MLL PLAYERS DONATE GAME SALARY TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS
THREE MAJOR LEAGUE LACROSSE PLAYERS DONATE GAME SALARY TO SPECIAL OLYMPICS
Donations Are in Addition to Funds Being Raised Through Online Jersey Auction
BOSTON, Mass. (August 14, 2008) – Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced today that defenseman Nicky Polanco of the Long Island Lizards, attackman Kevin Leveille of the Chicago Machine, and goaltender Chris Garrity of the Washington Bayhawks have all volunteered to donate their paychecks from the 2008 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game to Special Olympics.
"I'm not the least bit surprised," said MLL Commissioner David Gross. "Our players have always been great with this type of thing. These three players in particular expressed their interest in doing something beyond just having their game jerseys auctioned almost immediately after they learned of the partnership."
Major League Lacrosse and New Balance partnered with Special Olympics in conjunction with the 2008 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game, which was held on July 17 at Denver's INVESCO Field at Mile High. During the game, players wore limited-edition Chinese Dragon themed jerseys that were designed by New Balance. China was home to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games which were held in Shanghai last October.
Following the game, each player autographed his game-worn jersey and they were put up for auction. So far, the auction has raised over $21,000.
Leveille didn't think twice when it came to the donation, "I gladly sent my money off to Special Olympics. It's definitely needed there [at Special Olympics] more than with me..."
"I think the MLL has done a great job aligning with these great charities over the years," adds Garrity. "It's going towards a great cause."
For Nicky Polanco, Special Olympics is an organization which is very meaningful to him. Polanco's fiancée, Tania, has an aunt with Down Syndrome and she and Polanco have become quite close over the years. "Since the first day I met her, she's been an inspiration," says Polanco.
Polanco also donated the custom cleats and gloves that he wore in the All-Star Game to the auction.
"The actions and words of these three Major League Lacrosse players is indicative of the power of our athletes and their message of dignity and ability," said Bob Gobrecht, Managing Director, Special Olympics North America. "We appreciate the support of the league and its players as well as all of the fans who have participated in this auction so passionately over the last month. The 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games are the beneficiary of the generous support of Major League Lacrosse and New Balance."
The auction continues online at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com through 12:00 PM ET on Friday, August 15th. All proceeds will go towards the 2010 Special Olympics National Games, which will take place in July in Nebraska and will feature approximately 4,000 athletes and coaches competing over seven days. The New Balance Foundation has generously agreed to match the amount raised by the auction.
A check presentation will be made to Special Olympics during the NB ZIP Major League Lacrosse Championship Game on Sunday, August 24 at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts. Rob DeMartini, CEO of New Balance, and MLL Commissioner David Gross will present the check to an athlete representative from Special Olympics Massachusetts. The NB ZIP MLL Championship Game begins at 1:00 PM ET and will be aired live on ESPN2.
About Special Olympics
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion among people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for 2.8 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in 180 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.
Special Olympics is an international organization that changes lives by promoting understanding, acceptance and inclusion among people with and without intellectual disabilities. Through year-round sports training and athletic competition and other related programming for 2.8 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities in 180 countries, Special Olympics has created a model community that celebrates people's diverse gifts. Founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special Olympics provides people with intellectual disabilities continuing opportunities to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship. Visit Special Olympics at www.specialolympics.org.
About New Balance
New Balance, headquartered in Boston, MA has the following mission: Demonstrating responsible leadership, we build global brands that athletes are proud to wear, associates are proud to create and communities are proud to host. New Balance employs more than 4000 people around the globe, and in 2007 reported worldwide sales of $1.63 billion. For more information please visit www.newbalance.com.
About the New Balance Foundation
The New Balance Foundation is a charitable Foundation established in 1981 and funded by New Balance Athletic Shoe, Inc. The Foundation's mission is to support effective charitable organizations which perform humanitarian services for the betterment of our children and our local community. For more information please visit www.newbalancefoundation.org.
About Major League Lacrosse
Major League Lacrosse, a 10-team professional outdoor lacrosse league, was founded in 1999 by fitness entrepreneur Jake Steinfeld, CEO of Body by Jake Global L.L.C., and founding partners Dave Morrow, a former champion lacrosse player and now CEO of Warrior Lacrosse, a leading global provider of innovative and high performance lacrosse equipment; Timothy B. Robertson, former CEO of The Family Channel and the current chairman of Bay Shore Enterprises, L.L.C., an investment holding company with activities in international media and Internet technology ventures; and Jim Davis, Chairman of New Balance. The MLL commenced play in June of 2001. The MLL is comprised of two conferences. The Eastern Conference contains the original six teams, Boston, Long Island, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Rochester and Washington. The Western Conference debuted in the 2006 season with MLL expansion franchises Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additional league information can be found at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com.
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LAXGOALIEEE12 said 1 month, 2 weeks ago
they gotta do this in more sports. like baseball they make millions but dont give any to the people who need it
0 props
ALEXTHESHOWROSS said 3 weeks, 2 days ago
There are no better people than pro lacrosse players. They play for the love of the sport because they really don't get paid much and even with what little they recieve, they give it to those in need. That shows true heart.
+1 prop