The Orlando Magic opened their 2016-17 campaign with a home contest against the Miami Heat. They were handed a loss thanks to a strong performance from Hassan Whiteside but that wasn’t the biggest story of the game. Before the contest, the Orlando Magic paid tribute to the victims of the Pulse Nightclub shooting. They dedicated their home opener to the “49 Pulse Angels”.
The Associated Press has some more information on the dedication before the game.
“We felt the recognition needed to be significant,” Magic president Alex Martins said. “We think part of the healing process for our community is making sure we don’t forget. And we felt it was most appropriate that we do it on opening night, so it receives the proper recognition and exposure – but also gave the greatest number of our fans the opportunity to recognize and remember.”
Some survivors were present, as were some relatives of those who were killed on June 12 in the worst mass shooting in modern U.S. history. The gunman, Omar Mateen, was killed after a three-hour standoff during an exchange of fire with SWAT team members.
“What the Orlando Magic are doing is amazing, is beautiful. I’m honored and grateful,” said Alvear, the mother of Pulse victim Amanda Alvear. “That they are lifting the number 49 out of respect, a symbol for our 49 Pulse angels, it has a deep meaning – demonstration of love and that they care, that all of them will be remembered.”
