MLS Real Salt Lake

Real Salt Lake & American Express to Again Recognize Utah's "Heroes Among Us"

Published on March 10, 2011 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Real Salt Lake News Release


SANDY, Utah (Thursday, March 10, 2011) - Real Salt Lake and American Express are proud to announce the return of the "Heroes Among Us" program for the Utah side's upcoming 2011 MLS campaign. For every home match during regular season and postseason play, Real Salt Lake and American Express will continue to recognize the outstanding contributions of everyday citizens doing extraordinary things by treating them to a night out at Rio Tinto Stadium. Recipients will be heralded during a pre-game ceremony and receive complimentary game tickets along with a personalized 2011 RSL jersey.

"With the tremendous reaction we received last season from recipients and fans alike, we are more than proud to partner with American Express to bring back the 'Heroes Among Us' award," said RSL Sr. Vice President of Business Operations, John Kimball. "This program is a very small way to thank our neighbors that do very big things in our community."

The "Heroes Among Us" recognition seeks to showcase the unselfish pillars of strength in our community that all too often go unnoticed, giving their efforts a chance to be highlighted in championship fashion in front of Real Salt Lake's faithful fans. Last year's launching of the "Heroes Among Us" honor proved to be a highlight of the RSL gameday experience, with the Rio Tinto Stadium crowds enthusiastically thanking recipients that included first responders, teachers, volunteers, charity organizers, and fallen soldiers, among others. In all, RSL and American Express honored more than 20 individuals and families in 2010 for making a difference and providing a positive impact on the lives of others in the Beehive State and beyond.

"It's an honor to partner once again with Real Salt Lake in recognizing the heroes in this great community," said Dan Clayton, American Express' manager of Public Affairs in Salt Lake City. "With our legacy of service, we enjoy celebrating the impact of our fellow Utahans on their community. We look forward to recognizing more great contributions this season."

To kick off the 2011 edition of the "Heroes Among Us" program during Real Salt Lake's March 26 regular season home opener against the L.A. Galaxy, RSL and American Express are proud to recognize Moab resident Brody Young. A Utah State Parks and Recreation law enforcement officer, Young was attempting to assist a park visitor in a vehicle stopped at the Poison Spider Mesa trail head on the night of November 19th when the man unexpectedly turned violent, the ensuing gunfight between the two resulting in Young being shot nine times. While his wounds should have proved fatal, thanks to the immediate response from paramedics and the strength gained from his faith and family - including three young children - Young survived the ordeal and continues to rehabilitate in the hopes of returning to what he calls his "dream job." He calls the incident "a blessing for his family" and hopes to use the experience as a way to help others change their perspectives on life and faith in humanity. To find out ways in which you can help Young's recovery efforts and cause, visit www.RangerBrody.org.

For more information on the Real Salt Lake/American Express "Heroes Among Us" program, including details on how to nominate candidates for the 2011 season and biographies of last season's recipients, visit the "Heroes Among Us" page under the "Community" section of www.RealSaltLake.com. In addition, candidate submissions can be returned via email to heroesamongus@RealSaltLake.com, fax to 801-727-1469, or mail to the address below:

Rio Tinto Stadium

Attn: Heroes Among Us/Shannon Stearns

9526 State Street

Sandy, Utah 84070

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