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AHL Syracuse Crunch

Crunch Take a Stand and Say "No Thanks, Big Tobacco"

February 16, 2008 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Syracuse Crunch News Release


Syracuse, NY (February 16, 2008) - The Syracuse Crunch announced today that after previously receiving funding from a smokeless tobacco company, they have adopted a "No Thanks, Big Tobacco" policy to refuse tobacco company advertising, sponsorship, or promotion in the future.

In honor of their decision, Tobacco-Free Onondaga County and Reality Check, a youth empowerment program, will recognize the Crunch before the 7:30 p.m. game against Rochester. Reality Check teens will present a plaque to Jim Sarosy, Syracuse Crunch Senior Vice President, and a Crunch player, thanking them for efforts to protect the health of our community during an on-ice ceremony, emceed by Clear Channel HOT 107.9's Jus Mic.

More than 80 organizations and events in Onondaga County have signed these "No Thanks, Big Tobacco" policies, which are part of an initiative to decrease the social acceptability of tobacco in Onondaga County and across New York State. Youth get very mixed messages: they receive anti-tobacco education in schools, but they see tobacco promotion throughout the community, signs in retail stores, smoking in movies, and sponsorship at local organizations and events.

"The Syracuse Crunch are pleased to have the opportunity to give back to the community which has provided such strong support for the team over the years," said Crunch Senior Vice President, Jim Sarosy. "Signing the 'No Thanks, Big Tobacco' policy is another way for the Crunch to show our commitment to the health of our fans."

Big Tobacco companies spend more than $13 billion per year in promoting their products. These marketing strategies are a more powerful influence than peer pressure on children's likelihood to smoke. Young people are particularly susceptible to tobacco marketing, which more than doubles the odds that children under 18 will become tobacco users.

"Tobacco use remains the single most preventable cause of death in the United States," said Dr. Cynthia Morrow, Onondaga County Commissioner of Health. "I commend the Syracuse Crunch for being a role model for youth in Onondaga County."

Kara Williams from Tobacco-Free Onondaga County reports that almost 90% of adult smokers started before they were 18. "As much as one third of underage experimentation with smoking is attributable to tobacco company marketing efforts," says Williams, "so we encourage other sports teams, community events, and agencies to take this simple action to protect the health of our children and community."

Tobacco-Free Onondaga County, a Coalition of local organizations and individuals funded by the New York State Department of Health, is working to create a healthy and tobacco-free community.

The Crunch's next game is Saturday, February 16 vs. Rochester at the War Memorial at Oncenter at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Crunch office at (315) 473- 4444, stopping by the Oncenter Box Office, located on the State Street side of the War Memorial or by calling TicketMaster at (315) 472-0700.

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