Hollywood Celebrates 2024 Sports Hall of Fame Inductees

Hollywood, Florida – The Broward Education Foundation proudly inducted seven remarkable sports figures into the 2024 Broward County Sports Hall of Fame during a celebratory banquet held at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The event highlighted the extraordinary achievements of athletes and coaches who have made significant impacts in the sports community and beyond.

The honored inductees include:

• Elliot Bonner, a dedicated football and baseball coach with over 50 years of service in Broward County schools, known for mentoring countless student-athletes.
• Darius Butler, a former NFL player and sports personality recognized for his outstanding high school football career and later successes in the professional league.
• Abbas Karimi, a Paralympic swimmer who has overcome incredible obstacles, representing Team USA with pride.
• Diana Nyad, an inspiring long-distance swimmer and author, who made history by swimming from Cuba to Florida.
• Steve Shapiro, a beloved former sports anchor in South Florida, known for covering major sporting events for over three decades.
• Lexi Thompson, a professional golfer making waves in the LPGA, who started competing at an astonishingly young age.
• Hollywood Hills High School 1973 4A State Championship Football Team, recognized for their historical achievement as Broward County’s first state championship team.

The evening kicked off with a cocktail reception and silent auction to benefit the Hall of Fame, followed by heartfelt tributes to each inductee, with Josh Moser from WSVN serving as the master of ceremonies. Foundation President James A. Knapp stated, “These inductees represent excellence in both athletic achievement and community dedication.”

The Broward Education Foundation, the first education foundation in the country focused on athletic support, continues to make a positive difference for student-athletes in the local community. Shawn Cerra, Director of Athletics, expressed gratitude towards sponsors and community partners for enabling the revival of this important event after a six-year hiatus.

The ceremony reminds us of the power of sports to inspire the youth, showing that dedication, resilience, and community spirit can create lasting legacies. As these legends are honored today, they motivate current and future generations to strive for greatness both on and off the field.