MIAMI – It’s an average day for online middle school class in Miami, with the students and their teacher interacting via web conferencing platform Zoom.

Then, the teacher makes an announcement.

“Class, we’ve got a special guest joining us today…”

And as if by magic, Miami FC mascot Golazo appears on the screen. He’s ready to entertain as well as put the students through an indoor workout to help them stay active while observing local stay-at-home guidance.

“We have experienced all types of reactions ranging from big smiles, to kids crying just because they got the chance to meet Golazo,” said Bruno Barbato, who serves as Golazo’s liaison as Miami FC’s Mascot Coordinator. “Being able to create a healthy positive environment for the kids in these tough times is our main goal.”

Golazo has been a fixture in Miami’s community for many years, participating in school visits regularly on behalf of the club. With that not currently an option, Barbato brought the idea of online visits to classes to Miami FC President Paul Dalglish last month, who quickly looked to tie it into the other initiatives the club is pursuing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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