University of Virginia Joins with 'Share Our Strength' to Host 'Taste of the Game'

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April 18, 2002

CHARLOTTESVILLE –

Share Our Strength is teaming up with coaches and sports professionals on the University of Virginia grounds for a one-day total-sports experience to help fight childhood hunger. Twelve head coaches for Olympic sports-along with weight training, health and nutrition professionals, sports psychologists and sports journalists-will come together at Taste of the Game at UVa on Sunday, May 5, from 12:30 to 6:00 p.m. to share their knowledge and love of athletics with area youth and their families. Olympic medalist and UVa fourth year Ed Moses will be a special guest.

Taste of the Game at UVa is the kickoff of a national event series that includes Duke University, Notre Dame University and Stanford University.

“I am proud that Virginia has been chosen to inaugurate this national event series, and proud to be a part of this special day-the first annual Taste of the Game at UVa,” said Craig Littlepage, the University’s Athletic Director.

Adds Jon Oliver, UVa’s Senior Associate Athletic Director, “We were selected to lead this initiative due to the strength of our athletics and the strength of our community. Our selection says a lot about our coaches and the character of the people in Charlottesville.”

Taste of the Game is a unique offering: Aspiring young athletes get access to championship-level coaches both on and off the field, families can spend an afternoon together and everyone helps fight childhood hunger in their community. The day begins at 12:30 p.m. at UVa’s Mem Gym. A series of hour-long sessions designed for youth, ages 8-14, and their parents provide opportunities to learn about an array of Olympic sports, injury prevention, sports nutrition, strength and conditioning, sports photography and sports journalism. The event closes with a celebratory picnic from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Local sponsorship from Yves Delorme and additional support from Whole Foods and other generous area businesses ensures that 100 percent of ticket sales go directly to hunger-relief organizations. Local grant recipients are the Thomas Jefferson Area Food Bank and Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA).

Tickets for this exceptional day are $15 and can be purchased at the UVa Athletic Department ticket office, Greenberry’s at Barracks Road Shopping Center, Downtown Athletic at Seminole Square, and Yves Delorme on the Downtown Mall, or online at www.strength.org. Participants can register online for their preferred sessions, which include softball, baseball, volleyball, lacrosse, tennis, swimming, soccer, field hockey, strength and conditioning, sports psychology, sports photography and journalism and sports nutrition/sports medicine.

For more information, please call 1-800-969-4767 or (434) 296-FOOD.