Chicago Shamrox Host NYPD vs. FDNY Charity Lacrosse Game
March 20, 2007 - National Lacrosse League (NLL)
Chicago Shamrox News Release
HOFFMAN ESTATES, ILL March 19, 2007 - The New York City Fire Department and New York Police Department lacrosse teams' will be battling on the field by playing a charity lacrosse game prior to when the Chicago Shamrox take on the New York Titans on Sunday, March 25.
The NYPD vs. FDNY game, which is slated to begin at Noon CDT with doors opening at 11:30 p.m. CDT, will benefit the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Childrens' Fund. Fans who mention "Battle of the Badges" when ordering, $5 will go to the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Childrens' Fund from the Chicago Shamrox. Both the NYPD and FDNY lacrosse teams' will be selling t-shirts during the game with proceeds also going to the charity fund. The Chicago Shamrox will also be hosting a silent auction during the game that will feature items such as an autographed jersey by the Chicago Shamrox, four tickets to the watch a Chicago Shamrox in the owner's box, ball boy/girl for a game and many other items.
"Playing on Sunday is a great opportunity for both teams," said Steve Bascelli who coordinates the New York Fire Department Lacrosse Team. "My team and I are looking forward to playing the Police Department. Anytime the New York Fire Department plays the New York Police Department, the fans love it and get into it."
Formed ten years ago, the FDNY lacrosse team has made dozens of trips across the country in multiple tournaments and charity events as well as being part of the American Lacrosse League. The team features a total of 40 guys on the roster, but only 25 to 30 guys travel.
"It is going to be a battle," said Sean Rooney, who is one of three guys who coordinates the New York Police Department Lacrosse Team. "The games between us and the Fire Department are usually physical, but everything is left on the field after the game. If you are at the game, you will see non-stop action the whole time."
With a lot of police officers coming from Long Island, which is a hotbed for lacrosse, one officer, Ronny Kloepfer, decided to start a NYPD team in 1993. On September 11, 2001, Ronny was killed in the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center. Ronny's dream was to play their Fire Department rivals in a big arena before a professional game. Even though one was played right after Ronny's death in the September 11th tragedy, it was still something that he dreamed long and often about. This will be the first time the NYPD plays the FDNY against each other in a major arena outside of New York. Currently the NYPD team consists of 33 guys with tryouts being held in the spring every year. Their games, like the Fire Departments', take them all across the country.
The New York Police & Fire Widows' & Childrens' Fund was established in 1985 by Daniel J. "Rusty" Staub to assist the families of police officers and firefighters who have been killed in the line of duty. The Charity was initially created to assist the families of police officers and firefighters only, but after the tragic events of September 11, 2001, the charity included the families of Port Authority officers and EMS. Since 1986, $96 million has been distributed to families.
At this Sunday's Shamrox Home Game against the New York Titans, every fan who attends will receive a Dance Team photo courtesy of Irving Press. Scheduled to perform at half-time is the Chicago Shamrox Junior Dance Team. When ordering tickets, every person who says "Battle of the Badges," $5 will go to the New York Police & Fire Widows' & Childrens' Fund. Tickets are available by calling the Shamrox ticket office at 877-SHAMROX or by visiting www.chicagoshamrox.com.
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National Lacrosse League Stories from March 20, 2007
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- Rock trades Rusty Kruger to Shamrox - Toronto Rock
- Knighthawks and Rattlers named to Team USA roster - Rochester Knighthawks
- Chicago Shamrox Host NYPD vs. FDNY Charity Lacrosse Game - Chicago Shamrox
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