Sylvie Sparks

2 weeks ago | winknews.com | Sylvie Sparks

In Southwest Florida, a 12-year-old preteen is making a big impact by helping other kids play sports. Michael Watkins, founder of the nonprofit "Play it Forward," collects and donates sports gear to children in need through the Children's Advocacy Center of Southwest Florida. Watkins explained his motivation. "I was just playing in my backyard one day and then my friends needed baseball equipment. Then I just wanted to give them equipment, because I wanted them to have fun with me," Watkins said.

3 weeks ago | winknews.com | Sylvie Sparks

The Florida SouthWestern (FSW) Bucs celebrated their third consecutive national championship in volleyball with a ring ceremony. This event marked the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the team. Thais Baziquetto-Allen, who built FSW’s powerhouse volleyball program from the ground up, led the Bucs to three straight national titles and an impressive 84-3 record over the past three years.

3 weeks ago | winknews.com | Sylvie Sparks

Riverdale High School is undergoing a massive transformation with a multimillion-dollar renovation project, promising a brand new look for both its classrooms and athletic facilities. WINK News got an exclusive tour of the new sports complex, revealing a state-of-the-art weight room ready just in time for the start of spring football.

1 month ago | winknews.com | Sylvie Sparks

Nine remarkable athletes, coaches and administrators were inducted into the Lee County Athletic Conference Hall of Fame on Thursday night, celebrating their outstanding contributions to sports in the area. Markihe Anderson, a Dunbar High alum, was recognized for earning letters in four sports and winning two national championships with the Florida Gators football team. Bernard Edwards Jr., Lehigh basketball’s all-time leading scorer, now coaches boys’ basketball at his alma mater.

1 month ago | winknews.com | Sylvie Sparks

The Jamaica Bay Bocce Club has done it again, clinching back-to-back championships in the Southwest Florida Bocce League. For this group of passionate players, it’s not just about the scoreboard, but about the love of the game. “During the season, we play six days a week, so these courts take a beating,” Jamaica Bay Bocce Club co-captain Tom Bomentre said. You know what they say, practice makes perfect. It has certainly paid off for the six members of this club.