ID :
196967
Mon, 07/25/2011 - 10:12
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/196967
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Los Angeles teen nets ADTA mascot chance
Los Angeles CA, July 25, 2011 (WAM) - Penalty kick maestro, Christian Bolio, a 16-year old student at Maywood Academy High School, Los Angeles, will serve as mascot and lead out Manchester City Football Club (MCFC), the reigning English FA Cup champions, when they face Major League Soccer side LA Galaxy at The Home Depot Centre tomorrow night, Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority, or ADTA, said in a press release.
Having triumphed over 300 of his Los Angeles Boys '&' Girls Club colleagues in a special penalty shoot-out competition, held during the English Premier League side's ‘City in the Community' outreach event at Long Beach on Friday, Christian, a fleet-footed midfielder, was thrilled to have clinched the prestigious mascot role.
"I've never won anything as big or like this before - I'm so excited," said Christian, "I can't wait to get all the players' autographs at the match. I'll be nervous, but it'll be an amazing moment leading the team out." The penalty shoot-out competition - organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Manchester City's Official Destination Partner - saw enthusiastic LA Boys '&' Girls Club hopefuls tackle a two-pronged challenge to earn mascot bragging rights.
In the first segment, youngsters had to score a penalty in one of three holes built in to a special Abu Dhabi-inspired backdrop. Those successful in the accuracy test became ‘Finalists' and progressed to an elimination round featuring City goalkeepers, Joe Hart, the current England international stopper, and Stuart Taylor, according to ADTA.
Lethal from 12 yards, Christian - watched by his proud father and little brother, Jesus - emerged from the knock-out segment as champion when he drilled a crisp, right-footed effort into the bottom left hand corner of Hart's net. "I knew where I wanted to put my kick, so I made sure I hit the ball clean and hard," said Christian.
As well as securing the coveted mascot prize, ADTA also awarded Christian a complimentary full club kit and four VIP hospitality passes for the match.
"This has been a well received initiative that we hope has helped foster a real sense of community and sportsmanship. Christian displayed all the characteristics that these professionals must employ every time they step put onto a pitch. We hope his success serves as a strong inspiration for other aspiring sporting youth," said Dayne Lim, Product Development Director, ADTA.
Manchester City's friendly against LA Galaxy, which takes place tonight, is the club's third and final fixture in a North America summer tour that has also included games against Club America in San Francisco and the Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
Having triumphed over 300 of his Los Angeles Boys '&' Girls Club colleagues in a special penalty shoot-out competition, held during the English Premier League side's ‘City in the Community' outreach event at Long Beach on Friday, Christian, a fleet-footed midfielder, was thrilled to have clinched the prestigious mascot role.
"I've never won anything as big or like this before - I'm so excited," said Christian, "I can't wait to get all the players' autographs at the match. I'll be nervous, but it'll be an amazing moment leading the team out." The penalty shoot-out competition - organised by Abu Dhabi Tourism Authority (ADTA), Manchester City's Official Destination Partner - saw enthusiastic LA Boys '&' Girls Club hopefuls tackle a two-pronged challenge to earn mascot bragging rights.
In the first segment, youngsters had to score a penalty in one of three holes built in to a special Abu Dhabi-inspired backdrop. Those successful in the accuracy test became ‘Finalists' and progressed to an elimination round featuring City goalkeepers, Joe Hart, the current England international stopper, and Stuart Taylor, according to ADTA.
Lethal from 12 yards, Christian - watched by his proud father and little brother, Jesus - emerged from the knock-out segment as champion when he drilled a crisp, right-footed effort into the bottom left hand corner of Hart's net. "I knew where I wanted to put my kick, so I made sure I hit the ball clean and hard," said Christian.
As well as securing the coveted mascot prize, ADTA also awarded Christian a complimentary full club kit and four VIP hospitality passes for the match.
"This has been a well received initiative that we hope has helped foster a real sense of community and sportsmanship. Christian displayed all the characteristics that these professionals must employ every time they step put onto a pitch. We hope his success serves as a strong inspiration for other aspiring sporting youth," said Dayne Lim, Product Development Director, ADTA.
Manchester City's friendly against LA Galaxy, which takes place tonight, is the club's third and final fixture in a North America summer tour that has also included games against Club America in San Francisco and the Vancouver Whitecaps in Canada. - Emirates News Agency, WAM
