D.A.R.E./G.R.E.A.T. Day A Success

Published on May 7, 2003 under Pacific Coast League (PCL1)
Tucson Sidewinders News Release


Tucson, AZ – On Wednesday, May 7, the Tucson Sidewinders reached out into the community again and hosted their 2nd annual D.A.R.E./G.R.E.A.T. Day. In conjunction with local community sponsors, the Sidewinders bought tickets and fed lunch to over 6,000 local school children. The event also allowed the students to learn more about the D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. programs, and to interact with law enforcement officers.

"I want to extend a special thanks to the officers, the D.A.R.E. and G.R.E.A.T. programs, and the Sheriff's Department, " said Sidewinders General Manager Rick Parr. "The student interaction on the field with the officers in the non-threatening environment that baseball provides makes these programs grow and succeed."

Before the game, select students were chosen to participate in a variety of on-field games and activities with law enforcement officers, including water balloon tosses and Frisbee golf. Tucson Police Chief Richard Miranda and Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnick threw out ceremonial first pitches. In addition, there were displays of various police vehicles and equipment on the Tucson Electric Park concourse for the students to see.

The day helped the Sidewinders achieve their largest crowd of the season, at 7,023. The students who attended ranged from kindergarteners through eighth graders, and came from schools all around Southern Arizona, including some from as far away as Silver City, NM.

D.A.R.E., which stands for Drug Abuse Resistance Education and G.R.E.A.T., short for Gang Resistance Education and Training, are two nationwide programs taught in schools and sponsored by local law enforcement agencies. D.A.R.E. teaches kids how to recognize and resist the pressures that influence them to experiment with alcohol, tobacco and drugs. G.R.E.A.T. advocates non-violence by teaching kids how to develop positive attitudes toward police officers, avoid conflicts and peer pressure, be responsible, and set positive goals.

For more information on D.A.R.E./G.R.E.A.T. Day and other Sidewinders community involvement activities, please call 520-434-1021 or visit www.tucsonsidewinders.com.

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Pacific Coast League Stories from May 7, 2003


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