CALABASAS HILLS, Calif., April 2, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- Honoring a longstanding relationship between America's favorite pastime and The ALS Association (ALSA), Minor League Baseball has officially named The ALS Association a Charity Partner as part of its recently established Charity Partners program.
"ALSA is honored to be on Minor League Baseball's distinguished roster of organizations that provide benefit to so many people in America," said Gary A. Leo, President and CEO of ALSA. "Our organizations play a major role in increasing public awareness about Lou Gehrig's disease in the effort to provide more funding for patient services and research."
The official designation recognizes an ongoing relationship between ALSA and many teams in the Minor League Baseball system that have participated with ALSA chapters in events to raise awareness and funds for important activities to help people and their families living with the disease.
"We are excited to step up our involvement in spreading the word about ALS to local communities, and I believe, working together, we can reach larger audiences with more information about this devastating disease and what The ALS Association is doing to fight it," said Mike Moore, President of Minor League Baseball.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease, named for the baseball great who died of the disease. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects more than 5,000 people annually.
The Charity Partners Program will enable ALSA and Minor League Baseball to work together to coordinate activities that focus on more national exposure for the disease and its impact on patients, families and caregivers, including the airing of public service announcements in Minor League Baseball stadiums. Minor League Baseball has linked to ALSA's web site and will be sending information to each of its 160 teams across the country encouraging them to get involved with local ALSA chapters.
Minor League Baseball, also known as the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues (NAPBL), is the governing body for all leagues and teams that are affiliated with Major League Baseball through their farm systems.
The ALS Association is the only national non-profit voluntary health organization dedicated solely to the fight against ALS. For more information, contact ALSA at www.alsa.org or 818-880-9007.
The A.L.S. Association logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=525