May 10, 2008 - Members of the US Womens National Soccer Team Give Back to Washington, DC Children

The U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team took a break from their busy training schedule to visit Children’s National Medical Center in Northwest Washington, DC and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington in Southeast Washington, DC. The team is gearing up for the Summer Olympics in Beijing, and will finish their 3-stop Domestic Tour at RFK Stadium on May 10th, where they will take on Canada.

Players visited 4 different units of the hospital and met with children during bedside and playroom visits. The players signed autographs, distributed U.S. Women’s National Team Gear and posed for pictures with each of the kids. Players included were: Shannon Boxx, Lori Chalupny, Tobin Heath, Carli Lloyd, Kate Markgraf, Heather O’Reilly, Leslie Osborne, Christie Rampone, Briana Scurry, Lindsay Tarpley, Aly Wagner, Kacey White, and Cat Whitehill.

While visiting the Hematology/Oncology unit, Dr. Max Coppes, Executive Director of the Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children’s National, expressed the importance of the Team’s visit, saying, “It’s so great that you young women are here, it really means a lot to the kids. Even if some of the kids are quiet and shy now, they will be talking about it for weeks. Keep sharing your time and talents with the community; don’t ever give up sharing your generosity.” Later that evening, Leslie Osborne, Shannon Boxx, Heather O'Reilly and Stephanie Cox held a soccer clinic for over 30 D.C. area children at the Robert V. Murray Metropolitan Police Clubhouse #11.

National Team member Leslie Osborne alerted Athletes for Hope that the team would be in DC for the week and was looking for ways to get involved in the community. The players are all members of the Athletes for Hope network of athletes who are committed to creating positive change in the world.

“This was a wonderful opportunity,” said Leslie, “I’m so glad we were able to get involved on our day off. Both of these organizations do amazing work, and we were all happy to help out and make the day special for these kids. I know that they made it very special for all of us.”

On Thursday, Cat Whitehill visited the Everybody Wins Power Lunch program at Adams Elementary School. Cat read a selection from the Goosebumps book, “Night in Werewolf Woods.” She also answered questions from the students and mentors and signed autographs.

Athletes for Hope has been working with members of the Women’s National Team since May 2007. Individual members have also been getting involved in their respective hometowns during breaks from training. Athletes for Hope is proud to put together this opportunity in DC for the Women’s National Team and the wonderful kids at Children’s National Medical Center, the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast DC and Adams Elementary.

About Children’s National Medical Center
Children's National Medical Center, located in Washington, DC, is a proven leader in the development of innovative new treatments for childhood illness and injury. Children’s has been serving the nation's children for more than 135 years. Children’s National is proudly ranked among the best pediatric hospitals in America by US News & World Report and the Leapfrog Group. For more information, visit www.childrensnational.org.


About Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington
One of the largest affiliates of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, BGCGW serves over 30,000 children in 19 Clubs, 2 outreach centers, and a summer camp located in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Through a variety of educational, sports and recreation, health, arts, and character development programs, BGCGW creates a positive environment where children are encouraged to develop their ambitions and turn them into reality. BGCGW helps boys and girls of all backgrounds, especially those who need us most, build confidence, develop character, and acquire skills that prepare them for school and for life as productive, civic-minded, and responsible adults. For more information visit www.bgcgw.org.


About Everybody Wins
Everybody Wins! DC (EW!DC) is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting children's literacy and a love of learning through shared reading experiences with caring individuals. These experiences enhance children's self-esteem, expand their possibilities for success in school and life and enable adult volunteers and communities to experience the rewards of enriching young lives. For more information visit www.everybodywinsdc.org.

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