CONNECTICUT YOUTH SOCCER PLAYERS TEAM UP AGAINST MALARIA JUNE 13-14

Soccer Tournament Dedicated to Ending Malaria Deaths; Kids to Learn about Malaria, Win Red Bulls Tickets and Other Prizes

Wilton, CONNECTICUT - This weekend, 1,000 Connecticut kids will take to the soccer field for the Wilton Nutmeg Invitational tournament...but they will also be taking a stand against malaria, which kills a child in Africa every 30 seconds.

The Wilton Soccer Association is dedicating the 28th annual soccer tournament, held this weekend at Allens Meadows Field in Wilton, CT, to support the United Against Malaria campaign, which is mobilizing the world soccer community in the lead-up to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Working with New York-based Malaria No More, a non-profit organization, the tournament will help educate players, coaches and parents about malaria and show how every Connecticut family can be a hero in the fight against malaria.

"We are so proud to help raise awareness about malaria in the community and show our kids how they can help kids in Africa," said Wilton Soccer Association President Andy Hoffman. "Malaria No More, thanks to their involvement with United Against Malaria and their long-standing partnership with soccer team FC Barcelona, shows just how important teamwork is to defeating malaria for once and for all."

The focus of the weekend's malaria-related events will be the United Against Malaria Speed Shot Contest, where players will learn about malaria and the campaign—and help score against malaria! When families donate a $10 life-saving mosquito net or sign up to learn more, kids will have the opportunity to take a shot in the Speed Kick and see how fast they can kick a soccer ball. Winners in each age category will receive two tickets to a Major League Soccer's Red Bulls game and United Against Malaria soccer jerseys. The first 1,000 kickers will also receive a free pair of commemorative UAM lace guards.

"I am a big fan of the Wilton Soccer Association and their support for the United Against Malaria campaign and congratulate these young athletes on their efforts to make a difference in the lives of others,\" said Congressman Jim Himes. "For the players and parents, the chance to win a victory against malaria shows how we can reach ambitious goals both on the soccer field and in the global effort to improve health care worldwide."

One thing is for sure: regardless of the final score, the players at the Wilton Nutmeg Invitational will win a major victory against malaria.

Earlier, Wilton Nutmeg Invitational logo design contest winner Emmy Goodwin received a special FC Barcelona/Malaria No More jersey in recognition of her achievement. Congrats Emmy!

United Against Malaria is a partnership of footballers, non-governmental organizations, foundations, governments, and corporations who have joined forces ahead of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa to unite in the fight against malaria. To learn more, visit www.UnitedAgainstMalaria.org.