SANDY, UT – At halftime of Real Salt Lake vs. New England Revolution on August 31, 2024, WCF Insurance presented a deserving nominee with the “Father of the Year” award. Each candidate for the award was nominated by one of their children to highlight their efforts as a parent. Additionally, fans had the opportunity to participate in Real Salt Lake’s annual “Teddy Bear Toss,” throwing over 5,500 stuffed bears onto America First Field. The bears will later be donated to Primary Children’s Hospital and other community organizations.
The 2024 “Father of the Year” award was presented to Miguel Mendizabal, who was nominated by his daughter. In her heartfelt application, she shared, “My dad is my biggest inspiration, and I have seen how hard he has worked every day to give me everything I need. He is not only the most hardworking man I know, but also the strongest.” Two honorable mentions for the award were recognized privately prior to the game.
“Real Salt Lake is proud to stand alongside WCF in celebrating the extraordinary fathers in our community,” states John Kimball, President of RSL. “The ‘Teddy Bear Toss’ is one of our favorite events of the year and combining it with the ‘Father of the Year’ award makes the evening even more memorable.”
WCF looks forward to continuing this tradition of celebrating individuals in our community in such a memorable way each year. “We are thrilled to partner with Real Salt Lake for this memorable event,” stated Matt Lyon, CEO and President of WCF Insurance. “The ‘Father of the Year’ award is a unique way of celebrating the everyday heroes that make a difference in our community. It is an honor to recognize Miguel and share his story with others.”
About WCF Insurance
With over 100 years of service, WCF Insurance is an innovative commercial insurance provider that serves the Western United States. Their daily commitment revolves around supporting the individuals who drive community growth, including businesses they insure, valued agency partners, dedicated employees, and the non-profit organizations they champion. WCF Insurance’s unwavering mission is to provide an excellent insurance experience, while fostering positive change through ongoing commitment to the communities they serve. To learn more visit wcf.com.
About Real Salt Lake / Utah Royals FC
During the first week of January 2022, the RSL compendium of properties was acquired by global sports entrepreneur David Blitzer – who boasts interests in the Philadelphia 76ers (NBA), the New Jersey Devils (NHL), the Cleveland Guardians (baseball) and the Washington Commanders (NFL) – as well as several European soccer entities, including Crystal Palace (England), FC Augsburg (Germany), Estoril (Portugal), ADO Den Haag (Netherlands), Alcorcón (Spain), SK Beveren (Belgium) and Brøndby IF (Denmark). The Blitzer group partners with Utah-based Smith Entertainment Group (SEG), which owns the Utah Jazz (NBA), led by Ryan Smith and including Dwyane Wade, among others.
For the 2024 season and beyond, Real Salt Lake’s Blitzer / Smith ownership groups have partnered to bring the National Women’s Soccer League back to Utah, as Utah Royals FC have relaunched for the 2024 season. URFC aims to seize upon the success the NWSL enjoyed during its first iteration on the Wasatch Front from 2018-20 and grow the game to even greater heights going forward. Led by visionary sports business entrepreneur Jessica Gelman – the founder of the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference, along with innovative NBA executive Daryl Morey – Utah Royals FC blazes new trails in 2024.