KICKS Against Breast Cancer Comes To Soldier Field
Release Date: 03/18/09
Soldier Field, 1410 S. Museum Campus Dr., will play host on Sunday, April 26, 2009 to the inaugural Soldier Field KICKS Against Breast Cancer collegiate soccer invitational showcasing the best in women’s soccer. Athletes from seven regional universities including University of Illinois, Northwestern University, Northern Illinois University, Notre Dame, University of Wisconsin (Madison), Marquette University, and DePaul University will participate in the unique event to raise awareness and funds for breast cancer research and treatment.
The intercollegiate play will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Admission price is $10/person (general admission seating) and includes access to the Soldier Field Fan Zone, which gives fans of all ages the opportunity to interact with coaches, players, sponsors, and spokespersons. A “Soccer Moms” clinic will also be held at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to teach the basics of soccer and provide inside tips to parents, aspiring coaches and players.
Founded by Louise Waxler, the KICKS Against Breast Cancer Tournament honors the memory of Claudia Mayer, who died of breast cancer at age 47 in 1996. Claudia was a woman who displayed extraordinary courage as she battled the disease that eventually took her life. The KICKS tournaments are held on an annual basis in April attracting top collegiate soccer teams from throughout the U.S.
“We are very excited to bring a KICKS tournament to Chicago, particularly to a premier and renowned venue like Soldier Field. Given the great teams we have participating, not only will fans get to see some fantastic soccer, but we have an opportunity to raise awareness and funds for a great cause,” said Louise Waxler.
Players and teams will also contribute off the field by accepting a challenge to raise money, on a per team basis, to help in the fight against breast cancer by selling KICKS merchandise (i.e., t-shirts, pins and balls) and other on-campus activities prior to the tournament. Soldier Field KICKS Against Breast Cancer has set a fund raising goal of $100,000 which will be achieved through the efforts of the student athletes and the generous support of sponsors like Adidas. Children’s Memorial Research Center of Chicago will share in the 25% of the proceeds from Soldier Field KICKS Against Breast Cancer event.
For further information on the event, including schedule, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, Soccer Mom Clinic Registration, donations, and ticket purchases, please contact Emily Brown at 312-235-7148 or at ebrown@soldierfield.net. For more information on KICKS Against Breast Cancer, please email KICKS Founder, Louise Waxler at louise.waxler@kicksagainstbreastcancer.org.
Established in 1986, Children's Memorial Research Center, the research arm of the hospital, is one of just a handful of institutions in the nation dedicated exclusively to pediatric research. The center is also one of 26 multidisciplinary research centers and institutes of Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine. To learn more, go to www.childrensmrc.org
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