3/10/09 - 2010 McDonald's Games in Columbus, Ohio
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jill Fazekas (614) 374-0601
COLUMBUS TO HOST 2010 McDONALD'S ALL AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GAMES
Nation's Top-Rated High School Basketball Players Will Compete in Columbus to Raise Money for Ronald McDonald House Charities
COLUMBUS, OHIO (March 10, 2009)- McDonald's Corp. announced today that Columbus, Ohio will host the 2010 McDonald's All American High School Basketball Games March 31, 2010 at The Value City Arena, home of The Ohio State University basketball teams.
The McDonald's All American Games are recognized as the premier showcase for the top high school basketball talent in the country. Annually, 24 boys and 24 girls are selected from a pool of more than 2,500 nominees nationwide. The players will not only become part of the long-standing tradition of the Games, but will also raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Central Ohio.
"It's a great honor to be hosting this game in our own backyard," said Shirley Rogers-Reece, vice president and general manager, McDonald's Ohio Region. "This opportunity is a huge coup for not only McDonald's in central Ohio, but for the entire community. We can't wait to show off our great city by hosting the athletes, families and fans here."
The All American Basketball tradition will continue with the following events planned for 2010:
Team visit to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio: Every athlete who participates in the McDonald's All American Games will visit the host city's local RMHC Chapter to experience first-hand how the Games impact the local community.
PowerADE JamFest: Slam dunk, skills and 3-point competitions March 29.
The Boys and Girls All American Games March 31.
"We could not be more excited to have the Game here in Columbus," said Paul Thompson, executive director of RMHC of central Ohio. "This will provide us with even more opportunities to help families in and around Ohio and show off our beautiful new House."
Tickets for the 2010 Games will go on sale in fall 2009.
2009 McDonald's All American Game
The 2009 McDonald's All American Games will be played Wednesday, April 1, 2009 at the BankUnited Center in Miami, Fla. The Girls Game begins at 5:30 p.m. ET and airs live on ESPNU, and the Boys Game tips off at 8:00 p.m. ET and airs live on ESPN. For a complete list of players and more information on the McDonald's All American Games and RMHC, please visit: www.mcdonaldsallamerican.com or www.mcdepk.com/2008allamericangame/. You can also visit insidethegames.net to obtain news and analysis of the Games and other basketball topics of interest on a regular basis.
McDonald's All American Team Background
Since 1977, more than 850 players have competed in the McDonald's All American Games, forming an elite list that reads like a "Who's Who" in basketball history. McDonald's All American athletes include NBA greats Alonzo Mourning (retired), Magic Johnson (retired), Kevin Garnett (Boston Celtics), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) and Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets), as well as WNBA star Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx) and Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks) and women's NCAA stars Tina Charles (Connecticut) and Maya Moore (Connecticut).
About RMHC
Ronald McDonald House Charities, a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, creates, finds and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children. Its programs are grassroots-driven to enable the Charity to offer help where children need it most - right in their own communities. RMHC makes an immediate, positive impact on children's lives through its global network of local Chapters in 52 countries and its three core programs: the Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile. RMHC and its global network of local Chapters have awarded more than $460 million in grants and program services to children's programs around the world. These programs and grants provide a bridge to accessible health care and allow families more time together, which helps in the healing process. For more information, visit www.rmhc.org.
About McDonald's
McDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. More than 80 percent of McDonald's 14,000 U.S. restaurants are independently owned and operated by local franchisees. McDonald's in central Ohio has 125 restaurants in a 22-county area. For more information on McDonald's visit www.mcdonalds.com. Follow our LOCAL updates on Twitter at McDonaldsCMH_OH.
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Editor's NOTE: If you are a member of the media in Columbus and would like to attend the 2009 Games in Miami, please contact Liz Woerth, account group supervisor, GolinHarris, 312-504-9140 for media credentials and details. PHOTO OPP: There will be a "passing of the game ball" from Miami to Columbus during the fourth quarter of the Boys game.
