Sports Heroes Mentor Native American Youth

Friday, June 5, 1998

TO: Editors, producers and reporters

FROM:
Sharon Rippey
(410) 955- 7619

SUBJECT: June 9 - 11 Sports Heroes Mentor Native American Youth

The Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health, the National Football League Players Association, and the Nick Lowery Charitable Foundation are bringing together 300 American Indian children with 25 heroes from the NFL, the National Basketball Association, and other professional sports leagues. The camp, which will expose the youth to successful professional athletes with healthy lifestyles, is part of the Native Vision Initiative and will take place June 9-11 at the Native Vision Sports and Life Skills Camp on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming.

The tribes of the Wind River Reservation have worked closely with the Hopkins Center for American Indian Health to see that the Native Vision program is tailored specifically to the needs of their youth. The Native Vision Initiative has been recognized by General Colin Powell as "one of the very best initiatives for disadvantaged youth in the country."

The campers, who represent 25 tribes from around the country, will be accompanied throughout the event by the professional athletes, including Rob Moore, Phoenix Cardinals; Nick Lowery, All-Pro NFL kicker (former Kansas City Chief and New York Jets); Christian Okoye, retired Kansas City Chief known as the "Nigerian Nightmare"; and Women's World Cup Soccer player Christine Lilly.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: Marlena Trotta (410)955-6931, or Allison Barlow or Clint Wagon (307)335-9301. Native Vision Sports and Life Skills Camp Wind River Reservation, Wyoming Tuesday, June 9 - Thursday, June 11

SCHEDULE AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES Tuesday, June 9 1:30-5 pm. Opening Ceremony -- traditional dance groups, pro-athletes, and native American youths will proceed into the pow-wow grounds accompanied by local drummers and singers. There the children will teach the athletes traditional Native American games.

8-10 pm. Basketball game -- high school all-stars will challenge the NFL players at the Wyoming Indian High School gym.

Wednesday, June 10th 9:30-4:30 pm. Football Clinic.

6 pm. Pow-wow and traditional feast.

Thursday, June 11th 9:30-11:30 pm. Football Clinic.

1 pm. Closing ceremony.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: Allison Barlow or Clint Wagon (307)335-9301.