las Vegas race. Wheldon celebrated his 33rd birthday with his family when he visited Walt Disney World in June. Here’s a video from that day that so clearly shows his love of his family, of life, and of racing.
The 2005 IndyCar series champion, Wheldon was a class act all they way. There’s really nothing more to say than too soon, too soon. Our thoughts are with the Wheldon family and all the drivers and members of the IndyCar racing team and league.
Update: Today’s race was called after officials learned of Wheldon’s death. Instead the remaining teams and drivers held five parade laps in tribute to Wheldon. The video of this moving ceremony is below the jump: