Miss Universe and Miss USA contestants, Sports Illustrated swimsuit models, TV stars, and professional athletes… and then there’s just a small town country girl who never in a million years imagined she’d be here—that girl is me.
I am so thankful to be a part of this incredible event with these awesome people, all for a great cause—The Celebrity Soccer Match in support of the Best Buddies organization. This event “promotes a culture of sports inclusion, social responsibility, and employment integration of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities as a way to make a positive impact in the community.” I want to specifically thank the Founder of the Celebrity Soccer Match, North Bay Village Commissioner, and my friend, Julianna Strout, for personally inviting me to take part in your event. It was truly an honor!
The 2nd annual Celebrity Soccer Match was held on November 23rd at the North Beach Bandshell Sand-bowl in Miami Beach, Florida.
“Celebrities, soccer stars, models and Buddies will gather for the ultimate Celebrity Beach Soccer Match in a unique fun-filled day of curated events that will feature; 7-on-7 friendly matches, meet-and-greet, children’s clinics, soccer training fitness class, show-cases, brand activations and more. Industry professionals, sport enthusiasts, local government, influencers as well as residents alike can look forward to a family-friendly event with individuals from different cultures and all over the world.”
The Celebrity Soccer Match was presented by Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, which is also the location where we filmed the promotional video and photos for the event. In the photos above and below, we are pictured in front of the famous new Guitar Hotel.
I had the opportunity to meet the current Miss Universe, Catriona Gray, at this event along with many other celebrities including Juan Pablo Galavis (former star of The Bachelor on ABC and professional soccer player), Mara Martin (Sports Illustrated swimsuit model), Kaleigh Garris (Miss Teen USA 2019), Adriana Paniagua (Miss Nicaragua 2018), Gabriela Clesca (Miss Universe Haiti 2019), Génesis Dávila (Miss Florida USA 2017-2018), Andrea Piecuch (Miss U.S. Virgin Islands 2019), Priscila Sales (Miss California Brasil USA 2018), Nicolette Jennings (Miss Florida USA 2019), Katia Gerry (Miss Florida Teen USA 2019), and more!
Jerry Libbin, President & CEO of Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce, pulled me aside for a live interview before the soccer match. We chatted about the responsibilities that come with being Miss Fort Lauderdale USA, my passions, the Best Buddies organization, and the road to Miss Florida USA!
Watch my interview below!
I had so much fun at the 2nd Annual Celebrity Soccer Match. I can’t wait until next year!
Heather Lee O'Keefe 