WATCH: JT Hassell Hosts 2nd Annual ‘SMILE From Within’ Youth Football Camp in Titusville

SPACE COAST DAILY TV SPECIAL PRESENTATION

ABOVE VIDEO: Titusville native, New York Jets safety JT Hassell hosted his second annual ‘SMILE from within’ event at Gibson Youth Center in Titusville.

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – NFL football player and Brevard County native, JT Hassell’s hosted the 2nd annual SMILE From Within – A Focus On Mental Health Youth Football Camp on Saturday.

This event focused on bringing awareness to his community on the importance of having a healthy mind and body.

The kids participated in seven mental health stations discussing: Anxiety & Depression, Safety, Anger & Bullying, Coping Skills, Eating Healthy & Exercise, Yoga, a Motivation Station with several NFL players, and a bounce house obstacle course station.

Hassell in collaboration with ALL BLACK, LLC has assembled a star-studded lineup of professionals to assist with the camp.

NFL players: Bennett Jackson Jr., Wille Harvey Jr., Shak Taylor, Sheldrick Redwine, and Donnie Lewis Jr. will be in attendance as camp coaches and speakers.

The professional mental health team consists of Edn Habte, Rachelle B. Williams, Jerina Hughes-Walker, Chantale Pierre, Carine Emile-Joseph, and Mindi Dawson Gardner.

Location: Gibson Youth Fields, 835 Sycamore Street, Titusville, Florida 32780

EVENT DETAILS:

■  Event is free

■  Free food catered by Burger Robs & Halftime Wings

■  Free ice cream catered by Mitchell’s Frozen Treats & J’s Sweet Treats

■  Live DJ by Brian Goins (BG Entertainment)

■  Featured guests: Titusville Fire Department (Fire Truck); Titusville Police Department; Curative Care Center (Mobile Unit); Space Coast Transit (35’ Bus); Swan Lake Stables (Mini Horse); Alligator Robb (Alligator); over 40 local vendors & resource tables

“The camp this year is really special to me because it aligns with the mission of my non-profit, the Hassell Foundation,” said Hassell.

“The main message I want to send to the kids and my community is that having a healthy mind is just as important as having a healthy body. And my camp unites the two.”

For a second year, the event’s title sponsor is Parrish Medical Center and level two sponsor, Trulieve. There will also be several notable community figures in attendance to engage, encourage and inspire attendees.

For more information about the event or ways to get involved, please visit: www.HassellFoundation.net or www.AllBackab.com

SPACE COAST DAILY TV: JT Hassell, a 2019 Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame inductee, set Florida Tech records for total tackles and solo tackles in a game and was named to four All-American teams, which included first-team All-America by both the American Football Coaches Association and the D2CCA, and a second-team All-American by the Associated Press.

Hassell, a second-year NFL player with stints in Cleveland, New England and with the New York Jets is a former Titusville Terrier and Astronaut War Eagle, recently authored, “Ups and Downs,” chronicling his football journey.

A devoted father and co-founder of the Keep Going Foundation, Hassell was born with only two fingers on his left hand. Against all odds, he achieved his dream of playing in the NFL.

Hassell supports and advocates for others with similar disabilities through his involvement with the Lucky Fin Project. This 2021 offseason, he raised over $1,400 for the organization, using his Instagram platform.

“Teaming up with All Black was a no-brainer,” said Hassell, a Titusville native.

“I grew up here, and regardless of my NFL success, I always planned to do my part to inspire people to live healthier lives. Self-care is so important; it is the gateway to personal success,” adding “Smiling is contagious, and it can change your whole vibe. This is a great way to help people regain self-confidence, especially during these times.”

To donate or volunteer for the event, contact Gibson at 386-451-5678 or visit allblackab.com

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