The Central Florida region is in mourning this week after the horrific terrorist attack that took 50 lives and injured dozens more at an Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning, and that includes Orlando City SC.
The club released an open letter to the Orlando community on Monday, expressing sorrow and grief while also giving thanks for the hard work of first responders and healthcare providers. The Lions also explained how they plan to approach the team's resumption of match play at a time of grieving and reflection.
“Sports should be a unifier and a place where people can come together to celebrate all that is good in life,” read the letter.
“With this in our minds, we will prepare for a home game on Saturday. We believe that we can use that game as a means of uniting our community and bringing our friends together to help heal Orlando. We will announce our plans tomorrow for Saturday’s game, but rest assured that we are working with all the community’s sports teams to ensure that we show the world just how strong and resilient our community is.”
Orlando visit Jacksonville Armada FC for a US Open Cup match on Wednesday, then host the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday as MLS league play resumes following a break for Copa America Centenario.
Out of respect to victims and their loved ones, the club plans to take an understated approach to its usual promotion efforts, including the use of only black-and-white images on social media. But it will pay tribute to the fallen, as well as the community at large, in the days ahead.
“We will work with our fans, our players, our partners and our community to ensure the horrific events of 6/12 will not be forgotten,” pledged City in the letter. “We will do everything within our power to show the world that #OrlandoUnited cannot be defeated.”
