Turning Trauma Into Triumph at the FCC International Forum 2026
Sports icons, global leaders, and research experts gathered in Miami, FL, for the FCC International Forum 2026. Together, they explored how sports and structured play help children build resilience and protect their mental health.
Bridging Research, Health, and Community Practice
Health and research experts shared how scientific evidence can be turned into practical tools for everyday life. Dr. Gordon Chen kicked off "The Power of Play" by highlighting five essential pillars of health: personal, community, physical, nutritional, and spiritual, showing how focusing on each creates stronger emotional well-being.
Building on that foundation, insights from Dr. Jeremy Pettit, Dr. Katie C. Hart, Dr. Gregory Fabiano, Dr. Ali Giusto, and Dr. Sara Rivero-Conil (Nicklaus Children's Hospital) reinforced how well-being in the classroom leads to long-term stability at home.
Keynote speaker City of Doral Mayor Christi Fraga joined government leaders, public officials, and educators; including Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Rafael Villalobos, Florida State Senator Ana Maria Rodriguez, and Gamil Sharkieh; to show how strong institutional support creates lasting networks for young people.
Mobilizing Strategic Alliances for Systemic Growth
Real social change requires teamwork across whole communities.
Dedicated community leaders; including Jim Haj (President and CEO of The Children's Trust), Joan Marie Godoy (Radical Partners), María Paulina Patiño (Parceros), Mary Connor (Common Goal), Bruno Costa, and Roberto de Assis Moreira; highlighted that lasting progress comes from surrounding young people with strong support systems. Strategic leaders like Andrea Chaustre also helped drive this collaborative momentum.
MVPs of Social Impact
The event reached its peak during the MVP Panel featuring soccer legends Rafa Márquez, Radamel Falcao, and Mario Kempes. Honoring these athletes as MVPs of Social Impact showed how sports leadership inspires youth to build confidence and essential life skills both on and off the field.
Special Recognitions
At the FCC Leadership Reception, Founder Samuel Azout received the Legacy Award for his vision and dedicated leadership. During the Forum, Falcao, Márquez, and Kempes earned MVP of Social Impact Awards for supporting youth mental health. María Paulina Patiño also received the FCC Social Impact Project Award for her inspiring work with the Parceros Program in Medellín.
Every panel, conversation, and partnership formed at Forum 2026 brings us one step closer to long-term change.