XanGo, LLC, recognized creator of the mangosteen supplement category, will present the Park City-based National Ability Center (NAC) with a check for $20,000 at the Real Salt Lake soccer match on Sept. 19 - the culmination of a two-month promotion which challenged RSL fans to autograph the "World's Largest Soccer Jersey. " XanGo pledged to pay $10 per signature, up to $20,000, to NAC to help fund its Alpine Ski program for children with disabilities.
Since the challenge was issued in mid-July at the dedication of the XanGo Practice field at XanGo's world headquarters, hundreds of RSL fans have contributed their signatures to the jersey. The mammoth, inflatable replica of the XanGo branded RSL jersey which fans signed measures 22 ft. long by 15 ft. wide.
"The passion and enthusiasm of RSL fans offered us the perfect opportunity to show community support for this worthwhile international cause," said Gordon Morton, president of sales and marketing at XanGo. "At XanGo, we are always looking for creative ways to give back to the community and assist those in need."
Morton said the World's Largest Soccer Jersey promotion is part of the XanGo Goodness movement, which benefits children and families throughout the world. In addition to its placement at RSL home games, the jersey has been displayed at community events, where additional fan signatures were collected.
"With this donation, more children of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy the camaraderie and added self-esteem that comes from participation in NAC's Alpine ski program, said Morton. "NAC's innovative approach to serving children and adults with disabilities is an inspiration to us at XanGo, and we are proud to contribute in a small way to this organization's vision and mission."
XanGo made history in November 2006 when it announced the first jersey-front sponsorship in U.S. professional sports. Since XanGo signed the agreement with RSL, other companies have followed XanGo's lead with similar sponsorships of U.S. professional sports teams.
Morton said RSL fans looking for more information about this sponsorship and other team news can visit www.XanGoSoccer.com.
"The National Ability Center is committed to the development of lifetime skills for people of all ages and abilities by providing affordable sports and recreational experiences in a nurturing environment," said Meeche White, CEO and founder of the National Ability Center. "Thanks to XanGo and RSL fans, we will be able to change the lives of more children and their families from all across the country."
About National Ability Center
Founded in 1985, the National Ability Center has an extensive skiing program for individuals with disabilities. Some participants have advanced to the level of competing nationally, which led to the development of the Park City Disabled Ski Team, a program of intensive training and coaching specifically for ski racers with physical disabilities. The Center's alpine skiing and snowboarding program works in cooperation with the professional ski school staff of the Park City Mountain Resort. All instructors are specially trained in the adaptive techniques of 3-track, 4-track, mono-ski, bi-ski and guiding blind skiers, as well as techniques for teaching the developmentally disabled. Lessons are conducted on the slopes of the Resort, "mainstreaming" persons with disabilities by enabling them to recreate in an integrated environment with their families, friends and peers. For more information on the National Ability Center, visit www.DiscoverNAC.org.
About XanGo
XanGo, LLC is a recognized category creator as the first company to market a premium mangosteen beverage, XanGo® Juice, to consumers worldwide. XanGo continues to lead the category we created by driving the development and success of functional mangosteen products. Based in Utah, XanGo is privately owned and powered by a global network of independent distributors. XanGo's expansive operations include the U.S. and numerous international markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, Germany and Malaysia. For more information on XanGo, visit www.xango.com.
