BRIDGEVIEW, IL - The Chicago Fire announced today that fans will have the opportunity to take pictures with the most coveted piece of hardware in English soccer, the Barclays English Premier League Trophy, during Chelsea FC's practice session on Friday, Aug. 4 and during the 2006 Sierra Mist MLS All-Star Game on Saturday, Aug. 5, at TOYOTA PARK. Fans will be asked to donate $10 to take a picture with the Trophy, and all proceeds from this unique opportunity will benefit the FireWorks for Kids Foundation - the Fire's charitable arm - as well as Chelsea FC's Charitable Foundation. Fans will be responsible for bringing their own camera.
Friday's photo opportunity will take place from 4:00-7:00 p.m. CT, during the EPL Champion's open practice session at TOYOTA PARK, and also during "Soccer Celebration" on Saturday, Aug. 5, beginning at 1:00 p.m. CT. The trophy will be on display at the FireWorks For Kids Foundation booth on both days.
"The entire soccer community in Chicago is very excited to have access to such a premiere club as Chelsea," said FireWorks for Kids Foundation CEO Donald Ortale. "The Fireworks For Kids Foundation is very grateful for the opportunity to display the cherished EPL trophy and develop funds for the programs of the FireWorks For Kids Foundation. We fully intend to share these funds with the Chelsea Foundation as a gesture of appreciation to the team and their outreach efforts."
The chance to take a picture with Barclays Premiership Trophy is truly a rare and special occasion. Fans will capture themselves with a historic piece of hardware that has been the motivation of many soccer legends from around the world who have competed in the English Premier League. Among the famous names that have lifted the trophy are Manchester United's David Beckham and Arsenal's Thierry Henry. For Chelsea, the trophy represents over 100 years of fighting to get the top, and remain there, which is what "The Blues" intend to do once again when they shoot for a third straight championship during the upcoming 2006-07 EPL campaign.
Chelsea FC, which was founded in 1905, grasps the handles of Barclays Premiership trophy with a mighty grip as 2006 marks only the third time over the club's 100-year history to have claimed the title. Chelsea climbed their way to the top by taking the title in 1955 and history proved to repeat itself for "The Blues" as they went another half century before reclaiming the title on the club's 100th anniversary in 2005. Chelsea went on to defend its title by claiming The Premiership for the second year in a row this spring, solidifying themselves as the back-to-back English Premier League Champions and one of the top club teams in the world.
About FireWorks For Kids Foundation
Since 1998, the FireWorks For Kids Foundation, the charitable arm of the Chicago Fire, has made significant contributions to enhance the lives of disadvantaged youth throughout Chicagoland. Each year, the FWFK Foundation renews its commitment to enhance the lives of others by remaining focused on the mission of supporting organizations whose programs provide educational and recreational opportunities for economically or otherwise challenged children in and around Chicago.
