FOUR GREEN BAY PACKERS AT PRACTICE WITH THE PROS

WINNEPEG BLUE BOMBER'S RELEASE – 2004/173


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – MAY 5, 2004


WINNIPEG, MB – Four members of the Green Bay Packers will participate in Practice With The Pros – a major football clinic for youngsters at Canad Inns Stadium, May 15, 2004.


Wide receiver Carl Ford, defensive tackle James Lee, centre/guard Grey Ruegamer and linebacker Marcus Wilkins will pass on skills to those in attendance.


Eight Winnipeg Blue Bombers players will also take part: offensive lineman Moe Elewonibi, wide receiver Markus Howell, quarterback Khari Jones, linebacker Lamar McGriggs, offensive lineman Dave Mudge, defensive tackle Jon Oosterhuis, offensive lineman Matt Sheridan and linebacker Ryland Wickman.


Less than 50 spots remain, so those people wishing to take part should register now.


Practice With The Pros – an event for youths ages 8-13 – will feature Blue Bombers and Packers players along with top coaches providing football instruction to 300 youngsters. The flag football drills will focus on core skills such as passing, receiving and proper running techniques – skills that serve as fundamental building blocks for success in the game of football.


“Practice with the Pros events and coaching clinics are designed to not only introduce newcomers to the sport, but also to help develop the skills of those already a part of the football community in Canada,” said Jay Sweeney, director of events and fan development for NFL Canada. “The long-term goal of both leagues is to create a new generation of fans, players and coaches.”


Presented by Reebok, the Practice With The Pros event in the second of its kind in the province and is one of four such clinics to be held in Canada this year.


The club previously hosted the event in 2002. Other clinics will be held in Vancouver, Hamilton and Ottawa. This year’s Practice With The Pros in Winnipeg will run from 12:00 Noon-2:00 p.m.


There is no cost for participants who wish to register. As well, there will be no cost for people wishing to watch the clinic on May 15.


There are only 300 registration spaces available, so register early to avoid disappointment. The club will begin registering names Wednesday, April 21.


Those youngsters wishing to register may do so by phoning the Blue Bombers office at 204-784-2583 ext. 0 and asking for Leanne during the regular office hours of 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday.


Prospective registrants may also visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers website at http://www.bluebombers.com/ to print the registration form and fax it to the football club at 204-783-5222, attention Leanne.



Participants will receive a free T-shirt and may be eligible for prizes. Team mascots Buzz & Boomer will be at the event, as will members of the Blue Lightning Dance Team.



Since 1997 the National Football League and Canadian Football League have worked together to support the game of football at the grassroots level in Canada. Another grassroots initiative is Reebok NFL/CFL Flag Football, Canada’s largest elementary in-school physical education program, currently active in more than 2,000 schools and involving more than 350,000 youth.


FOR MORE INFORMATION

Shawn Coates

Director of Media & Public Relations

Ph: 204-784-2583 Ext. 552

Fax: 204-783-5222

E-mail: media@bluebombers.com