Three MLL Players Donate Game Salary To Special Olympics
Published on August 14, 2008 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL) News Release
BOSTON, Mass. (August 14, 2008) - Major League Lacrosse (MLL), the premier professional outdoor lacrosse league, announced today that defenseman Nicky Polanco of the Long Island Lizards, attackman Kevin Leveille of the Chicago Machine, and goaltender Chris Garrity of the Washington Bayhawks have all volunteered to donate their paychecks from the 2008 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game to Special Olympics.
"I'm not the least bit surprised," said MLL Commissioner David Gross. "Our players have always been great with this type of thing. These three players in particular expressed their interest in doing something beyond just having their game jerseys auctioned almost immediately after they learned of the partnership."
Major League Lacrosse and New Balance partnered with Special Olympics in conjunction with the 2008 Major League Lacrosse All-Star Game, which was held on July 17 at Denver's INVESCO Field at Mile High. During the game, players wore limited-edition Chinese Dragon themed jerseys that were designed by New Balance. China was home to the 2007 Special Olympics World Summer Games which were held in Shanghai last October.
Following the game, each player autographed his game-worn jersey and they were put up for auction. So far, the auction has raised over $21,000.
Leveille didn't think twice when it came to the donation, "I gladly sent my money off to Special Olympics. It's definitely needed there [at Special Olympics] more than with me..."
"I think the MLL has done a great job aligning with these great charities over the years," adds Garrity. "It's going towards a great cause."
For Nicky Polanco, Special Olympics is an organization which is very meaningful to him. Polanco's fiancée, Tania, has an aunt with Down Syndrome and she and Polanco have become quite close over the years. "Since the first day I met her, she's been an inspiration," says Polanco.
Polanco also donated the custom cleats and gloves that he wore in the All-Star Game to the auction.
"The actions and words of these three Major League Lacrosse players is indicative of the power of our athletes and their message of dignity and ability," said Bob Gobrecht, Managing Director, Special Olympics North America. "We appreciate the support of the league and its players as well as all of the fans who have participated in this auction so passionately over the last month. The 2010 Special Olympics USA National Games are the beneficiary of the generous support of Major League Lacrosse and New Balance."
The auction continues online at www.majorleaguelacrosse.com through 12:00 PM ET on Friday, 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.
A check presentation will be made to Special Olympics during the NB ZIP Major League Lacrosse Championship Game on Sunday, August 24 at Harvard Stadium in Boston, Massachusetts. Rob DeMartini, CEO of New Balance, and MLL Commissioner David Gross will present the check to an athlete representative from Special Olympics Massachusetts. The NB ZIP MLL Championship Game begins at 1:00 PM ET and will be aired live on ESPN2.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from August 14, 2008
- Only 1 Day to Bid on MLL All-Star Jerseys/Raise $ for Special Olympics - MLL
- Bayhawks Beat the Lizards, Fan Poll, and more - Chesapeake Bayhawks
- Thomson Named Warrior MLL Most Improved Players - MLL
- Three MLL Players Donate Game Salary To Special Olympics - MLL
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