COLUMBUS — The Columbus Crew announced today that it has partnered for the second consecutive year with the Global Down Syndrome Foundation to host the "Dare to Play" Soccer Camp between Thursday, August 8 and Saturday, August 10. Each camp session runs from approximately 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET.
The camp was created for males and females with Down syndrome age eight and up to appreciate the beautiful game, learn some introductory skills and enjoy the sportsmanship of fellow attendees. Crew Technical and Youth staff, along with Crew Soccer Academy players will serve as instructors over the course of the three-day experience.
“It’s inspiring to see the excitement and joy these participants get at the ‘Dare to Play’ Soccer Camp and at Crew Stadium,” said Mike Malo, Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Columbus Crew. “Our Crew Soccer Academy players really enjoy working on this program and giving back to the community. They don’t get the opportunity to do too many outreach programs, so they really put a lot of effort into making this a special experience for everyone.”
“We’re excited to partner again with the Columbus Crew for an event that brings smiles to so many faces and showcases the abilities and achievements of people with Down syndrome,” said Michelle Sie Whitten, Executive Director of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. “Having this event in Columbus provides a great way for local youth and young adults to learn a great game and perform in front of thousands of Crew fans.”
Launched in September 2011, the “Dare to Play” Soccer Camp was created by the Global Down Syndrome Foundation for individuals with Down syndrome in Denver, Colorado, in conjunction with MLS side Colorado Rapids and Regis University’s soccer team. Last year, Columbus became an additional camp location as the Crew partnered with the Foundation.
Registration for the camp is $75 and includes two days of clinic instruction from Columbus Crew Academy players/PALS, and an adidas Crew soccer uniform, which features a jersey, shorts and socks. Signing-up for the camp also provides one lower sideline ticket to the August 10 Crew match versus the New York Red Bulls, a $10 food and beverage voucher to use at the match and participation in a pre-match mini game on the Crew Stadium field with on-field recognition during pre-match ceremonies. Halftime of that match is set to feature a video about the “Dare to Play” Soccer Camp and the Global Down Syndrome Foundation.
More information on the camp – including registration forms – can be found via the following link: http://www.globaldownsyndrome.org/event-registration
