November 1, 2006

Major League Soccer’s Cobi Jones Joins the Little Feet, Big Goals Campaign, Bringing Soccer Balls to Children Across the Globe

Soccer Campaign Expected to Bring More Than 50,000 Soccer Balls to Iraq Communities

Cobi Joins Little Feet To view entire conference click here (Large 51,801KB)

Press Conference on November 6, 2006
Featuring Los Angeles Galaxy Star

DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--One of the most recognizable Major League Soccer Players, Los Angeles Galaxy star Cobi Jones, will join Little Feet, Big Goals and the Sports Authority for a national awareness campaign to bring more than 50,000 soccer balls to children in Iraq. Following the press conference on Monday, November 6, 2006, Sports Authority stores nationwide will feature Cobi on store displays welcoming consumers to donate a soccer ball for $10.00. Every soccer ball donated will be distributed overseas.

“To provide soccer balls to a child who wants nothing more than to share a smile with their family or friends is a priceless gift,” says Cobi Jones from the MLS. “Soccer provides such an instant enjoyment and communication between one another, and I’m happy to share my love for the sport while also lifting the spirits of Iraqi children.”

The Little Feet operation was initiated in 2005, where soccer drives across America serve to uplift children in many communities across the globe. So far Little Feet has been able to raise more than 21,000 soccer balls. With a goal of 50,000 by March 2007, soccer balls will be delivered and distributed with the help of American soldiers currently serving in Iraq. American soldiers previously took part in this great endeavor, while performing various distribution methods such as helicopter ball drops to a parade of excited children.

“Soccer is an integral part of local cultures across the world. It is something that can bring a positive outlook to children even in the worst of circumstances,” says Steffan Tubbs, co-founder of Little Feet. “When you read and watch how war destroys so many lives and families, we often don’t realize how this truly affects a child. Donating a ball is so simple but yet a major contribution to ultimately help bring a little happiness to courageous kids.”

Press Conference Details

The Sports Authority in Park Meadows will host a press conference to highlight this campaign and aggressively continue the soccer drive efforts. Cobi Jones will be present for interviews as well as the organizations that have made this possible.

When: Monday, November 6, 2006
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m. MST
Where: Park Meadows Sports Authority Store - 7848 County Line Road, Littleton, CO 80124
What: Major League Soccer star Cobi Jones along with representativesfrom Little Feet and Sports Authority will address the mediaon the soccer ball drive for children in Iraq - a nationwide effort.

Speakers:

Cobi Jones, LA Galaxy & Little Feet spokesman
Steffan Tubbs, 850 KOA/Little Feet, Big Goals co-founder
Trevor Slavick, Little Feet, Big Goals co-founder
David Campisi, President of Sports Authority

“We are proud to be the official retail provider for the Little Feet program,” says David Campisi, President of Sports Authority. “As the most popular sport in the world, soccer can be claimed as a universal language, making this program a great way to reach the hearts of the children in this area and bring them the love and passion of a sport.”

About Little Feet, Big Goals

While visiting Iraq on assignment, KOA Denver reporter Steffan Tubbs was touched by the children forced to survive in such harsh conditions. After talking to several soldiers, he learned that soccer balls are "like gold" in Iraq and soon after Little Feet, Big Goals was started.

It is the desire of Little Feet to continue to supply soccer balls to U.S. troops throughout the world. Whether a soldier or someone wanting to donate a soccer ball to Iraqi children and other kids across the globe, please send your inquiries to Trevor Slavick at trevor@littlefeet.com or visit the website for more information at http://www.littlefeet.com/.

About Cobi Jones

One of the most decorated and recognizable soccer players in the world, Cobi Jones has had a successful career in Major League Soccer: The Galaxy's all-time leader in games played and goals; was named an All-Star in each of MLS' first nine seasons; won his first MLS Cup Championship in 2002 after he anchored the Galaxy to its first championships in club history, the 2000 CONCACAF Champions' Cup and the 2001 U.S. Open Cup. Cobi is currently the all-time leader of the United States national team in appearances, and played for the team in numerous FIFA World Cups as well as the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona.

Cobi was one of a significant group of American national team stars who returned from overseas to aid the new American soccer league, coming home after playing half a season at Brazilian club Vasco da Gama. His national and international appearances have enabled him to be an extinguished leader in soccer and a face so often recognized in sports. For more information on Cobi Jones, please go to http://la.galaxy.mlsnet.com/players/bio.jsp?team=t106&player=jones_c&p layerId=jon165981&statType=current (Due to its length, this URL may need to be copied/pasted into your Internet browser's address field. Remove the extra space if one exists.) or call (818) 720-8459.

About Sports Authority

Sports Authority, headquartered in Englewood, CO, is one of the nation's largest full-line sporting goods retailers offering a comprehensive high-quality assortment of brand name sporting apparel and equipment at competitive prices. As of November 6, 2006, Sports Authority operated 406 stores in 45 states. The Company's e-tailing website, located at www.sportsauthority.com is operated by GSI Commerce, Inc. under license and e-commerce agreements. In addition, a joint venture with AEON Co., Ltd. operates "Sports Authority" stores in Japan under a licensing agreement.

Contacts
EYA Sports PR
Erit Yellen
818-720-8459
eyellen@eyasportspr.com
or
for Sports Authority
Matthew Lindberg
203-682-8214
Matthew.Lindberg@icrinc.com