Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972
“The Inner City Games provide a positive competitive outlet for the energy and abilities of young people who might otherwise be swept up by gangs, drugs and violence,” said Mayor Giuliani. “The Games give our youngsters the opportunity to express themselves athletically and artistically, while also fostering career and educational development. It is my great pleasure to present this check to Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Inner City Games Foundation.”
Tonight’s event benefits the New York City Inner City Games, being held for the first time in New York City this August. Mayor Giuliani presented Mr. Schwarzenegger with a $500,000 check from the City and Chairman Franco presented $500,000 from the New York City Housing Authority. In addition to these donations, Speedo Swimwear this evening contributed $5 million to the Foundation.
The Inner City Games were founded in 1991 in Los Angeles by Daniel Hernandez, the Executive Director of the nationally recognized Hollenbeck Youth Center. The Games consist of an assortment of athletic, educational, artistic and professional programs for urban youngsters eight to 18 years of age. In 1993, a national Inner City Games Foundation, chaired by Mr. Schwarzenegger was created to bring the Games to other cities.
This summer, a private and public sector initiative headed by the Mayor’s Office, The New York City Sports Commission, the New York City Housing Authority, the Randall’s Island Sports Foundation and St. John’s University, has brought the Games to New York City. Mayor Giuliani and Retired General Colin Powell serve as Honorary Co-Chairmen of the New York City Inner City Games.