 |
|||
|
|||
|
|||
|
Uniroyal® Tire and the City of Miami Expand Youth Soccer Program;
Free Inner City Youth Program Builds on Successful Fall Season
Spanish version Miami, F.L. (April 14, 2004) — Uniroyal® Tire and the City of Miami have announced that the Uniroyal Youth Soccer of Miami Program will be expanded to include a spring season following a successful inaugural season last fall. More than 600 inner city youth, ages seven to 16, who participated in the fall season, will now have the opportunity to build their soccer skills and experience the benefits of organized sports activities during a spring program that began in March and concludes on May 16. The program will be conducted at seven Miami city parks. "The Uniroyal Soccer Program is a model of how the public and private sectors can work together to provide positive, character-building activities for our children," said Miami Mayor Manny Diaz. "We have received wonderful feedback from the families and players involved in this program. We are grateful that Uniroyal Tire has expanded this worthwhile program for the spring season." The Uniroyal Youth Soccer of Miami Program is free of charge to participating children. Uniroyal Tire is underwriting the full cost of the program, including field and player equipment, uniforms and coach/referee fees. This unique program is part of an ongoing community relations program launched by Uniroyal Tire last year in Dade and Broward Counties. In addition to teaching the game of soccer and providing children the experience of being part of a team, the Uniroyal program also recognizes six youngsters each season for good sportsmanship and academic achievements. Each winner receives an award and is recognized at a season-ending ceremony. To enhance the program, several former professional soccer players will be conducting clinics for the children and seminars for coaches this spring. "We were thrilled with the success of the inaugural season of our program with the City of Miami and look forward to expanding it to include the spring season," said Tim Jamison, Uniroyal Tire brand director. "It has been very gratifying to fund a program that is making a real difference in the lives of these children and their families." Soccer Excellence, a local nonprofit organization, is managing the youth soccer program for Uniroyal Tire and the City of Miami Department of Parks and Recreation at seven parks: Robert King High Park, Shenandoah Park, Douglas Park, Lemon City Park, Jose Marti Park, Cagni Park and Mishcon Athletic Field. Juan Toscano of Soccer Excellence, who has organized numerous soccer tournaments and programs in the Miami area, will continue to serve as program coordinator. While the youth soccer initiative is being implemented primarily at parks in the City of Miami, programs will also be held at one park each in the City of North Miami, City of North Miami Beach and Sunny Isle. "Our community is very interested in soccer, so we are thrilled that Uniroyal Tire has decided to expand the program into two seasons," said Santiago Corrada, director of the City of Miami Department of Parks and Recreation, "The quality of coaching, equipment and organization is on par with the recreational soccer programs offered by the top leagues in the area." Uniroyal Tire is one of the world's leading manufacturers of tires for passenger and commercial cars, pick-ups, light trucks, mini vans and sport utility vehicles. Dating back to 1892, Uniroyal Tire has developed a reputation for providing high-quality, affordable tires including its Tiger Paw® and Laredo® series. Uniroyal tires offer just the right combination of dependability, traction and grip in almost every weather condition, and come with one of the industry's leading warranties. Visit Uniroyal online at: www.uniroyal.com |
