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LA SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT COMMISSION’S 4th ANNUAL NFL 101/201 CALLED A SUCCESS - SPEAKERS INCLUDED REGGIE BUSH, EDDIE GEORGE, ANDREA KREMER, WILLIE MCGINEST RODNEY PEETE, MIKE PEREIRA, AMY TRASK AND ROD WOODSON
LOS ANGELES (July 25, 2006)---The fourth annual NFL 101/201 event, which was hosted by the LA Sports & Entertainment Commission (LASEC), took place on Thursday, July 13 in the Grand Ballroom at Hollywood and Highland. LASEC President Kathy Schloessman reported on the success of the event, in which more than 400 guests attended. This year's NFL 101/201 instructors included Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints running back and 2006 Heisman Trophy winner from USC; Eddie George, former Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans running back and Heisman Trophy winner; Andrea Kremer, reporter, NBC Sports (and the event’s emcee); Willie McGinest, three-time Super Bowl champion and Cleveland Browns linebacker; Rodney Peete, co-host, Best Damn Sports Show Period and former NFL quarterback; Mike Pereira, vice president of officiating, NFL; Amy Trask, chief executive, Oakland Raiders; and Rod Woodson, NFL Network analyst and former NFL All-Pro defensive back. “It speaks to the caliber this event has become that we were able to attract such high level individuals from the world of professional football,” said Kremer. “And it’s a tribute to these individuals who all donated their time to make sure the passion for NFL football continues in Los Angeles.” NFL 101/201 is the only current Southern California-based event that is officially sanctioned by the NFL. This event was originated for women and men who are unfamiliar with the rules and strategy of professional football or want to learn more about the game. NFL 101/201 offered an evening of instruction in offensive and defensive football from some of the biggest names in the sport. Schloessman noted that this year’s event included a “mini-NFL experience, where guests mingled with their favorite players and got their autographs, went ‘under the hood’ and looked inside an instant replay machine and had trading card photos made of themselves. They also had a chance to watch clips from NBC’s show Friday Night Lights, see Gordon “Red” Batty’s equipment demonstration and throw footballs at the LA Avenger’s football toss.” Once the event began, guests enjoyed delicious food from presenting sponsor Wolfgang Puck Catering & Events. As emcee, Andrea Kremer gave an introduction to football and then introducedthe speakers. Vince Papale, subject of Disney’s upcoming movie, Invincible, talked about being the NFL’s oldest rookie. Mike Pereira roused the audience with clips of close plays, asking them how they would have called them. Gordon “Red” Batty brought NFL players’ equipment onstage, explaining little known facts about the different items players wear. Guests then went into bleachers to watch as NFL players Reggie Bush, Rodney Peete, Eddie George, Willie McGinest and Rod Woodson demonstrated offensive and defensive moves. Later, Kremer moderated as a panel including Raiders chief executive Amy Trask, NFL’s Mike Pereira and players Bush, Peete, George, McGinest, and Woodson answered questions from the audience. “This event has become such a success, we plan on doing it again in the summer of 2007 and I can’t wait to see what amazing talent we’ll attract next year,” said Schloessman LASEC is the official organization for the City of Los Angeles to seek, host, promote and retain major sporting and entertainment events that positively impact the local economy by attracting visitors to the city, giving them a reason to stay longer and return more frequently. LASEC is a private, nonprofit organization and an affiliate of LA INC. The Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Contact: Kathy Schloessman President LA Sports & Entertainment Commission (213) 236- 2381 # # #
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