Archives of the Mayor's Press Office

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: Tuesday, August 17, 1999

Release #324-99

Contact: Sunny Mindel/Brenda Pérez (212) 788-2958


MAYOR GIULIANI HONORS TEAM NYC MEMBERS FOR THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS AT THE UNITED STATES YOUTH GAMES

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today presented a proclamation at a Gracie Mansion ceremony honoring Team NYC, a group of 116 New York City children who competed in the 1999 United States Youth Games held in Birmingham, Alabama from July 28th through August 1st.. Also in attendance was New York City Parks Commissioner Henry Stern.

Team NYC competed against eight U.S. cities, including Los Angeles, Atlanta and Newark, and earned first place in the Academic Bowl, boys bowling, boys soccer, and boys tennis. The Team captured second place in boys golf, girls bowling, girls soccer, girls tennis, swimming and track and field. Third place honors went to boys basketball and girls golf.

"The Youth Games give our inner city children an excellent opportunity to excel and showcase their talents," Mayor Giuliani said. "Team NYC exemplified young New Yorkers' best characteristics - untiring enthusiasm, a healthy competitive spirit, and the ability to rise to the occasion and work together to overcome any difficulties to become number one."

The United States Youth Games began in New York City in 1966 to help get children off the streets during the summer months, encouraging them to develop sportsmanship, teamwork and self-confidence. This year's team members were chosen from a pool of about 2,000 participants between the ages 11 and 15, in a series of highly competitive tryouts in various sporting events, including basketball, soccer, golf, and swimming.

In addition to the competitive sports and travel, the Team NYC boys and girls are exposed to various educational experiences. This year's competitors visited the Mcwane Science Center in Birmingham and also followed the historic path of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s march to the State Capitol Building.

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