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THE ULTIMATE GOOD SPORT: Boston Red Sox star David ’Big Papi’ Ortiz Plays WIFFLE® Ball For A Good Cause


WEBWIRE

BOSTON, MA (October 17, 2006) -- Boston Red Sox superstar slugger David Ortiz put his mighty bat to work this week for Good Sports, a Boston-based nonprofit organization that ensures disadvantaged youth have the opportunity to play sports. Only this time, the Red Sox home run king swapped his usual lumber for a WIFFLE® Ball bat, trading swings, pitches and laughs with a group of over 40 local kids. The Weston backyard site was turned into a mini Fenway Park for the occasion, complete with Pesky’s Tree, national anthem and ballpark music, game coverage by NESN’s Tom Caron, and hot dog and sausage catering courtesy of The Sausage Guy.

The one-of-a-kind experience was auctioned off at the 3rd Annual Good Sports Legends of the Ball event this past May. Three families pitched in a total of $30,000 to snag the opportunity, which will enable Good Sports to provide more than $60,000 worth of sports equipment, footwear and apparel to disadvantaged youth.

“Boston and all of Red Sox Nation are truly blessed to have an athlete like David Ortiz here in our community,” said Melissa Harper, Good Sports Executive Director. “By giving so generously of their time, David and his family have made a tremendous difference in the lives of many kids. He is seen as a hero in the eyes of so many and he truly earns that title in his actions both on and off the field. Good Sports is so grateful to David and his agents at SFX for their support.”

Good Sports strives to increase the participation of disadvantaged youth in sports, fitness and recreational activities by overcoming a key barrier -- the high cost of participation. Good Sports addresses the cost by providing sports equipment, footwear and apparel to disadvantaged youth. The organization secures over $1.2 million worth of equipment impacting 40,000 kids each year. For more information on Good Sports, log onto www.goodsports.org.

NOTE: Photos of Big Papi’s Backyard WIFFLE® Ball Game available on request by calling (617) 851-6011 or e-mailing jd@activatebrand.com.

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