July 25, 2008
Washington, D.C. - In conjunction with the MLL All-Star Game, which was held on July 17th in Denver, Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, and New Balance are offering 37 autographed, limited-edition Chinese Dragon themed jerseys that were worn by the MLL All-Stars during the game. Each player autographed his jersey following the conclusion of the game. All jerseys are being auctioned online with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Special Olympics. China was home to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games which were held in Shanghai last October. Rochester Rattlers defenseman Brodie Merrill made his third consecutive All-Star appearance. Despite playing long-stick defense Merrill had 4 shots in the All-Star Game this year and scored a goal. Brodie had 5 groundballs during the game as well. Philadelphia Barrage Defenseman Kyle Sweeney made his third All-Star appearance as well last Thursday. Along with scooping four ground balls, Sweeney also participated in the 2-Point Shot Contest, a new facet of the Bud Light Skills Competition that replaced the Accuracy Contest. Using his long pole, Sweeney recorded seven points in the contest. The Western Conference All-Stars defeated the Eastern Conference All-Stars by a margin of 31-15 in front of 10,124 fans at INVESCO Field at Mile High. It was the first victory for the Western Conference versus their Eastern Conference counterparts in two All-Star meetings. Both teams combined to score an All-Star Game record 47 points, eclipsing the previous record which was set in the 2001 LacrosseStar Game. Bidding for the limited-edition All-Star jerseys began during the game and continues online at http://www.majorleaguelacrosse.com/fanzone/auctions/ through 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.
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. About Major League Lacrosse |
 
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