38 New York City Schools Represent 23 Nations in 2009 Mayor's Cup Flag Rugby Festival
Sports Commissioner Podziba Presents The Play Rugby USA® Flag Rugby Mayor's Cup To Winning School Teams In Biggest Ever Youth Rugby Tournament in NYC
New York, NY (PRWEB) June 5, 2009 -- Play Rugby, Inc (Play Rugby) a national non-profit organization devoted to developing youth through rugby, announced that on Saturday, June 6, Kenneth J. Podziba, Commissioner of the New York City Sports Commission, will present the Mayor's Cup trophy and awards to the winning Middle School and Elementary school teams participating in the Mayor's Cup Flag Rugby Festival; the biggest ever youth rugby tournament to be held in New York City. The Mayor's Cup will be the culmination of the organization's "Play Rugby USA®" rugby-themed youth development program that has reached over 50 schools and 3000 students over the last academic year. The event will be held at Columbia University's Baker Field and organizers are expecting 38 teams and 450 students from every part of the city to participate and compete against each other for the Mayor's Cup.
Last year's winners PS392, Brooklyn
"Play Rugby USA has developed an excellent program that is truly committed to the development of New York City's Youth," said Commissioner Podziba. "As one of the world's most popular sports, rugby can provide children from all backgrounds with another constructive outlet for them to improve their personal development and athletic achievements. We are truly thrilled to be supporting this landmark event and look forward to watching its continued growth and success."
Play Rugby USA's first group of participants in 2004 was made up of 75 homeless children. The following year, Play Rugby USA began their school-based program and has since grown to support programs in more than 80 schools throughout all five boroughs of the city. The program is now a fully integrated youth development program that has positively influenced over 8,000 children.
"Currently, 85% of the children participating in the youth program in New York come from undeserved backgrounds," said Mark Griffin, Founder of Play Rugby, Inc. "Rugby is truly a team sport and it teaches the children invaluable lessons in teamwork and self-discipline that provide them with lifelong tools for success both on and off the pitch. We have received tremendous feedback from teachers and administrators about how inspiring it is to see participants improving their self-esteem and exhibiting increased cooperation and fewer behavioral problems after participating in our program. We have seen considerable health benefits also with students becoming more active during and outside the program. One of our middle school girls lost 30 pounds as a result of the program and said rugby "literally changed [her life". To have the support and endorsement of the Sports Commission in New York is a great endorsement and testament to the difference this program is making. We look forward to working with the city to expand our reach to all of New York City's youth."
The program's success has also attracted corporate and community support enabling Play Rugby to operate the tournament free for all participants. HSBC Bank USA, N.A. (HSBC) stepped up as Title Sponsor and Canterbury of New Zealand and the World Rugby Shop have provided apparel for all participants from players who will be wearing Canterbury's national team replica jerseys, to coaches and the 75+ volunteers.
The tournament will be featured on the International Rugby Board's globally syndicated "Total Rugby" TV show - a weekly program that reaches 154 countries. Viewers can watch the show in the US on Setanta Sports a subscription based sports channel available on various networks and many sports bars nation-wide. Additionally, game highlights will be featured on the Rookie Rugby Club http://www.rookierugbyclub.com - an educational social network created by Play Rugby and USA Rugby for students, parents and teachers to learn more about the game, with match scores (of course) being updated on Twitter (follow Play_Rugby_USA).
In addition to the winning elementary and middle school teams receiving the Mayor's Cup Trophies, there will be trophies courtesy of the National Guard awarded for plate and bowl competition winners, awards for MVP and sportsmanship and medals for all participants.
To learn more about the Mayor's Cup, Play Rugby USA and to read success stories, please visit http://www.playrugbyusa.com.
About Play Rugby USA®
Play Rugby USA is the youth development program run by Play Rugby, Inc - a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization that focuses on "developing youth through rugby". Play Rugby USA places careful emphasis on having fun, improving fitness and developing life skills through delivery of specially designed curriculum. For more information visit www.playrugbyusa.com.
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