TEXAS — Texas’ sports teams are helping the Central Texas community after devastating flooding hit the region over the weekend, killing over 80 people.
The Houston Astros announced on Monday afternoon that the organization would be donating $1 million to help relief efforts.
“The Astros will support immediate relief efforts and needs of our neighbors in Central Texas in the short term, along with supporting long-term efforts around one of the core pillars of the Astros Foundation — youth iniatives,” a statement from the team said.
The team also will launch a fan-based initiative to provide resources to the Central Texas community as they rebuild and recover.
“It’s important to the entire Astros organization, to send immediate support to our fellow Texans throughout the Hill Country during this devastating time,” said Astros owner and chairman Jim Crane.
The Dallas Cowboys and the Houston Texans both announced they were donating $500,000 to provide support and resources to those impacted.
“Our hearts are heavy as we witness the devastation and loss of life caused by the floods in Kerr County and Texas Hill Country, especially for the young girls and their families, as well as of those lost and their loved ones,” the Cowboys said in a social media post.
“We are heartbroken by the loss and damage that our neighbors in the Texas Hill Country have endured,” the Texans’ statement said. “We are especially devastated to hear about the children who are still missing and we are praying they are reunited with their families soon.”
The team also said that in addition to its monetary donation, the organization would “continue to support the search, rescue and recovery efforts in the coming weeks.”
The NFL posted a statement after the two teams had pledged $1 million combined saying it would match the donations by giving an additional $500,000, bringing the total up to $1.5 million. The money will go toward supporting the victims’ families and survivors and provide immediate and long-term resources to the region.
Other sports teams from across the state have also expressed their condolences to the families effected by the floods.
The San Antonio Spurs said “We’re heartbroken by the tragic flooding in the Hill Country. To every family grieving and every first responder helping others through the worst, please know the Spurs family is with you and holding you close in our thoughts.”
The Dallas Mavericks said “our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families who lost loved ones and all those impacted during this devastating time.”
The post went on to mention specifically the children at Camp Mystic, an all-girls Christian summer camp that was hit with a wall of water on Friday morning. The camp said Monday that 27 campers and counselors died in the flooding.
“To the families of the missing children at Camp Mystic, we are holding you close in our hearts and hoping for the safe reunification of all campers with their loved ones,” the Mavericks’ post said.
Austin FC, the city’s Major League Soccer team, said it extended “its heartfelt sympathy to those who have been impacted by the devastating flooding across Central texas. Our hearts go out to the families, friends, and neighbors who have lost their lives.”
A match against LAFC was scheduled for Saturday but had to be postponed due to inclement weather in Austin.
The Dallas Wings posted a statement saying the organization was “heartbroken” by the flooding.
“As a women’s sports organization, the tragedy at Camp Mystic hits especially close to home. We are keeping you in our thoughts during this time,” the statement said.