Tyler Kleine beamed as he sprinted from the sideline to the arms of the gray team captain Lorenzo Edwards, representing STOP! Children’s Cancer, Inc., as Edwards’ teammates ran behind him.

“It is a great privilege for us to be out here and be able to give back to these organizations,” Edwards said as his teammates finished the third annual Gator Charity Challenge at Florida Field Friday night. “It has been a rewarding experience getting to know my little captain; he was our motivation.”

While the coming weeks until the September 4^th kickoff are focused on the season ahead, the Florida football team took some time to give back and raise awareness for charities.

The Gators were divided into six groups each representing a different local charity organization: March of Dimes, STOP! Children’s Cancer, Inc, American Cancer Society, Shands Cancer Hospital, American Heart Association and the Ronald McDonald House Charities.

“These football players are shining stars in our community, anything and everything that they touch turns to gold,” said Jennifer Denault, Regional Director American Heart Association. “This event has given them the opportunity to give a message that no amount of money or publicity would be able to give.”

Strength, agility and speed were all tested through a series of four events including an obstacle course, sled push, farmer’s hold and tug of war competition.

“I look at them and think that it is admirable they give back and are able to use their fame for something other than to bring fans into the swamp for a gator game day,” said Antonio Dowels, one of the many fans in attendance.

2010 Gator Charity Challenge Charities and captains included Ahmad Black (Shands Cancer Hospital), Brandon Antwine (American Cancer Society), Lorenzo Edwards (STOP! Children’s Cancer), A.J. Jones (Ronald McDonald House Charities of North Central Florida), Terron Sanders (American Heart Association), and Duke Lemmens (March of Dimes).