As the San Jose Earthquakes kicked off training camp for the 2005 MLS season, Quakes players as well as mascot "Q" and President and General Manager Alexi Lalas were busy in the San Jose community.
While the Quakes players have been readying themselves for the grueling MLS season, they have proven to already be in midseason form as they are helping out and spreading soccer, safety and educational tips to numerous Bay Area children.
On March 2, Alexi Lalas visited the first grade class at Briarwood Elementary School in Santa Clara for Dr. Seuss Read Across America Day. The former MLS and U.S. National Team star met with the students and read the Dr. Seuss classic, "Green Eggs and Ham," while the students each enjoyed the famous breakfast.
With the club back in San Jose following a stretch of preseason games in Los Angeles, Lalas and four Quakes players ventured to Sierramont Middle School on March 10 to kick off a school-wide fundraiser. Lalas served as the emcee of the assembly, as Danny O'Rourke, Kevin Goldthwaite, Ryan Cochrane and Chris Aloisi spoke to the students about the importance of education and going to college. The players then fielded numerous questions from the students before putting on a skills demonstration.
Also on March 10, Earthquakes mascot "Q" kicked off his latest program, "Q's Safety School" for Edenvale Elementary School's after school program. The program is a fun, interactive safety assembly designed for elementary schools. "Q" goes over three basic areas of safety: Street Safety, Stranger Danger, and of course, Earthquake Safety.
This program is provided to elementary schools at no cost. If you are interested in participating in this program, please contact the Earthquakes Community Relations Department.
