Tampa, Fl. – November 25, 2019 – Florida Orthopaedic Institute (FOI) is proud to announce Allen Perez from Brandon High School as the ‘Athlete of the Week’ for the week beginning November 25, 2019.
Perez was nominated by the boy’s swim coach, Eli Ebbecke, for his incredible sportsmanship and ability to support his team.
“Allen is the Swim Captain at Brandon High school and is a perfect example of an ideal student,” said Ebbecke. “This is because of his sportsmanship, dedication, and academic performance. Allen not only cheers on all of his fellow swimmers, but he will lose his voice cheering for the swimmers on the other teams as well. He sees that it is not athlete against athlete, but rather athlete against their selves.”
Any given sport is seen as a competition between athletes, however, believes it can be something more. Rather than pouring his talents into a sport, he lets the sport serve as a way to foster his own sense of self and character.
“I want to become a better person and make a better ‘me’,” said Perez. “With that, I can continue pushing myself to do better in other aspects of my life. I am going to reach my goals by not giving up and not letting anyone stop me.”
It’s about competing with yourself, according to Perez. Success comes from looking within yourself, determining whether you have what it takes and acting on it.
“[It’s important] to push myself in every practice I go to and perform better than the last time,” said Perez. “I push myself even harder during meets and conferences.”
Sometimes people hit plateaus in their progress. This is only temporary, as Perez says that consistency is key.
“Don’t give up,” he said. “No matter how many times you fail or how many times you think you’re going nowhere, keep striving to do your best.”
Florida Orthopaedic Institute’s Athlete of the Week campaign is designed to focus on student-athletes, recognizing them for their hard work and dedication both on and off the field. The Athlete of the Week award can be earned by displaying one of the following characteristics:
Team Player: Athletes who are nominated for excellence in team play are chosen by a coach who feels the athlete does his or her best to put direction into action, makes a significant contribution to the team and continuously works to improve his or her skills, attitude and training.
Leadership: Athletes who earn the award in recognition of excellent leadership must exemplify strong relationship building skills, show excellent initiative and serve as role models for his or her peers.
To view previous award winners, please follow this link.
Florida Orthopaedic Institute
Founded in 1989, Florida Orthopaedic Institute is Florida’s largest orthopedic group and provides expertise and treatment of orthopedic-related injuries and conditions, including adult reconstruction and arthritis, chiropractic services, foot and ankle, general orthopedics, hand and wrist, interventional spine, musculoskeletal oncology, orthopedic trauma, physical medicine and rehabilitation, physical and occupational therapy, sports medicine, shoulder and elbow, and spine services among others. The organization treats patients throughout its surgery centers in North Tampa and Citrus Park, two orthopedic urgent care centers in South Tampa and Brandon, and 9 office locations in Bloomingdale, Brandon, Citrus Park, North Tampa, Northdale, Palm Harbor, South Tampa, Sun City Center and Wesley Chapel. For more information, please visit: FloridaOrtho.com and ‘like’ us on Facebook: facebook.com/Florida.Orthopaedic.Institute.
