FOOTBALL facts g figures’ 78901234567890123456789012345678901234567890123456789012345678901234 East-West Shrine Game: Same Great Cause, Exciting New Location (NAPS)—It was the same great game, to benefit the same great with an estimated viewership of five million. The game wasalso broadcast live on the radio—for cause; only the location changed. Once again, the East-West Shrine Game, the “granddaddy”of all post-season college all-star games, was played to benefit Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of 22 hospitals that provide expert medical care to children with orthopaedic problems, including spinal cord injuries, and youngsters with burn injuries. This year, the game was played at Pacific Bell Park, home of Major League Baseball’s San Francisco Giants. The move marked the Shrine Game’s return to its city of origin after an absenceof 27 years. The 76th annual East-West Shrine Game, held January 13, was the first football game ever played at Pacific Bell Park, located in San Francisco’s China Basin. The stadium will serve as the first time in manyyears. “With the help of Nobles throughout Shrinedom, more than $14 million has been raised by the Shrine Game over the years to help support the ‘World’s Greatest Philanthropy’ and ensure that \ Ss EAST WESTJ Pacific Bell Park, home of the San Francisco Giants,is the new site of the East-West Shrine Game. Pacific Bell Park for thefirst time. It helped us to better achieve our goal of creating public awareness of Shriners Hospitals, and the sta- dium’s intimate setting created an exciting atmosphere for fans and players. Furthermore, the game the game’s homeatleast for the experienced an increase in corporate support because of its return the traditional style and old-time During the week before the game, manyactivities took place, next four years (through 2005). The 40,800-seat park combines feel of older ballparks with all the modern amenities of new facilities. The park features breathtak- ing views of San Francisco Bay and the downtownskyline. According to Jeffrey Foster, executive vice president of the Shrine Game, “It was exciting to witness the local and national attention that the game created because it was being played in deserving youngsters continue to receive expert medical care at no cost,” Foster said. He emphasized that the game’s motto, “Strong Legs Run so that Weak Legs May Walk,” is as true today as it was when the first game was played more than 75 years ago. For more information about the gameandall activities surround- ing it, visit the game’s Website at www.shrinegame.com. For more information on Shrin- ers’ network of 22 hospitals that provide free treatment to children to San Francisco.” with orthopaedic problems, burns and spinal cord injuries, write to: including a players’ tour of the Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL city as well as the always-excit- ing Sacramento Shriners Hospital visit, a golf tournament, an NFL workout day for the participants, a Shrine Game luncheon for players and the public, a Hall of Fame party and a players’ awards banquet. The game wastelevised live on ESPN in the U.S. and Canada, Shriners International Headquarters, Public Relations Dept., 2900 33607, or visit the Web site at www.shrinershq.org. If you know a child Shriners can help, call 1-800-237-5055 in the United States or 1-800-361-7256 in Canada. Shriners Hospitals provide free treatment to children under age 18 without regard to race, religion or relationship to a Shriner.
