The Broward Education Foundation honored seven remarkable sports legends at the 2024 Broward County Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony on October 18, held at the Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort. The evening recognized extraordinary athletes, coaches, and sports pioneers who have made a lasting impact on Broward County.
This year’s inductees include:
Elliot Bonner, a longtime football and baseball coach, known for his 50-year career mentoring Broward County athletes. As a leader in Coral Springs, Bonner’s influence extends beyond the field, shaping professional athletes and responsible community members alike.
Darius Butler, a Coral Springs Charter School graduate, excelled in multiple sports and later enjoyed a successful nine-year NFL career. Now a well-known sports personality, Butler frequently appears on The Pat McAfee Show and co-hosts the Man-to-Man podcast.
Abbas Karimi, a Paralympic swimmer born without arms in Kabul, Afghanistan, overcame extraordinary challenges to compete on the global stage. Karimi, who was resettled to the U.S. as a refugee, has since become a symbol of resilience, winning medals at world swimming events and serving as an ambassador for Visit Lauderdale.
Diana Nyad, renowned long-distance swimmer, famously swam from Cuba to Florida after a 35-year quest. Nyad’s career spans sports journalism and motivational speaking, and her memoir, Find a Way, was adapted into the 2023 biopic Nyad. Her story of perseverance has inspired millions.
Steve Shapiro, a beloved figure in South Florida sports broadcasting, covered major sporting events during his three-decade career at WSVN. From the Super Bowl to the Olympics, Shapiro’s dedication to his craft made him a trusted voice in the sports world.
Lexi Thompson, a Coral Springs native and professional golfer, made history by qualifying for the U.S. Women’s Open at just 12 years old. With 11 LPGA Tour wins and two appearances in the Olympics, Thompson continues to be a dominant force in women’s golf and a champion for growing the sport among young women.
The 1973 Hollywood Hills High School State 4A Championship Football Team, a diverse group of players who overcame racial divides to win Broward County’s first state football championship. Led by Coach Dick Saltrick, the team’s undefeated season marked a significant moment in local sports history.
The event began with a cocktail reception and silent auction benefiting the Hall of Fame, followed by dinner and emotional tributes for each inductee. WSVN sports anchor Josh Moser served as the evening’s master of ceremonies. James A. Knapp, President and CEO of the Broward Education Foundation, highlighted the inductees’ commitment to excellence: “Their legacy serves as an inspiration to both our students and the broader community.”
The Broward Education Foundation, the first and only education foundation in the U.S. with a dedicated athletic branch, has continually advocated for student-athletes in Broward County. “We are incredibly grateful for our sponsors and community partners who made this event possible after a six-year hiatus,” said Shawn Cerra, Director of Athletics for the Broward Education Foundation.
The 2024 inductees will be memorialized and enshrined on the Broward County Sports Hall of Fame Honor Wall at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, forever commemorating their contributions to sports and the community.
