Magic teammates granted Christmas wishes to 30 local children from the New Image Youth Center in Parramore as they spent time coloring, playing and eating together with Christmas music playing in the background.
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Then came the big surprise.
As the youngsters made their way to Orlando’s practice field, it was hard not to see a smile on their faces as they saw groups of gifts wrapped and labeled for each child.
Some got new Hot Wheels cars, others pink stuffed animals. Whether it was a shiny new bike or a “Chef Bluey” kitchen set, none of the kids could believe their eyes.
“It’s really cool,” said Franz Wagner about the opportunity to host such an event for the second year in a row. “When I was a kid, Christmas was our favorite holiday. So it’s great to give these moments to these kids that are here and just give back to the Orlando community.”
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Moe Wagner added: “It’s a big part of what we thought of as childhood, our memories. We did it last year and it was so fun to see the joy in their eyes. It’s fun for us to share that with them and it makes our Christmas great too.”
Franz Wagner received an early gift when an MRI on Monday confirmed that he only sprained his left ankle during the first quarter of Sunday’s game in New York.
Although he is expected to miss several weeks, it is far from the initial concern the team had when Wagner landed awkwardly on his left leg, grabbed near his knee in immediate pain and needed help to the locker room.
Wagner, who had his left ankle in a boot and used crutches to walk, described the result as “just a little bump in the road in the grand scheme of things.”
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“Mixed feelings,” said Franz Wagner of the moment he knew he had avoided a serious injury. “Super relieved, but at the same time, bummed to be away for a couple of weeks.
“I definitely broke it a little bit and I’m lucky it’s just a sprained ankle,” he added.
While Franz Wagner hopes to return within a month, his older brother is approaching the one-year anniversary of tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Moe Wagner last played on December 21, 2024 against the Heat and continues to rehab.
“I’m doing great,” Moe said of his recovery. “I feel very good about where I am, finding the joy of playing basketball again and enjoying the process a little more.”
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There was much joy Wednesday night in Orlando as the brothers teamed up for the Christmas event.
“It feels so real,” Moe said of collaborating with his brother. “Because obviously we grew up together, we shared all these moments together, and now it’s a family vacation. Our family is here. So being able to contribute as a family to other families is really cool and authentic. It makes it a lot more enjoyable.”
Franz Wagner added: “It means a lot, especially for a holiday like this. We connect this holiday with spending time with family and loved ones, so it’s really great to be together in this position and share this moment with the children.”
You can contact Jason Beede at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com