Ritchie Hockey Foundation Delivers Its Most Impactful Legends of Sports Weekend, Advancing a Growing Legacy of Opportunity and Access

TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Ritchie Hockey Foundation (RHF) hosted its annual Legends of Sports Weekend, marking the most impactful chapter in the Foundation’s history and reinforcing its steady momentum toward awarding 100 scholarships in 2026.

Through a celebrity golf tournament and two free youth sports clinics, the weekend blended meaningful fundraising with hands-on athletic development — all grounded in a simple but powerful belief: access to sports should never be limited by a family’s financial circumstances.

Founded in 2009 by Donna and Bob Ritchie in memory of their son Jason — whose lifelong love of hockey shaped the Foundation’s mission — RHF has grown into a trusted steward of opportunity for young athletes. In 2025 alone, the Foundation awarded 63 scholarships, extending a legacy that continues to compound year after year.

“Each year, we’re reminded how special this community is,” said Donna Ritchie. “This weekend brings together generosity, joy, and purpose in a way that feels both meaningful and enduring. Watching it grow — while staying true to why we started — is deeply humbling.”

On Friday, Jan. 23, more than 40 professional and former professional athletes joined RHF supporters at TPC Tampa Bay, including World Series Champion and former Chicago Cubs manager David Ross, Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Sapp, NBA veteran Nick Anderson, and Tampa Bay Lightning alumni Jassen Cullimore and Adam Hall. Together, they helped raise critical funds while reinforcing a shared commitment to expanding access and opportunity for young athletes.

“What stands out about the Ritchie Hockey Foundation is the way it turns generosity into real opportunity,” said David Ross. “The support here isn’t symbolic — it’s creating access for young men and women who might not otherwise have it, and that kind of impact changes lives. When you see that done thoughtfully and consistently, it’s something you want to be part of.”

“Sports gave Jason his confidence, his discipline, and his sense of belonging,” said Bob Ritchie. “They taught him lessons that shaped who he was on and off the ice. Our mission is to make sure more kids have access to that same formative experience — not just the competition, but the character-building that comes with it.”

Beyond fundraising, the weekend placed a strong emphasis on connection and access. On Thursday, Jan. 22, RHF hosted a free baseball clinic at the University of Tampa, welcoming more than 75 boys and girls for hands-on instruction from former professional athletes. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to train alongside elite competitors — an experience that builds confidence as much as skill. During the event, RHF donated $2,500 each to Rays RBI Tampa and Burg Baseball, further extending its support within the local youth sports community.

On Saturday, Jan. 24, RHF hosted a free goalie clinic for 16 youth athletes, led by instructors from Good as Gould Goalie School and other volunteer coaches. Focused on fundamentals, technique, and mental preparation, the clinic offered young goalies the opportunity to be seen, challenged, and encouraged at a formative moment in their athletic development.

The Legends of Sports Weekend reflects what becomes possible when a community rallies around a shared purpose. “From the fundraising success to the moments we see on the field and in the crease, this weekend captures everything our Foundation stands for,” said Donna.

The Ritchie Hockey Foundation extends its sincere gratitude to the athletes, coaches, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who made the weekend possible. Together, their commitment created lasting memories, expanded access to opportunity, and moved RHF meaningfully closer to its goal of awarding 100 scholarships in 2026.

For more information about the Ritchie Hockey Foundation or to support its scholarship efforts, visit RitchieHockeyFoundation.org.

About the Ritchie Hockey Foundation

Founded in 2009 by Donna and Bob Ritchie in memory of their son Jason, the Ritchie Hockey Foundation is dedicated to supporting student-athletes who develop resilience, teamwork, and character through sports. Through free skills clinics and scholarships — funded exclusively by individual and corporate donations and grants — RHF works to ensure young athletes are limited only by their dreams, not their family’s financial circumstances, while honoring a legacy built on love for the game and belief in what sports can unlock.