This week, D.C. United assistant coach Mark Simpson will be playing in the Inaugural Baltimore Celebrity Golf Classic at the Mountain Branch Golf Course in Baltimore, Md. The tournament, being hosted by the Belanger Federico Pitterich Foundation, is an official stop on the Celebrity Players Tour circuit, and will bring together over 50 celebrities from the world of sports for five days of golf, music, and other activities. Proceeds from the event will benefit lung cancer research at the John Hopkins Hospital Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, and the Belanger Federico Pitterich Foundation's Cool Kids campaign, which helps improve the quality of life for children with cancer.
Simpson, of course, is no stranger to the links. The former United goalkeeper is an avid golfer, and typically showcases his skills in the annual United for D.C. Celebrity Golf Tournament, where he won the Closest to the Pin contest in 2005.
"I'm thankful for the opportunity to compete again since my playing days," said Simpson. "I've wanted to play in an event on this tour for close to 15 years. Golf is a passion of mine and I'm just happy to be a part of it all."
Simpson is familiar with the work of the Belanger Federico Pitterich Foundation, as he was a part of their 'Cool Kids Sports Clinic' this past June. Along with Domenic Mediate and Santino Quaranta (now with the LA Galaxy), Simpson led 75 kids in various drills and games. The 'Cool Kids Campaign' is dedicated to improving the quality of life for pediatric oncology patients and their families while they are going through the trauma of a cancer diagnosis and its treatments.
Simpson opens play in the Celebrity/Amateur Tournament, which is held over the tournament's first two days. Fans are encouraged to go out and cheer him on. Simpson will tee off Thursday at 1:20 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on Friday. He will also be participating in the opening round of the Celebrity Purse Tournament on Saturday, with his tee time set for 9:00 am. Tickets are $25 for all four days of golf, and are available over the Belanger Federico Pitterich Foundation website at www.bfpf.org.
