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Packy Playfair Kicks Off First Ever National Sportsmanship Tour in the Nation'sCapital; Local Youth Gather on 24-City Mission:Posted By: Jim Thatcher To: National Desk Contact: Patrice Halas of Always Play Fair, LLC, 914-948-9797 or phalas@packyplayfair.com WASHINGTON, March 27 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Packy PlayFair, the National mascot for good sportsmanship, kicked off the State of Sportsmanship National Tour, an empowering and educational tour traveling to all 50 states, today at the Kennedy Recreation Center in Washington, D.C. Packy PlayFair's mission is to inspire children, parents, teachers and coaches be good sports both on and off the athletic field. Packy is leading the first tour of its kind to instill good sportsmanship in today's youth. The tour debut in Washington included a dazzling ball-handling display by Jack "the Hoop Wizard" Ryan, ESPN declared "Best Shooter in America"; inspiring words from Melissa Johnson, Executive Director of the President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports; an appearance by members of the nationally ranked George Washington University Men's Basketball team; a health demonstration by Straighten Up America; and of course Packy PlayFair teaching over 100 local youth the importance of good sportsmanship. "We want to introduce Packy to as many young people as possible," said Always Play Fair founder Wally Halas, the creator of Packy PlayFair. As a parent and a former college basketball coach, Halas has experienced first-hand the continuous decline in sportsmanship and fair play. "Good sportsmanship is missing a visual icon - Packy PlayFair is that needed visual presence to serve as a constant reminder and motivator to do the right thing." The tour will take place in two parts -- the eastern half in the spring and the western half when school resumes after Labor Day. The eastern half comprises visits to 24 cities over a 30-day period with stops in state capitals, City Halls, schools and after school programs to encourage everyone to practice good sportsmanship and to follow Packy PlayFair's Pledge: Follow the rules, Always try your best, Include everyone, Respect your opponent and have fun. "We're greatly encouraged by the response we've received from parents, teachers and coaches from the materials we distributed to 75,000 elementary schools last year when we first introduced Packy PlayFair," Halas explained, "Now, with the tour, we want the entire nation to embrace Packy and his message." Leading sport and health organizations who have expressed support for Packy as the mascot for good sportsmanship include: the President's Challenge (a program of The President's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports); the United States Olympic Committee Multi-Sport Organizations Council; the National Association for Sport and Physical Education; the Citizenship Through Sports Alliance; Straighten Up America; and Sports USA Network, among others. "We are excited that Packy PlayFair will be visiting many of the groups that comprise the U.S. Olympic Committee's Multi-Sport Organizations Council during the national tour. This message of good sportsmanship and ethical behavior must be at the core of our youth sport programs in order to develop athletes that exemplify the true Olympic ideal," said Jeanne Picariello, Chair, Multi-Sport Organizations Council, USOC Assembly. Packy will also be visible at Hoop City at both the NCAA Men's Basketball Final Four in Indianapolis and at the Women's Basketball Final Four in Boston in April. Sponsors have teamed up with Packy PlayFair to assist in his crusade. Howard Johnson is the Official Host Hotel of the tour while Yellow Book USA is the Official Telephone Directory of the tour. Several state sponsors are also on board to enhance Packy's presence and reach. http://www.usnewswire.com/ -0- /© 2006 U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/ Courtesy Of: Yahoo! News The information reported above is property of Yahoo! inc. and reprinted or modified with legitimate permission. We thank Yahoo! inc. for the kind cooperation with us and other shareholders. |
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