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Silverbacks Players, Coaches Race to Cure Childhood Cancer

September 3, 2015 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


ATLANTA - During Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the entire Atlanta Silverbacks organization - each of the professional players, the coaching staff, and the Club's front office - will participate in the 15th annual Suwanee Fest Superhero 5K/10K Classic to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer, a non-profit research organization based in the metro Atlanta area. Hosted by Georgia Fitness on the morning of Sept. 12 at the Suwanee Town Center, proceeds from the Superhero Classic will help CURE continue to provide research, counseling, meals and financial assistance for those battling childhood cancer.

This year's Superhero Classic falls on a bye weekend for the Silverbacks in the midst of a playoff push in North American Soccer League competition, allowing a true team effort for the entire Club to support CURE Childhood Cancer. Head coach Gary Smith, the current 23-man roster of professional players, and staff members from the Club's front office will take part in the event, joining the fight with CURE and Georgia Fitness.

"When we heard about this event, hosted by our official team gym Georgia Fitness Pro, we had no hesitation with getting everyone involved," Smith said. "The timing of the race was a cherry on top, since we don't have a match and everyone is available to fight for this cause. All of the guys are beyond excited, from the coaches down to the players and front office."

Registration is currently open for both individuals and teams to join the Silverbacks, Georgia Fitness and the rest of the Superhero Classic's participants Sept. 12 in the three available races and costume contest, with every Superhero Classic signup directly benefitting CURE's efforts in the fight against childhood cancer.

"All the lads are behind this," Silverbacks captain and center back Simon Mensing said. "We know we'll see all our supporters there as well as some new faces. These events are the one's that matter in the grand scheme of things. We are professional soccer players, but raising awareness and helping others are much more important than the game we play for a living."

Between the 5K, 10K and Flash Fun Run races, runners of all levels can easily join in the Superhero Classic, which can also count as a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. The 5K will begin at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 10K at 8:30 a.m. and the 1K Flash Fun Run at 8:35 a.m. A virtual Superhero Classic option will allow racers to support CURE's cause even if they're unable to attend the Sept. 12 races in person.

"There is nothing better than getting involved with the community to unite for a cause," Silverbacks president and general manager Andy Smith said. "Our entire organization will be involved, raising awareness to find a cure for childhood cancer."

The Silverbacks return to competitive action just three days after the Superhero Classic, hosting Minnesota United FC at Atlanta Silverbacks Park on Sept. 15 (7:30 p.m.).

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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