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Kansas City, Kansas and Kansas City, Missouri kick off "Soccer Week"; challenge region to Border Wars: Competition for the Greater Good

Kansas City, Kansas - July 24, 2013  - Mayor Mark Holland, Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, and Mayor Pro Tem Cindy Circo, on behalf of Mayor Sly James, Kansas City, Mo. kicked off "Soccer Week in Kansas City" at Memorial Hall in Kansas City, Kansas today, Wednesday, July 24, 2013 in anticipation of the AT&T MLS All-Star soccer game to be held July 31.

Also in attendance at the event were: Steve Hahn, President of AT&T Kansas; Valerie Nicholson-Watson, CEO of Harvesters; Coach Peter Vermes, Sporting KC.

Mayor Holland welcomed the soccer community to Kansas City and he and Mayor Pro Tem Circo presented a joint Proclamation to Sporting KC and All-Star coach Peter Vermes, declaring July 24-31, 2013 to be "Soccer Week in Kansas City."  A 30-foot inflatable soccer jersey was unveiled.  The jersey will travel to various locations in the region. Official AT&T MLS All-Star soccer jerseys were presented by Coach Vermes for both mayors.

To enhance the week's events, Mayor Holland challenged Mayor Sly James and the Kansas City, Mo. constituency to a "Return of the Border Wars:  Competition for the Greater Good."  Each mayor will be encouraging their constituents to contribute canned goods to Harvester's food collection bins designated Kansas or Missouri.  The collection bins will travel with the 30-foot inflatable jersey throughout the week (schedule attached).  Mayor Holland and Mayor Pro Tem Circo jump-started the challenge by contributing their own bags of canned goods to the food bins with Harvesters CEO, Valerie Nicholson-Watson witnessing.

Mayor Holland said, "There is a lot of hype about competition between Kansas and Missouri sports teams, KU and MU, and economic development battles.  We know that we can do great things if we work across state lines for the entire region.  The food drive border war to benefit Harvesters is a symbol of the great things that can be accomplished if we put a spin on the competition and work together."

Mayor Pro Tem Circo, who attended on behalf of Mayor James who made a last-minute trip to Warrensburg, Mo.  for President Obama's appearance, praised the partnership between the two Kansas Cities established by Mayor James and former Unified Government Mayor, Joe Reardon and praised the region's commitment to youth soccer.  "Both Kansas Citys are recognized across the country for our commitment to youth soccer.  One of the things that has brought our cities together is our investment in  youth soccer."

Additionally, Mayor Holland invited families to attend free events including  "Family Fun Day" to be held Village West to include a MLS fan celebration on July 31 from 4:00 -8:00 p.m. and community watch parties to be held at Kansas City, Kansas  Community College from 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. and at Dave & Busters from 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

For a complete schedule of "Soccer Week" events, visit www.visitkansascityks.com/allstar

or follow events on Facebook and Twitter.

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View more information: 072413 - PR - POST Soccer Week Kick-Off Press Event.pdf